Hyundai Inster EV unveiled

Hyundai Motor has revealed its electric Inster, a new A-segment subcompact urban EV with up to 355km (WLTP) of targeted driving range.

A 42kWh battery is standard, the Inster also available in a Long-Range model (355km projected range) with a 49kWh battery as an option. Both Standard (expected to exceed 300km) and Long-Range (355km) models are powered by a single motor that delivers 71.1kW in the base variant and 84.5kW in the Long-Range. Both versions offer 147Nm torque.

The Inster’s compact footprint, robust exterior design, spacious interior, technology, and safety features are displayed at the 2024 Busan International Mobility Show (June 27-July7).

Local launch plans will be confirmed once Inster has been evaluated for the New Zealand market, says Hyundai New Zealand.

Teaser images and some details were earlier announced by Hyundai.

Inster has an extended body and wheelbase for more interior space and a rugged road presence, Hyundai says, listing 3825mm length, a 2580mm wheelbase, 1610mm width, and 1575mm height.

It can get to 100km/h from zero in 11.7 seconds for the Standard (which has a 140km/h top speed) and 10.6 seconds for the Long-Range (150km/h top speed).

“Inster punches well above its weight with distinctive design and an interior that maximises its potential in exciting, customer-centric ways,” says Hyundai design centre head and senior vice president Simon Loasby.

“With Inster we’re redefining what it means to drive a sub-compact EV.”

Energy consumption is estimated at 15.3kWh/100km (WLTP).

The Inster can charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes using a 120kW DC high-power charging station and it is equipped with an 11kW onboard charger as standard, while a battery heating system and high-efficiency heat pump are available.

AC charging is listed as four hours for the Standard and four hours 35 minutes for the Long-Range.

External and internal vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality provides power for external devices (110V/220V), allowing bi-directional charging without requiring additional equipment. This enables customers to freely use or charge devices such as electric bicycles, scooters and camping equipment, says the brand.

A multitude of advanced safety and driver assistance features are included, says Hyundai, adding that the Inster has 64-colour LED ambient lighting, a digital cluster, a one-touch sunroof and Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch (NFC) accessibility.

It has a LED daytime running light signature and pixel-graphic turn signals, tail lamp, and bumpers. Customers can further differentiate the car’s appearance with LED projection headlamps and a two-tone exterior with a contrasting black roof.

Either 15-inch steel wheels with covers, 15-inch alloy or 17-inch alloy wheels will be offered depending on specification.

A 10.25-inch digital cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation and a wireless charging dock forms part of a compact centre console.

The pixel theme is repeated inside, with graphics on the steering wheel boss, and the Inster also has customisable upper door trim garnishes.

Front row seating provides walk-through access, and all seats can be folded flat – including the driver’s seat. A front bench seat option and heated front seats and steering wheel are also available. The second-row seats are split 50/50 and slide and recline.

About 280 litres luggage space (up to 351 litres with sliding rear seats) is offered.

Exterior colour choices include Atlas White, Tomboy Khaki, Bijarim Khaki Matte and Unbleached Ivory, as well as several new hues such as Sienna Orange Metallic, Aero Silver Matte, Dusk Blue Matte, Buttercream Yellow Pearl, and Abyss Black Pearl. Some exterior colour choices will be available in two-tone combinations with a contrasting black roof.

Interior trim choices include Black, and Khaki Brown and Newtro Beige two-tone with full cloth trim.

Both the exterior and interior utilise sustainable materials.

The Inster’s exterior features black high gloss recycled paint, which replaces the carbon black pigment traditionally used in black paint with a colouring made from recycled waste tyres. Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from bottles and bio-polypropylene material extracted from sugarcane are used inside.

Insster will launch first in Korea, followed by Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific.

An additional variant the Inster Cross5 will later be added, featuring a more rugged, outdoor-focused design, says Hyundai.