Heated seat subscriptions? Dacia offers free hot water bottles to drivers instead

Dacia is taking a cheeky stab at manufacturers offering subscriptions for factory-fitted equipment - like BMW charging for heated seats, for example - by offering drivers of any car, not just Dacias, a free hot water bottle.

Rebranding the hot water bottles 'heated seat saviours", Renault-parented Dacia is aiming to prove that comfort shouldn't come at a monthly cost. It pointed out its top-trim Duster, Jogger and Sandero Stepway come with heated seats as standard.

"After picking up their hot water bottle," said Dacia, "motorists can safely fill it up as per the instructions provided and place it on their car seat (prior to driving) to warm it up."

Luke Broad, Dacia UK brand director noted how the 'heated seat saviours' were just a bit of fun, but said "they do highlight the direction the wider industry is going regarding subscription-based access to features. Asking someone to pay extra to activate factory-fitted equipment certainly isn’t Dacia".

For customers who share its polar view (pun intended) - that in-built vehicle features shouldn't be an opportunity to squeeze more hard-earned cash out of consumers - Dacia is inviting drivers to its Staples Corner, Manchester or Swansea branches between 9am-4pm across 1 and 2 February to collect their freebie winter warmer.