New cars are more expensive than ever. The average price of a new car in Europe has jumped 45% in 15 years, and small, cheap cars are gradually disappearing from the market.
For Dacia, this made the Sandero the best-selling car in Europe, but there is still no solution for truly affordable electric vehicles. Even the less expensive ones, like the Dacia Spring and the Li Auto T03 produced in China, cost around €20,000—more than a petrol supermini.
In 2027, Dacia will launch a small electric car mechanically based on the new Renault Twingo EV, which will soon be produced in Slovakia. Renault’s low-cost brand aims for a price under €15,000, and the hipster concept car tries to hint at how they intend to achieve this, primarily to gauge market reactions to the planned compromises.
The Hipster is, first and foremost, a very small car: Only 3 meters long, 60 cm shorter than the Kia Picanto. It measures 1.55 meters wide and 1.53 meters high. The design is very boxy, with the wheels pushed to the edges, intended to offer space for four passengers despite its tiny dimensions. The price is reflected in the trunk, which has a volume of 70 liters that can expand to 500 liters by folding the rear seat.
The cabin is minimalist, with the driver’s smartphone serving as the dashboard. Materials are basic, and side windows that slide backward, like in the old Renault 4, help reduce weight and costs. The weight is expected to be under 800 kg, hinting at a small battery, meaning the drive could be either front or rear—this has not yet been decided.
Dacia does not release capacity or performance data, but according to the French press, it is aimed at city driving, with a range of 130 to 180 km and a top speed of 90 km/h. These are very basic specifications, which a price that could drop to €13,000 should justify. With current taxes, this is around NIS 80,000 in Israel, whereas a petrol Picanto already costs NIS 110,000. Would you buy a car like this?