Dacia is expected to begin building a production version of its compact Hipster concept in China next year. The model could become the brand’s most affordable vehicle in Europe, with a projected price below €11,500, and would sit beneath the new Spring in Dacia’s lineup.

Production is reportedly penciled in for the Shiyan facility that manufactured the previous-generation Spring. The newer Spring will instead be built in Slovenia. The Shiyan plant is understood to have been inactive since July, while its engineers are also expected to support development of the new electric model.

A small, lightweight design

Dacia revealed the Hipster concept approximately 12 months ago. Measuring 118.1 inches (3 meters) long, 61 inches (1.55 meters) wide, and 60.6 inches (1.54 meters) tall, it has an exceptionally small footprint.

The concept uses a boxy exterior with matte gray bodywork interrupted by small contrasting areas of color. Its compact proportions and minimal design are intended to align with Europe’s L7e quadricycle regulations.

Under those rules, the vehicle cannot weigh more than 992 pounds (450 kilograms), excluding the battery. Dacia has not yet made a final decision on the battery or its chemistry, although the pack is reportedly expected to have a capacity of around 15 kWh.

Production model changes

Patent images indicate that the production vehicle will remain very close in appearance to the concept. The differences reportedly include a simpler front bumper and grille, along with a small windshield wiper absent from the show vehicle.

The doors will also receive minor revisions, while a narrow horizontal bar will run across the side windows. Additional changes affect the rear window, tailgate, and bumper, but the overall compact, squared-off design appears set to remain.

If production proceeds as expected, the Hipster will become a smaller and less expensive addition to Dacia’s European range than the Spring. However, details such as its final battery specification and exact pricing have not yet been confirmed.