Hyundai Inster Is a Cutesy EV with over 200 Miles of Range
- Hyundai is launching an affordable EV in Europe and Asia called the Inster.
- The tiny crossover is shorter than a Mitsubishi Mirage and has a range of over 200 miles.
- The Inster's cabin pairs two 10.3-inch screens with an array of physical controls.
For much of the past decade, electric vehicles have commanded a significant premium over their gas-powered counterparts. Recently, however, there has been a push for more affordable options with the likes of the Fiat 500e, Chevy Equinox EV, and the now-delayed Volvo EX30. Now Hyundai is throwing its hat into the ring with the Inster, revealing the subcompact EV today at the 2024 Busan auto show. Sadly, the adorable EV won't be sold in the U.S.
Pint-Sized SUV
The Inster is truly tiny. It measures 150.6 inches long, a tad shorter than a Mitsubishi Mirage. Its styling is closely related to the gas-powered Casper crossover that is sold exclusively in the South Korean market, although the body and wheelbase are slightly longer.
Hyundai Inster
The Inster's face is both cute and expressive, with large round headlights in a black masked section of the front bumper. This sits below a black band housing robotic pixelated running lights and a Hyundai badge. The fenders are strongly defined by sharp creases and the pixel motif appears again in the taillights. A two-tone paint job will be offered with a contrasting black roof.
Inside, the Inster sports a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a touchscreen of the same size. Still, there are plenty of physical controls on the center console as well as a wireless charging pad. Every seat in the Inster can be folded flat, and Hyundai is offering a front bench seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel as options. The LED ambient lighting can be set to 64 different colors for some visual oomph. Hyundai touts the use of sustainable materials throughout. The glossy black paint on the exterior gets its color from recycled waste tires, while a material made from recycled plastic bottles is found inside.
Hyundai Inster
Powertrain Details
The Inster's powertrain is tame by modern EV standards. The Hyundai utilizes a 42.0-kWh battery as standard, but buyers can upgrade to a Long-Range 49.0-kWh battery. All Insters are motivated by a single electric motor, producing 95 horsepower in the base version and 113 hp in the Long Range model. Both variants have 108 pound-feet of torque.
Hyundai claims the Long Range model provides 221 miles of range on Europe's more optimistic WLTP test cycle. The Inster can recharge at up to 120 kW on a DC fast-charger, going from 10 to 80 percent in a claimed 30 minutes. There is also a standard 11.0-kW onboard charger and an optional heat pump. The Inster can also power external devices via 110-volt and 220-volt outlets. The Inster also comes packed with a full suite of driver assistance system.
Hyundai Inster
The Inster will initially launch in South Korea this summer, with sales then spreading to Europe, the Middle East, and the rest of Asia. Its diminutive size will presumably prevent the Inster from ever reaching American shores. Hyundai says they will later add a version called the Inster Cross that will gain a "rugged, outdoor-focused design."