New Dacia Hipster: Can this micro EV revolutionise affordable mobility?

Tipping the scales at just 800kg, this dainty Dacia seats four and will cost less than heavier, more complex EVs. Can it redefine the segment? Keep reading to find out.

It’s not the first time a car maker has claimed to reinvent the wheel when it comes to mobilising the masses. Over the years we’ve had outlandish contraptions ranging from the G-Wiz to Renault’s Twizzy and, more recently, cutesy quadricycles like Citroen’s Ami. And while these alternative angles have garnered varying degrees of success, we think Dacia’s latest reveal has the potential to go one step further. 

So what is it, exactly? According to the French marque, it’s ‘…everything you could want in an everyday vehicle for a ‘…wide audience that currently cannot find anything to suit their budget’. Big talk for a little car but, if you dig deeper, the Hipster’s raw stats make those claims more plausible. 

Measuring just 3m long, 1.53m high, and 1.55m wide, this Dacia’s dimensions aren’t dissimilar to Bonafide quadricycles like the Fiat Topolino or Microlino. But, unlike those dinky machines, the Hipster seats four adults in comfort — and even carries an incredible 500 litres of luggage with the rear seats down. To put that into perspective, that makes this budget Dacia over a metre shorter than a Vauxhall Corsa EV, but with a boot the size of a BMW 5 Series.

It's not just cleverly packaged, either. Thanks to a 20% reduction in weight compared to Dacia’s first uber-affordable EV (the Spring) the Hipster offers ‘sufficient range for daily journeys with the need to recharge just twice a week.’ Similarly, whilst no concrete performance specs have been revealed, the acceleration and top speed should be more car-like, than motorised fridge freezer. 

As for the design, it’s hard not to love the Hipster’s squashed, cyber-esque lines. Squint, and you might see traces of Land Rover’s latest Defender, Suzuki’s boxy Jimny, or even a shrunken version of Hummer’s EV colossus. Granted, the cabin isn’t quite a special, but it’s certainly quirky. Cementing the Hipster’s back-to-basics mantra, you get all the essentials and nothing more. So there’s plenty of plastic — some of which looks fresh out of the 3D printer — sliding windows (to reduce weight and costs), plus simple but effective bench seating.

Want more? Then it’s time to accessorise. Featuring Dacia’s YouClip® system, the Hipster’s 11 anchor points are designed to accommodate various accessories, such as cup holders, armrests, and even ceiling lights. And, while detachable armrests aren’t exactly cutting-edge technology, you’ll be happy to hear that Dacia’s included a smartphone docking station, which also functions as multimedia screen for the navigation and infotainment. Oh, and you can forget physical keys — with the Hipster, your smartphone does all that.

That just leaves the price. According to Dacia’s data ‘the average price of new vehicles in Europe rose by 77 per cent between 2010 and 2024, far outpacing household purchasing power.’ The Hipster is touted as the antidote. That means it’ll cost less than the already very reasonable Spring EV, though as this is a technically still a concept machine, exact pricing is yet to be confirmed. 

Is it time cars went back to basics? Let us know if you think the world needs an ultra-affordable electric car that does it all.

Hero image credit: Dacia