@ Dacia / Renault Group Media
@ Kia Corporation
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Dacia Spring vs Kia Picanto – Which model is better for everyday use?

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Dacia Spring or Kia Picanto fits your lifestyle better.

Dacia Spring

Kia Picanto

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
Spring @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Introduction: Choosing Between Electric and Petrol

In the ever-evolving automotive landscape, the Dacia Spring and Kia Picanto present unique choices for buyers looking for compact, budget-friendly vehicles. While one leans toward electric innovation, the other embodies traditional petrol efficiency. In this comparison, we delve into their technical specifications, innovations, and practical considerations to help prospective car buyers make an informed decision.

Picanto @ Kia Corporation

Design and Dimensions

The Dacia Spring is styled as a compact SUV, promoting an adventurous spirit with its elevated stance. It measures 3701 mm in length, 1583 mm in width, and 1519 mm in height, delivering a modern and robust appearance. With a trunk capacity of 308 liters, it offers practicality for everyday needs.

On the other hand, the Kia Picanto comes in as a sporty hatchback, measuring 3605 mm in length, 1595 mm in width, and 1485 mm in height. Despite its slightly smaller trunk capacity of 255 liters, the Picanto carries a youthful appeal and vibrant design suitable for urban environments.

Spring @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Power and Performance

When it comes to powertrains, the Dacia Spring is a 100% electric vehicle, providing 44 to 65 HP through a front-wheel drive setup. It features an automatic transmission powered by a reduction gearbox, enabling a smooth ride. The Spring boasts a battery capacity of 26.8 kWh, offering an impressive range of up to 228 km, making it well-suited for city commuting.

In contrast, the Kia Picanto offers a choice between manual and automatic transmissions and features either a 1.0L or 1.2L petrol engine, providing power outputs ranging from 63 to 79 HP. Its fuel consumption stands between 5.2 and 5.7 L/100 km, depending on the variant, presenting an excellent option for long drives without the need for frequent refueling.

Picanto @ Kia Corporation

Acceleration and Top Speed

The Dacia Spring's acceleration time of 0-100 km/h spans between 13.7 and 19.1 seconds, depending on the configuration. Its top speed is limited to 125 km/h, which aligns with its purpose as an urban mobility vehicle.

Contrasting this, the Kia Picanto excels in performance with a better acceleration range from 13.1 to 18.2 seconds. The Picanto's maximum speed options go up to 159 km/h, making it a more thrilling choice for those who enjoy a spirited drive on various terrains.

Spring @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Efficiency and Environmental Impact

In terms of environmental impact, the Dacia Spring shines with a CO2 efficiency class rating of A, emitting zero grams of CO2, which makes it an eco-friendly choice. Its energy consumption ranges from 13.2 to 14.1 kWh/100 km, reflecting its efficient electric powertrain.

The Kia Picanto, categorized under CO2 efficiency class D, produces between 118 to 130 g/km of CO2 depending on the engine choice. While it remains efficient within its class, it does fall short concerning environmental impact when compared to the Dacia Spring.

Picanto @ Kia Corporation

Interior and Comfort

Both vehicles seat up to 4 or 5 passengers, with the Spring designed to accommodate 4 adults comfortably. The interior is functional, featuring a simplistic layout focused on utility, fitting its budget-friendly ethos.

The Kia Picanto, however, aims for a more vibrant interior, with a greater emphasis on technology and comfort. Equipped with modern infotainment options, it caters well to the younger demographic. The overall ride quality in the Picanto is generally regarded as superior thanks to better seating configuration and materials.

Conclusion: Which One to Choose?

Ultimately, the choice between the Dacia Spring and Kia Picanto hinges on personal preferences and priorities. If you're looking for a compact SUV with a fully electric powertrain and lower running costs, the Dacia Spring is an excellent choice, especially for city dwellers concerned about emissions. Conversely, if you prefer a fun-to-drive petrol hatchback with flexibility in driving experience and better performance, the Kia Picanto stands out as a practical option. Both models have their merits, making them worthy contenders in the competitive compact car market.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Dacia Spring has a barely noticeable advantage in terms of price – it starts at 14500 £, while the Kia Picanto costs 15300 £. That’s a price difference of around 815 £.

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Kia Picanto has a hardly perceptible edge – offering 68 HP compared to 65 HP. That’s roughly 3 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Dacia Spring is minimal quicker – completing the sprint in 13.70 s, while the Kia Picanto takes 14.60 s. That’s about 0.90 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Kia Picanto performs distinct better – reaching 162 km/h, while the Dacia Spring tops out at 125 km/h. The difference is around 37 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Dacia Spring pulls noticeable stronger with 125 Nm compared to 96 Nm. That’s about 29 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: Kia Picanto offers to a small extent more seating capacity – 5 vs 4.

In curb weight, Dacia Spring is a bit lighter – 1013 kg compared to 1124 kg. The difference is around 111 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Dacia Spring offers a bit more room – 308 L compared to 255 L. That’s a difference of about 53 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Kia Picanto performs barely noticeable better – up to 1010 L, which is about 6 L more than the Dacia Spring.

When it comes to payload, Kia Picanto hardly perceptible takes the win – 332 kg compared to 302 kg. That’s a difference of about 30 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Dacia Spring proves to be leaves the rival little chance and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Dacia Spring is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

Dacia Spring
Kia Picanto

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis
from about £14,500
Spring @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Dacia Spring

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 44 - 65 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 13.2 - 14.1 kWh
  • Electric Range : 225 - 228 km

Dacia Spring

The Dacia Spring is an unpretentious city electric that strips EV ownership down to the essentials, offering clean, fuss-free transport for daily urban life. It won't impress luxury-seekers, but its cheerful practicality and rock-bottom running costs make it a clever, no-nonsense choice for anyone who wants electric mobility without the drama.

details

Kia Picanto

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

Kia Picanto is a cheeky city hatch that squeezes surprising style, practicality and a smile-inducing drive into a pocket-friendly package. It’s ideal for urban buyers who want fuss-free running, effortless parking and a car that punches above its class without pretending to be anything it’s not.

details
Dacia Spring
Kia Picanto
Spring @ Dacia / Renault Group Media
Picanto @ Kia Corporation

Costs and Consumption

Price
14500 - 17100 £
Price
15300 - 19300 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
5.6 - 5.9 L
Consumption kWh/100km
13.2 - 14.1 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
225 - 228 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
26.80 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
127 - 135 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
35 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
4
Seats
4 - 5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1013 - 1050 kg
Curb weight
1124 - 1131 kg
Trunk capacity
308 L
Trunk capacity
255 L
Length
3701 mm
Length
3605 mm
Width
1583 mm
Width
1595 mm
Height
1519 mm
Height
1485 mm
Max trunk capacity
1004 L
Max trunk capacity
1010 L
Payload
265 - 302 kg
Payload
253 - 332 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
44 - 65 HP
Power HP
68 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
13.7 - 19.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
14.6 - 17.2 s
Max Speed
125 km/h
Max Speed
160 - 162 km/h
Torque
113 - 125 Nm
Torque
96 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
33 - 48 kW
Power kW
50 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
998 cm3

General

Model Year
2024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D
Brand
Dacia
Brand
Kia
What drive types are available for the Dacia Spring?

The Dacia Spring is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.

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