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Dacia Spring vs Smart EQ forfour
Selected trimExpression Electric 70Change trim139 mi · 24 kWh · £11,990
Selected trimStandard · 2017-2281 mi · 17.6 kWh · £24,285
At a glance
In this comparison, Dacia Spring leads on running costs, while the Smart EQ forfour leads on motorway range, family practicality and charging speed.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Dacia Spring if...
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 1.7p per mile on off-peak electricity
Choose the Smart EQ forfour if...
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you need the most family-friendly option with good safety and space
- you need the fastest charging of these options
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The Smart EQ forfour leads in the most categories, but each car here has its strengths.
Value
Dacia
4.9
Smart
5
Too close to call
Motorway RangeSmart
Dacia
3.3
Smart
3.9
FamilySmart
Dacia
2.8
Smart
4.6
ChargingSmart
Dacia
3.5
Smart
9.5
Cost Per MileDacia
Dacia
9.5
Smart
8.2
City Driving
Dacia
9.7
Smart
9.7
Too close to call
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Dacia Spring
Expression Electric 70
- £12,295 cheaper
- 58 miles more WLTP range
- 123 litres more boot space
- 40 kW faster rapid charging
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | Dacia SpringExpression Electric 70 | Smart EQ forfourBase |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £11,990 (better) | £24,285 |
| Official range | 139 miles (better) | 81 miles |
| Boot space | 308 L (better) | 185 L |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 29 min | Not available |
| 0-62 mph | 12.3 sec (better) | 12.7 sec |
Size Comparison
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Dacia Spring
Smart EQ forfour
Length
Dacia Spring3,701mm
Smart EQ forfour3,495mm-206mm
Width
Dacia Spring1,583mm-82mm
Smart EQ forfour1,665mm
Height
Dacia Spring1,489mm-65mm
Smart EQ forfour1,554mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | Dacia SpringExpression Electric 70 | Smart EQ forfourBase |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3,701 mm | 3,495 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,583 mm (better) | 1,665 mm |
| Width with mirrors out | 1,767 mm (better) | 1,875 mm |
| Height | 1,489 mm | 1,554 mm |
| Turning circle | 9.6 m | 8.7 m (better) |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 817 mm spare (better) | 735 mm spare |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | Dacia SpringExpression Electric 70 | Smart EQ forfourBase |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| ISOFIX child-seat points | Not available | 2 |
| Boot space (seats up) | 308 L (better) | 185 L |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1004 L | Not available |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 0 kg | 0 kg |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
Dacia Spring
- At 3,701 mm, shorter than 85% of hatchback EVs in our UK catalogue.
- Uses 124 Wh/km on the WLTP cycle, more efficient than 100% of hatchback EVs we track.
- 9.6 m turning circle, tighter than 90% of hatchback EVs in our database.
Smart EQ forfour
- At 3,495 mm, shorter than 100% of hatchback EVs in our UK catalogue.
- 8.65 m turning circle, tighter than 95% of hatchback EVs in our database.
- 1,665 mm wide, below our 1,750 mm narrow-car threshold.
Full specifications
| Specification |  Dacia Spring Expression Electric 70 |  Smart EQ forfour Base |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3.70m | 3.50m-206mm |
| Width | 1.58m | 1.67m+82mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 1.77m | 1.88m+108mm |
| Height | 1.49m | 1.55m+65mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.42m | 2.49m+71mm |
| Ground Clearance | 146mm | 100mm-46mm |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 308L (better) | 185L |
| Boot (seats down) | 1004L | Not available |
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 9.6m | 8.65m (better) |
| Kerb Weight | 984kg (better) | 1,275kg |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 24kWh (better) | 17.6kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 139 mi (better) | 81 mi |
| Max DC Charge | 40kW (better) | 0kW |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £11,990 (better) | £24,285 |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Available | 2026+ | 2017–2022 |
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | Dacia SpringExpression Electric 70 | Smart EQ forfourBase |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 139 miles (better) | 81 miles |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 95 miles (better) | 67 miles |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 29 min | Not available |
| Max rapid charge rate | 40 kW (better) | 0 kW |
| Home AC charging | 7 kW | 22 kW (better) |
| Energy consumption | 124 Wh/km | Not available |
| Usable battery capacity | 24 kWh (better) | 16.7 kWh |
| Battery chemistry | LFP | NMC |
| Battery architecture | 400V | Not available |
| Heat pump | Not available | Not standard |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | Dacia SpringExpression Electric 70 | Smart EQ forfourBase |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 12.3 sec (better) | 12.7 sec |
| Power | 52 kW | 60 kW (better) |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 160 Nm (better) |
| Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests. One car has more review coverage than the other - we show that rather than guessing.
Dacia Spring
Expression Electric 70
Smart EQ forfour
Base
No critic reviews gathered yet for this car.
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
Dacia Spring
All 3 videos
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
New and used prices
Current pricing and recent used-market behaviour.
| Measure | Dacia SpringExpression Electric 70 | Smart EQ forfourBase |
|---|---|---|
| Used market price from | £10,999 | £6,495 |
| Average used price | £11,149 | £7,445 |
| Recent used-price trend | Down 1.3% over ~6 months | Down 2.6% over ~6 months |
Used prices are indicative figures gathered from independent UK dealer listings and change frequently.
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - Dacia Spring Expression Electric 70
Tested 2025
Adult Occupant49%
Child Occupant56%
Vulnerable Road Users39%
Safety Assist32%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - Smart EQ forfour Base
Tested 2014
Adult Occupant78%
Child Occupant80%
Vulnerable Road Users56%
Safety Assist56%
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | Dacia SpringExpression Electric 70 | Smart EQ forfourBase |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,934 km (better) | 100,000 km |
Buying options
Get a quote
Dacia Spring
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Smart EQ forfour
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Live used listings
Active inventory from independent UK dealers.
Dacia Spring
- £10,9992026Cars2View
- £11,2992026Cars2View
Smart EQ forfour
No active listings.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Smart EQ forfour worth the extra £12,295 over the Dacia Spring?
The Smart EQ forfour costs £12,295 more than the Dacia Spring. On the headline specs that premium buys little measurable advantage - the two are closely matched on range, charging and space. The Dacia Spring is not just cheaper - it also offers 58 miles more WLTP range, 40 kW faster peak rapid charging and 123 litres more boot space. On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the Smart EQ forfour comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the Dacia Spring or the Smart EQ forfour?
The Dacia Spring is £12,295 cheaper to buy. Running costs are almost identical - about £136 a year either way, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the Dacia Spring comes out roughly £12,375 cheaper overall. These figures cover list price and home charging only - insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation will move the real total.
What are the Dacia Spring and Smart EQ forfour like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 95 miles for the Dacia Spring and 67 miles for the Smart EQ forfour - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The Dacia Spring goes roughly 28 miles further between charging stops.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the Dacia Spring or the Smart EQ forfour?
The Dacia Spring is the easier car for tight UK car parks: it is 82 mm narrower than the Smart EQ forfour. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 817 mm of total clearance for the Dacia Spring and about 735 mm of total clearance for the Smart EQ forfour. The Smart EQ forfour also turns in a 0.9 m tighter circle, which helps with U-turns and multi-storey ramps.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the Dacia Spring or the Smart EQ forfour?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 90% battery health for the Dacia Spring and 84% for the Smart EQ forfour. That gives the Dacia Spring a modest edge in retained real-world range. The Dacia Spring's LFP-type pack tolerates daily 100% charging, while the Smart EQ forfour's NMC-type pack lasts longest kept to about 80% for everyday use. Both batteries carry a 8-year manufacturer warranty.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
More Smart EQ forfour comparisons
See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the Dacia Spring and Smart EQ forfour rank among EVs under £30,000Where the Dacia Spring and Smart EQ forfour rank among EVs under £40,000Where the Dacia Spring and Smart EQ forfour rank among the best small electric carsWhere the Dacia Spring and Smart EQ forfour rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the Dacia Spring and Smart EQ forfour rank among the best city EVsWhere the Dacia Spring and Smart EQ forfour rank among the cheapest EVs to run
If neither is quite right
Explore other verified electric cars that may better suit the priorities this pair does not meet.
Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
GuideBuying a Used Dacia Spring (2024 on): Which Motor, the Steering Recall & What to Pay
A used Dacia Spring buyer’s guide: the 45, 65, 70 and 100 versions, the steering-rack recall, the one-star safety rating, battery warranty left, real-world range, what owners report, what to pay against a new one and a printable checklist.
GuideBuying a Used smart EQ fortwo or forfour (2017-2024): Charging Faults, Real Range & What to Pay
A used smart EQ fortwo and forfour buyer’s guide: coupe, cabrio or four-seater, the 22 kW charger, charging and 12V faults, real-world range, the battery warranty, what to pay and a printable checklist.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .