The Dacia Spring electric has long remained without competition thanks to an ultra-competitive price. However, the new Citroën ë-C3, which is eligible for the 2024 ecological bonus, unlike the Spring, clearly has assets to overshadow it. The little Dacia has certainly managed to remain the cheapest electric car on the market thanks to a recent price drop, but it is smaller than the ë-C3 and displays a record much more modest technique.
Fortunately, developments were planned for the Dacia Spring, which will try to return to the forefront. Dacia, which has for the moment remained rather discreet about the restyling of its electric car, is now promising its arrival.
On its social networks, the low-cost manufacturer published a first teaser. It allows us to see the silhouette of the “new” Spring, and above all, the visual is accompanied by an appointment given for February 21 at 8:00 a.m. We can therefore imagine that the restyled Spring will be unveiled this Wednesday, a few days before the opening of the Geneva Motor Show, where we hope to be able to see it.
Developments still mysterious
Doubt still hangs over the modifications that will be made by Dacia to the Spring. Logically, it should see its appearance evolve, taking inspiration from the last generation of Duster. We also hope that its dashboard will be modernized, like its Chinese cousin Dongfeng EX1 Nano Box. Indeed, the interior of the current Spring appears more dated than those of other Dacia productions, which have made significant progress in terms of interior presentation.
But where Dacia is expected to turn the corner is on the subject of the Spring’s technical sheet. The model actually displays road behavior far from European standards, due in particular to low-end tires and soft steering. The 45 to 65 hp of its electric motor, depending on the version chosen, do not help to make it more versatile either, despite a not so ridiculous mixed autonomy of 230 km. Opposite, the Citroën -C3 has a range of 300 km and a power of 113 hp, much more in the ranks.
While the Dacia Spring is currently sold from €18,400, the ecological bonus allows you to treat yourself to a Citroën -C3 for €19,300, or only €900 moreover. Making the Spring attractive again despite the loss of the ecological bonus, if it remains produced in China, is therefore a major challenge for Dacia. We will know more very soon, hoping that the performance/price ratio of the restyled Spring will give it an interesting positioning.