Hampshire resident John Davies became the first UK customer to receive the new Dacia Spring, the nation’s most affordable electric vehicle, after picking up his car from Martins Dacia in Basingstoke.

"I am a big fan of the Dacia brand and the quality of the service from the team at Martins Dacia,” said Davies. “I was really keen to get an electric car and had complete trust in Dacia, so I knew the Spring would be good and was happy to order it before seeing one. The Spring is perfect for commuting to work and will make my journeys cheaper."

Chris Swain from Martins Dacia, Basingstoke, said: “The new Dacia Spring completely rewrites the EV rulebook. It’s not surprising, then, that it has been winning awards even before it turned a wheel on UK soil. We’re thrilled to be a part of its story now it has finally arrived on UK shores. Given the huge number of enquiries we’ve received about Dacia’s all-electric game-changer, Mr Davies is going to be the first of many.”

Luke Broad, Dacia brand director for the UK, added: “This is a real milestone for Dacia, in so many ways. The first all-electric Dacia on UK roads also being the country’s most affordable new electric car is the perfect demonstration of everything we strive for as a brand - to offer customers exceptional value for money in a robust package that offers everything you need and nothing you don’t.”

The new Spring offers a choice of a 45 hp or 65 hp electric motor powered by a compact 26.8 kWh battery for a driving range of up to 140 miles (WLTP mixed), or 186 miles on the WLTP urban cycle while its 30 kW DC charger can deliver an 80% charge from flat in less than an hour.

Available in Expression or Extreme trim, standard specification includes a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, cruise control, manual air conditioning, rear parking sensors, media system with USB port, electric front windows and remote central locking. Prices start from £14,995.