Dacia Hipster Concept: Minimalism on Wheels

Who needs 500 PS when you can stand out in just three metres of pure minimalism? Dacia presents the “Hipster Concept“ – an electric car which is less of an “automobile“ and more of a “philosophical stance on wheels“. By Sigrid Riewe-Scholz

While other manufacturers are equipping their electric cars with 27-inch displays, massage seats and artificial intelligence, Dacia asked themselves: Does anyone really need that? The answer: No.
Therefore they built a car which throws everything superfluous overboard – almost as if Marie Kondo herself had lent a hand.

The Hipster Concept is a mere three metres long, has four seats and a boot which can be adjusted from 70 to 500 litres – depending on how much you like your fellow passengers.

Weniger ist mehr – wirklich weniger.

Dacia calls it  the “Eco-Smart approach“, which roughly translates into: less weight means fewer raw materials and less energy used in manufacturing The Hipster Concept is 20 per cent lighter than the already feather-weight Dacia Spring. This saves raw materials, energy and most likely also looking for a parking space because this car probably fits sideways into any parking space.

And because 94 per cent of car drivers in France drive fewer than 40 kilometres a day, the Hipster Concept offers sufficient range with two recharges per week – unless you live on a mountain top or far from the nearest supermarket.

Design? Yes, but let’s be honest.

The design of the Hipster Concept is so minimized that even Bauhaus architects would tear up. A block on four wheels, no overhang, no gimmicks. Door handles? Luxury! Instead, there are fabric straps. Lighter, less costly, more practical – and well thought out.

The rear lights are cleverly tucked away behind the rear window: why waste glass, when transparency is an option? With the necessary minimum of painting – just three parts, to be precise. Dacia calls it “Design-to-Cost”. We call it: Design-to-Reason.

Despite its compact dimensions, the interior is said to be amazingly spacious. Four adults fit in .. if they like each other and wish to share each other’s company. The interior is an ode to pragmatism: front bench seat, mesh fabric rear, airbags for driver and passengers are of course integrated.

The interior of the Hipster Concept is 'YouClip® native', it can be customized with all kinds of clip-in accessories: cup holders, arm rests, lamps – a bit like Lego for adults with driving licences.

Instead of an oversized infotainment system there is a smartphone holder  – following the Bring Your Own Device principle.  The mobile phone becomes key, screen and sound system all at the same time – minimalistic, clever, efficient.

While the competitors are trying  to inflate electric mobility into a space experience, Dacia stays down-to-earth – or rather: grounded.

To sum up:
The Dacia Hipster Concept is not a car for people who wish to impress  – but for people who have