Hyundai Inster Electric: All You Need To Know

Hyundai has taken the wraps off its new Hyundai Inster, a compact, budget-friendly electric vehicle that claims to maximise space. Comparable in size to the Hyundai i10, the Inster boasts over 100 litres more boot space, making it exceptionally practical for its class. The Inster offers up to 355 km of range, and while a rugged-looking Inster Cross variant is on the horizon, the standard model is set to hit the market soon. Unlike many electric cars that can appear mundane, the Hyundai Inster’s design is based on the Korea-exclusive, petrol-powered Hyundai Casper, resulting in a quirky and appealing aesthetic.

Also Read: All-New Hyundai Inster EV Revealed With 355 Km Range

At the front, the Inster features distinctive circular headlights with pixel-style accents, a nod to other Hyundai EVs like the Ioniq 5. Its boxy side profile is reminiscent of the Suzuki Ignis, adding to its unique charm. This model rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, though the entry-level versions come with 15-inch steel wheels, with mid-range options offering 15-inch alloys. The rear of the Inster continues the pixel theme, with circular lamps that echo the front design. Plans include the Inster Cross, which will sport a more rugged look. Despite its compact dimensions, similar to a Kia Picanto or Toyota Aygo X, the Inster's interior is surprisingly spacious.

The cabin offers generous legroom, with seats that recline for added comfort. The rear seats can slide back for more legroom or forward to expand the boot space. With the rear seats fully back, the Inster provides 280 litres of storage, surpassing the Hyundai i10 and Kia Picanto. Moving the seats forward increases the capacity to 351-litre, matching the larger Volkswagen Polo. For maximum versatility, the rear seats can fold flat, transforming the Inster into a mini-van, and the front seats can also fold flat to accommodate an airbed for camping. The dashboard design is as playful as the exterior, featuring light materials and warm ambient lighting that enhance the sense of space. A 10.25-inch infotainment system and a matching digital driver’s display add to the modern feel.

Designed for urban driving, the Inster has a standard 42 kWh battery, offering a 300 km range, ideal for city commutes. For those needing more range, the Long-Range model with a 49 kWh battery provides up to 355 km on a single charge. It supports 120 kW DC fast charging, enabling a 10-80 per cent charge in around 30 minutes.

The Inster is powered by a front-mounted electric motor, delivering 96 bhp with the standard battery and 113 hp with the larger one. While it won’t set speed records, with a 0-100 kmph time of 10.6 seconds for the more powerful version, it offers ample agility for city driving.