As previewed recently, Hyundai today released details of its all-electric Inster. It is a new sub-compact electric city car with unique styling, extended driving range (for a small electric vehicle) and versatility. The Inster debuted at the recent Busan International Mobility Show. Whether or not it makes it here is unclear at present.
Inster combines a futuristic look and a spacious interior with a compact SUV body. It offers fast charging and “the best all-electric range in its segment”, according to Hyundai. The long-range variant evidently manages 355km on a single charge. Inster has a 42kWh battery as standard, while the long-range variant has a 49kWh battery pack. Hooked up to a 120kW DC charging station, Inster recharges from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes.
Both models use a motor that delivers 71kW in the base variant and 85kW in the long-range model. Each gets 147Nm of torque. Energy use is a claimed 15.3kWh/100km (WLTP). A Vehicle to Load facility is standard.
Expect flexibility, agile driving dynamics and seamless connectivity with Inster.
Styling is based on that of the petrol-powered Casper introduced in 2021 to Korea only. The Inster styling evolution includes an extended body and wheelbase to deliver more interior space and a more rugged road presence.
With enlarged dimensions, Inster 1 is positioned between A-segment city cars and larger B-segment compact models. So it combines the manoeuvrability and ease of city car use with the enhanced practicality and flexibility by virtue of its larger interior and improved luggage capacity.
“We’ve taken the small SUV image to a bold new place for the global audience” said Simon Loasby, Senior Vice President and Head of the Hyundai Design Centre. “Inster punches well above its weight with distinctive design and an interior that maximises its potential in exciting, customer-centric ways. With Inster we’re redefining what it means to drive a sub-compact EV.”
Unusual styling features include a circuit board-style bumper and skid plates. Wheels are 15- to 17-inches in diameter, depending on spec level.
Inside, there’s a 10.25-inch digital cluster and a like-sized touchscreen for infotainment, and a wireless charging dock.
A pixel theme features graphics on the Inster steering wheel boss. Various upper door trim garnishes are on offer.
A special Inster feature is walk-through access from the front seats. All pews can be folded flat, even the driver’s, for increased flexibility. That might make driving tricky though. A front bench seat option and heated front seats and steering wheel are also on offer.
Second-row seats split 50/50 and they also slide and recline.
Nine exterior colours are available, some with a contrasting black roof.
There are black, brown and beige interior trim choices too, the seats cloth covered. Recycled materials turn up on both sides of the glasshouse.
Other items include LED ambient lighting, a one-touch sunroof and Hyundai’s Digital Key 2 Touch (NFC) accessibility.
Driver assistance systems include a surround view monitor, BSM, forward collision avoidance and parking collision avoidance at the rear. Most equipment and technologies come fitted as standard, with enhanced convenience and design features available as cost options.
Regarding availability here, Hyundai says “Local launch plans will be confirmed once Inster has been evaluated for the New Zealand market.”
Expect a more rugged variant of Inster at some point, known as Cross 5.
