Introduction: The urban motoring challenge
Recent traffic and mobility data highlight a striking paradox: we may be driving less overall, but the vehicles we use are often heavier, hungrier for fuel, and larger than what many short urban trips require. In Ireland, for example, Central Statistics Office figures for 2021 show that a significant share of Dublin drivers make 15-minute or shorter journeys. Outside the capital, the trend remains, with many journeys under an hour. This built a case for a rethink of what a city car should look like—and Dacia has stepped up with a bold, disruptive idea: the Hipset concept.
What the Hipset is aiming to be
The Hipset is pitched as an ultra-compact city car, designed to address the very trips that dominate urban life. If it reaches production, Dacia claims it will be pared back to the basics, delivering a minimal footprint and a low price point that could reshape everyday commuting. The target dimensions are striking: roughly three metres long, 1.5 metres tall, and 1.55 metres wide. In Dacia’s words, this is an “ultra compact” format with no overhangs and a footprint that looks like a “block on wheels.”
Weight, range, and efficiency
One of the most compelling aspects of the Hipset is its emphasis on lightness. Officials say it could weigh around 20% less than the company’s small Spring EV. A lighter car means less energy to move, which translates into smaller batteries and lower running costs—key considerations for inner-city duties where journeys are routine rather than epic. If urban driving remains the norm, the Hipset battery has to be practical for frequent, short charges, and Dacia suggests a schedule where charging could occur as infrequently as twice a week.
Battery and range expectations
Given European patterns—evidence indicates many urban drivers regularly cover under 40 kilometres per trip—the Hipset’s battery could be intentionally modest. The aim: sufficient daily usability without the heft and expense of larger EVs. This approach would be in line with a city car that prioritizes accessibility, low total cost of ownership, and minimal environmental impact.
Design choices: cost-conscious, no-frills, smartly simple
To achieve ultra affordability, the Hipset embraces a no-frills philosophy. Think of the car as a tool for getting from A to B with the bare minimum. The interior leans toward utilitarian practicality, with features kept intentionally simple to save weight and cost. For instance, seating is described as mesh to lighten the load, and some conventional elements—like fully powered windows—might be replaced with simpler solutions such as sliding front windows. The door handles could become straps, and the audio system might rely on a portable Bluetooth unit. In short, this is a car designed to be easy on the wallet, not a showcase of luxury tech.
Space, practicality, and everyday use
Even with its extreme compactness, the Hipset aims to seat four, though the space would likely feel tight. Real-world practicality suggests a comfortable two-seater experience with modest boot space: an outline capacity of around 50 litres in the basic arrangement, rising to about 500 litres if the rear seats fold—comparable to the current Spring’s cargo flexibility. It’s a reminder that urban motoring often means balancing size against usability: small dimensions can be a boon for parking and congestion relief, but you still need enough room for groceries, work gear, or a couple of bags for a weekend trip.
Production uncertainty and market impact
As with many concept cars, the Hipset’s fate hinges on public and dealer reception. If the concept resonates, production could follow, and if not, other manufacturers may pursue a similar ultra-compact strategy. The promise of a price tag closer to a motorbike than a conventional car makes the Hipset an intriguing proposition for city dwellers who want independence without a sizable financial commitment.
What this could mean for urban mobility
Whether or not the Hipset goes into full production, it signals a broader shift in urban mobility. The idea of a practical, ultra-compact, affordable vehicle designed specifically for short, frequent trips addresses a real mobility need. It challenges assumptions about what a city car should look like and who it should serve—commuters, students, and city residents who want a nimble, economical alternative to larger cars or shared mobility options.
In a world where traffic congestion is often driven by single-occupant vehicles, the Hipset proposes a raw but potentially transformative solution: rethink the car for urban life, reduce cost and weight, and keep doors and wallets open for everyday city experiences. If the concept makes it to production, it could mark a meaningful step toward a future where urban motoring is lighter, cheaper, and better suited to the way we actually move around our cities.
