Dacia has introduced its new Spring electric SUV to Ireland priced from just €16,990 which currently makes it the most affordable new electric car in Ireland, writes Trish Whelan. The model, now offered in right-hand-drive, was introduced here last week but has sold around 140,000 units since launch across continental Europe in 2021. Dacia say it is perfectly suited for urban use as well as for country roads.
Two trims are offered: Expression and Extreme as well as two powertrain options. The 45hp and 65hp versions are equipped with a 7 kW AC charger that can charge the battery from 20pc to 100pc on a domestic outlet in less than 11 hours, or 4 hours on a 7 kW wall box. The 65hp versions come with a standard 30 kW DC charger for fast charging from 20pc to 80pc in 45 minutes. The 45hp /33kW engine is available on the Expression trim only. Energy economy is a claimed 13.5kWh/100km for the more powerful option and 14.1kWh/100km for the 45hp version.
Dacia people said at launch that the 225km range for the compact 26.8kWh is mostly sufficient for customers who travel an average of 37km per day and they can recharge the battery at home overnight on a domestic socket using a specific cable with a 3-pin plug, available as an accessory.
Expression comes with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, Media Control system with USB port, cruise control, rear parking sensors; Extreme adds some copper finishes, power rear windows, Media Nav Live multimedia system with the 10-inch centre screen, rear camera, and connected navigation.
A big range of new ADAS features are on-board to meet the latest European safety standards.
Annual road tax is €120 for all versions. The retail price, after grant for private customers, is from €16,990-€19,990.
