Between a road car like the Tesla Model 3 and a city car like the Dacia Spring, it’s not always the most expensive one that has the most basic features, my dear Watson!
A few years ago, being able to connect your smartphone to your car and enjoy your favorite applications directly on the on-board screen was reserved for a few premium brands. But in 2023, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto invaded our homes and all car models are now entitled to them. Well almost all…
These features missing from Tesla…
You intend to enjoy the last spectacular price drop on the Tesla Model 3 et ModelY to order? Excellent choice ! In many ways, they are among the very best electric cars around. However, this does not mean that they are perfect, far from it. For example, if you used to use your favorite apps on your car screen, you will need to review your habits. Indeed, Tesla still does not offer support for the remote display of smartphones via the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto system. Instead, the Californian company prefers to provide users with its own interface. The latter nevertheless offers access to certain third-party applications, such as Spotify, or Apple Music more recently. But it stops there.
The large Tesla screen sits in the middle of the dashboard
Let’s recognize all the same that the big screen is well supplied with the huge cartography, its integrated planner, the access to the web, the games, and even the essential whoopee cushion! Not sure, however, that the latter succeeds in making you forget that once the reverse gear is engaged, you will have to be extremely vigilant. Yes, if the sound of reversing radars has always rocked your ears so far, it will not be at the wheel of the latest Tesla! Exit ultrasonic sensors, only the camera will help you during your parking maneuvers. A feature absent since December 2022 and which has made more than one cringe, when it was not directly the bumpers that toasted! Fortunately, Tesla is promising a return to parking aids via an upcoming update. For now, we are still waiting…
You do not notice anything ? The sensors are now absent from the bumpers!
Speaking of patience, it also takes patience for the automatic windshield wipers to detect that it’s started to rain and that your windshield is in dire need of a little sweeping. Because if you intend to operate the right stalk like in any other car, apart from triggering the regulator or the Autopilot, your efforts will be in vain. Then remains the voice command or the manipulation of the screen to lend you a hand. It is, it seems, what is called progress!
… but very present on the Dacia Spring!
For its release in 2021, the Dacia Spring had promised to be one of the cheapest electrics on the market, and it is clear that the promise has been kept despite many strong increases from summer 2022. With its small 27.4 kWh battery offering a theoretical range of 230 kilometers (WLTP), it is displayed today from €20,800 excluding bonuses. To maintain its price list at the lowest, Dacia’s first electric city car ignores certain driving aids such as the regulator or maintaining the line. The Spring is also the electric car with one of the lowest engine powers. Thus, its 44 hp (Essential finish) under the hood and its not very fast fast charging (CCS port optional) confine you to the city or to national and departmental roads. To see if the 65ch of the Extreme finish just unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show will change the situation.
Official presentation of the Dacia Spring Extreme at the Brussels Motor Show
But never mind, Dacia wanted to preserve an efficient user interface. Enthroned in the center of the dashboard, the 7-inch touch screen does the job perfectly. Despite a simplistic interface, the ergonomics are there and the essential features, such as GPS, are present. The icing on the cake, Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility is indeed there! No problem then, to launch a route with Waze, consult the planner ChargeMap or even take advantage of your Deezer subscription! And if you like to sing in the rain while driving, the single wiper will respond unflinchingly to your right hand, without taking your eyes off the road. Simple, basic. Finally, by opting for the Extreme finish, the soft “beep beep” will assist the reversing camera and alert you to the distance with this pretty post when reversing. Simple, effective.
Apple Car Play on the Dacia Spring screen
For sure, this little Spring will continue to be talked regarding in 2023 by having the luxury of participating in democratizing the electric car, in its own way. And just for that, we say bravo Dacia! For now, and thn waiting for the test of the Extreme finish and its 65 hp, you can find our video test of the restyled Dacia Spring below. Maxime was still ticked on the new rates…
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Video test – Dacia Spring electric 2023: mini restyling, maxi inflation
And you, do you use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in your car?