DACIA SPRING

Everyone's favourite value brand readies the UK for its first sub-£20k electric car

- MATT SAUNDERS

TESTED 12.7.23, OXFORDSHIRE ON SALE 2024

Europe's aving introduced cheapest electric car in 2021, Dacia has confirmed it will make the Spring Britain's most affordable EV next year, when it launches the facelifted version in right-hand-drive form. UK buyers haven't been offered a sub-£20,000 EV since the government ended financial incentives for electric car take-up last year, but as of 2024 the Spring could be on sale here from as little as £18,000.

That should be low enough to secure the standout status Dacia wants for this car, even with several competitors, both European and Chinese, preparing to launch direct competition for it. You will no doubt guess how that's possible: the Spring is built in China, as part of a joint venture between Dacia parent Renault, alliance partner Nissan and Dongfeng Motor Group. Whatever you think about that, it certainly gives Dacia the chance to engage with the likes of BYD and MG Motor, in Europe, on more level terms than some of its competitors might enjoy- and the company is grabbing the opportunity with both hands.

The Spring has found 120,000 homes in Europe so far and is already a different car from the one Dacia launched in 2021. Having been introduced with a 44bhp electric motor, the company now offers a 64bhp version with not only a higher power output than the base car but also shorter reduction gearing (and therefore more torque at the driven front wheels) and much-improved performance think 0-62mph in under 14sec rather than barely less than 20sec.