Hyundai Inster electric micro SUV debuts in South Korea

The Hyundai Inster range comprises two single-motor variants – Standard Range and Long-Range. The base variant’s motor produces 71.1 kW and 147 Nm, drawing energy from a 42 kWh battery pack. The top-end variant upgrades to a 49 kWh battery pack and a higher-output motor that develops 84.5 kW and 147 Nm of torque. Hyundai states a range of up to 355 kilometres according to WLTP for the latter version, but emphasises that this is a provisional figure. The Koreans have not yet given a range value for the basic version.

Hyundai has not disclosed the 42 kWh battery pack’s chemistry but has confirmed that the 49 kWh battery pack consists of nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) cells. A push-open lid on the top-left of the front bumper provides access to the charging port.

An 11 kW on-board charger is standard, while a battery heating system and a heat pump are available. The official AC charging time is 4 hours for the 42 kWh unit and 4 hours 35 minutes for the 49 kWh unit. Using a 120 kW DC charger, charging from 10 to 80% State of Charge (SoC) takes around 30 minutes for both battery packs. A battery heating system and high-efficiency heat pump are available to optimise charging times and range, according to an accompanying press release. This is where the Inster could benefit technologically from its larger siblings. The model also has a V2L function on board (inside and outside) to charge external devices with 230 volts.

The Hyundai Inster accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 11.7 seconds and achieves a top speed of 140 kph in the Standard Range variant. In the Long-Range variant, these performance figures improve to 10.6 seconds and 150 kph, respectively. The driver can adjust the intensity of regenerative braking using pedals on the steering wheel.

The exterior of the Hyundai Inster has a playful character aimed at young customers and features LED projector headlamps with technical-looking DRL signature, pixel-graphic turn signals and tail lamps, 17-inch four-spoke alloy wheels, and hidden rear door handles.

Derived from the South Korea-only, petrol-powered Hyundai Casper, the Hyundai Inster is 3,825 mm long, 1,610 mm wide, and 1,575 mm tall and has a 3,825 mm wheelbase. It offers 280 litres of luggage space, which customers can increase to 351 litres by sliding the rear seats forward.

The interior is elegant for the most part and looks a little bit funky, too. There is a strong focus on simplicity, space, and convenience in the cabin. The EV includes plenty of physical controls, including buttons, knobs, and dials, all in conventional and easy-to-locate positions. The 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system appear to run older software from the first-gen Hyundai Kona Electric.

The front row in the Hyundai Inster offers walk-through access, and with folding seats, it provides flexibility as well. Additionally, customers can opt for a bench seat for the first row. The rear seats, split 50/50, can not only slide but also recline. Other highlights of the interior include a wireless smartphone charger, a one-touch sunroof, and a 64-colour LED ambient lighting system.

On the safety front, the Hyundai Inster has a long list of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features, which goes as follows:

• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Lane Following Assist (LFA)
• Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM)
• Blind-spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
• Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA)
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5 (FCA 1.5)
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC) w/ Stop and Go
• Highway Driving Assist 1.5 (HDA 1.5)
• Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA)
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
• High Beam Assist (HBA)
• Surround View Monitor (SVM)
• Safety Exit Warning (SEW)
• Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)
• Parking Distance Warning (PDW) Front and Rear
• Rear-View Monitor (RVM)
• Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist Rear (PCA-R)

The Hyundai Inster will go on sale in South Korea this summer and then in Europe. Later, it will become available in the Middle East and Asia Pacific as well. A more rugged and outdoorsy Hyundai Inster Cross will join in the future.

Update 07 October 2024

Hyundai Motor UK has announced pricing and specifications for the new Inster small EV. Prices for the Inster 1 start from £23,495 with PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) offers from £249 a month, while the Inster 2 is available from £26,745, offering additional features such as heated seats and an optional V2L function.

The Long-range Inster 2 variant offers a range of up to 229 miles on a single charge and delivers an estimated energy consumption of up to 4.2 mi/kWh. The base Inster 1 model is available equipped with either a 42 kWh or 49 kWh battery for up to 220 miles of range. All models are available with an 11kW on-board charger as standard.

Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai & Genesis UK, said: “INSTER is not only our small EV SUV for the UK market but is also our first fully electrified city car, albeit with a range and fast charging abilities that provide customers with the confidence to embark upon longer journeys. Our retailer partners and their customers have already enjoyed a sneak preview on our INSTER Roadshow and early feedback suggests that the combination of design, equipment and price point is already generating excitement in the showrooms.”

hyundai.com, hyundai.news (update)