Is the Dacia Spring the UK's Cheapest New Car? 2024 Price War Explained

Which new car is the cheapest to buy in the UK right now? As of July 2024, Dacia has taken the headline by cutting the Spring electric city car’s price to £11,990, making it the most affordable brand‑new vehicle on the market – just 24 hours after Leapmotor’s brief tenure with the title.

How the price battle unfolded

On 30 June, Chinese EV maker Leapmotor announced a £1,000 price reduction for its T03 model, lowering the "Leap‑Grant" to £3,000 and the retail price to £12,995. The move briefly crowned the T03 as the UK's cheapest new car and followed Leapmotor celebrating its 10,000th UK registration.

Within a day, Dacia responded by trimming the Spring’s recommended retail price (RRP) by £4,000, bringing the entry‑level figure to £11,990. This not only undercuts the Leapmotor T03 by £1,005 but also places the Spring £4,000 below the petrol‑engine Kia Picanto, the previous low‑cost benchmark.

What the new Dacia Spring offers

The refreshed Spring now sits in the sub‑£12k price bracket while delivering a modest 140‑mile WLTP‑type range, thanks to a new 24.3 kWh lithium‑iron‑phosphate (LFP) battery pack. The top‑spec "Extreme Electric 100" variant is equipped with a 99 bhp electric motor, while the base‑spec "Expression Electric 70" retains practical equipment such as rear parking sensors, a digital driver display, air‑conditioning, cruise control and a suite of safety features.

Key specifications

• Battery: 24.3 kWh LFP
• Range: approximately 140 miles
• Motor (Extreme Electric 100): 99 bhp
• Standard equipment on Expression Electric 70: rear parking sensors, digital display, AC, cruise control, safety aids

Leapmotor T03 – the challenger

Leapmotor’s T03 continues to be sold in a single, well‑equipped trim. It houses a larger 37.3 kWh battery, offering a claimed 165‑mile range. Standard fittings include a panoramic glass roof with electric blind, a 10.1‑inch touchscreen infotainment system, LED headlights, a rear‑view camera with sensors, and keyless start.

Key specifications

• Battery: 37.3 kWh
• Range: about 165 miles
• Features: panoramic roof, electric blind, 10.1‑inch infotainment, LED headlights, rear camera, sensors, keyless start

Industry reaction and why price matters

Lina Ribeiro, Dacia brand director for the UK, explained the strategic rationale: “Dacia has always worked hard to remove barriers to new car ownership, and with Spring’s new pricing, it takes our purpose further than ever. Production efficiencies and a strong drive to continue to offer real value to our customers have helped us pass on the savings.” She added that “when the price is clear and the running costs are low, going electric simply makes sense.”

The price war highlights a broader trend: manufacturers are using aggressive pricing to accelerate electric‑vehicle adoption in the city‑car segment, where lower acquisition costs remain a decisive factor for first‑time buyers.

What this means for buyers and dealers

For prospective owners, the Dacia Spring now presents the most budget‑friendly entry point to EV ownership in the UK, combining a sub‑£12k price tag with a practical city‑range and essential comfort features. Dealers can leverage the Spring’s price advantage in marketing campaigns aimed at cost‑conscious shoppers and those looking to transition from traditional small petrol cars.

Meanwhile, the Leapmotor T03 retains a longer range and a richer equipment list, appealing to customers who prioritise those attributes over the lowest possible purchase price.

Conclusion

The rapid price adjustment by Dacia has reshaped the UK’s cheapest‑car leaderboard, underscoring how competitive pricing can shift consumer perception and market dynamics in the electric vehicle arena. Whether the Spring’s modest range meets a buyer’s daily needs will determine if the price advantage translates into long‑term sales success.

Stay updated with the latest pricing moves, specifications and market analysis by following DealerPricing.co.uk.