Dacia, Renault Group’s budget brand, has given its entire compact range a refresher with technology from the larger Duster and Bigster models. Plus, the cheap electric Spring gets a new battery and far more powerful motors, enhancing its usability.
While low prices are still a staple at Dacia, the Romanian manufacturer’s model range has become far from outdated. In one fell swoop, Dacia has updated the Sandero, Sandero Stepway, Jogger and the electric Spring for the 2026 model year, adding more electrified powertrains and new equipment.
Europe’s best-seller gets an update
Let’s start with the Sandero, which was the most popular new car in Europe in 2024. The compact hatchback gets a new light signature front and rear, a new front bumper and new wheel designs. The SUV-like Sandero Stepway also gets body protections in ‘Starkle’, the partly recycled material first introduced on the Duster.
On the inside, there’s a new fabric upholstery and an updated multimedia system, plus an induction charger for smartphones. The modular YouClip anchor points are also introduced, which can be used to mount accessories.
First-ever hybrid powertrain for Sandero Stepway
Under the hood, the Hybrid 155 powertrain first introduced on the Bigster is coming to the Sandero Stepway and the larger Jogger station wagon. It combines a 1.8-liter naturally-aspirated gasoline engine with two electric motors and a 1.4 kWh battery. It’s a first for the Sandero, and the new hybrid system is also 10% more efficient than the current Hybrid 140 powertrain in the Jogger.
The rest of the engine range has also been renewed, with more powerful gasoline and LPG engines. The LPG tanks of the Sandero and Jogger Eco-G 120 have also grown by over 20%, increasing range even further (1,590 km total range for the Sandero, 1,480 km for the Sandero Stepway and Jogger).
Dacia Spring gets new, more efficient, but smaller battery
Next, the Dacia Spring, Europe’s most affordable electric car, has also been updated. Not aesthetically, as the Spring was completely redesigned only last year. The only visual differences are new fairings and a new spoiler for improved aerodynamics, and a new body color: Seafoam.
The real news is found under the hood, where the platform has been stiffened and redesigned to fit the new LFP battery. It’s actually smaller than before at 24.3 kWh, compared to the old 26.8 kWh NMC pack, but Dacia promises no compromise on range, with 225 km WLTP.
Much more power on tap
What you will notice, are the new electric motors. Instead of 45 to 65 horsepower, the Dacia Spring now has 70 to 100 hp on tap. That slashes the acceleration time from 80 to 120 km/h by more than half, greatly improving the Spring’s motorway capabilities. A new 40 kW fast-charger is available as an option, up from 30 kW previously.
Dacia announces no changes in pricing for the Spring, which is still available from €16,900. No word yet on availability, however.
