Skip advert
Advertisement

Dacia offers free hot water bottles in veiled dig at BMW subscription services 

Dacia says its hot water bottles poke fun at other manufacturers that charge a subscription to access in-car features

Subscription services are something plenty of industries offer - gyms, streaming sites and even the Auto Express magazine can be subscribed to. However, Dacia has decided to highlight its opposition to some car companies offering subscriptions for in-built car features by offering free hot water bottles. 

Anyone is welcome to collect a Dacia-branded hot water bottle between 1 and 2 February at the Dacia showrooms in Brent Cross, London, Trinity Way Manchester and Fendrod Way, Swansea. 

The not-so-subtle reason for the Romanian brand’s choice of hot water bottles to spearhead its marketing stunt could well be BMW’s controversial decision to offer heated seats on some of its models through a subscription of £15 per month. Dacia actually goes as far to call the hot water bottles “heated seat saviours”. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Luke Broad, Dacia Brand Director for the UK said: “Asking someone to pay extra to activate factory-fitted equipment certainly isn’t Dacia. Whether consumers view heated seats as essential or not, our commitment to value and a fuss-free ownership experience means that we will only ever ask them to push a button to enjoy them.”

BMW also offers heated steering wheels as a £10 per month subscription so perhaps we’ll see Dacia come out with free mittens next winter. 

Have you managed to get hold of a Dacia hot water bottle? Let us know in the comments...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Alastair Crooks, Staff writer Auto Express
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Dacia Spring revealed: small EV gets 50% price hike, but a big jump in quality
Dacia Spring 2026 - Jordan Katsianis

New Dacia Spring revealed: small EV gets 50% price hike, but a big jump in quality

The new Spring will be based on the adorable Renault Twingo and built here in Europe
News
8 Sep 2026
Dacia Duster and Bigster hybrids get a hefty price cut
Dacia Duster - cornering

Dacia Duster and Bigster hybrids get a hefty price cut

The Dacia Duster and Bigster hybrid models now start from £23,345 and £26,715 respectively
News
4 Aug 2026
New Dacia Duster and Sandero EVs to join Spring as brand unlocks electric potential
Dacia Duster Hybrid - front cornering

New Dacia Duster and Sandero EVs to join Spring as brand unlocks electric potential

Four new EVs due by 2030, but maker will continue to focus on retail market with multi-energy powertrain choice
News
23 Jul 2026
Dacia leasing deals 2026
Dacia Bigster - front tracking

Dacia leasing deals 2026

The best Dacia car leasing deals available to you right now
Best cars & vans
30 Mar 2026

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: Hyundai Ioniq 3 at £206 per month will get the neighbours talking
Hyundai Ioniq 3 - front action

Car Deal of the Day: Hyundai Ioniq 3 at £206 per month will get the neighbours talking

The Ioniq 3 is one of a new crop of affordable EVs. It’s our Deal of the Day for 15 October.
News
15 Oct 2026
New Land Rover Defender Sport spotted tearing it up on the Nürburgring
New Land Rover Defender Sport - Nürburgring front 3/4

New Land Rover Defender Sport spotted tearing it up on the Nürburgring

The new baby 4x4 is now likely to be revealed in 2027, and our exclusive image previews how it could look
News
15 Oct 2026
Volkswagen’s culling of 75 models by 2035 was inevitable, says CEO
Volkswagen Polo - front cornering

Volkswagen’s culling of 75 models by 2035 was inevitable, says CEO

Brand boss Thomas Schäfer says halving the number of models made by the VW Group is part of a “natural transition”
News
14 Oct 2026

Find a car with the experts