The Hyundai Inster Checks Numerous Boxes but Misses the Key One: Review | Carscoops

      The success of the Hyundai Inster may be hindered by its compact size and elevated price.

      by Brad Anderson

      PROS ›› Attractive design, roomy interior, smooth ride

      CONS ›› Too compact for some, average range, costly

      Few traditional automakers have embraced the shift to electric vehicles as eagerly or swiftly as the Hyundai Motor Group. The South Korean group has launched a number of appealing EVs across its Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands, demonstrating its commitment to electrification.

      While many of Hyundai's new electric cars and crossovers are built on EV-specific platforms, the Inster differs slightly. Instead of being based on the E-GMP platform like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, it represents an electric variant of the Hyundai Casper sold in South Korea, utilizing the more fundamental Hyundai-Kia K1 platform.

      The Inster is also Hyundai's smallest electric vehicle, targeting competition from Chinese models such as the BYD Dolphin, GWM Ora, and MG 4, as well as the new Renault 5. This segment is highly competitive, so it needs to perform well to succeed.

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      Photos by Brad Anderson/Carscoops

      Prices and Competitors

      In Australia, the starting price for the Inster is AU$39,000 (approximately $26,000) for the entry-level Standard Range model we reviewed. However, after factoring in additional costs, this price rises to AU$43,646 ($29,000). Hyundai also offers the Inster with an Extended Range battery pack, starting at AU$42,500 ($28,300) before costs, and in the Inster Cross variant, beginning at AU$45,000 ($30,000).

      For a vehicle of this size, these prices are quite high. The Inster starts about AU$6,000 ($4,000) more than the basic GWM Ora Standard Range and is AU$3,000 ($2,000) pricier than the MG 4 Excite 51. It also costs around AU$9,000 ($6,000) more than the entry-level BYD Dolphin. Furthermore, it's slightly more expensive than the two-door Fiat 500e, which starts at AU$38,990 ($26,000). However, when initially launched, the 500e had a starting price of AU$52,500 ($35,000), but sluggish sales prompted Fiat to significantly drop its price.

      So, what do you receive for your investment in an Inster? To begin, the base model comes with a compact 42 kWh battery, while the Extended Range model features a larger 49 kWh pack. Hyundai claims a driving range of 327 km (203 miles) for the 42 kWh version and 360 km (224 miles) for the 49 kWh model.

      All versions are equipped with the same front-mounted electric motor, with the base model offering 95 hp (71 kW) and 147 Nm (108 lb-ft) of torque, while the top variant produces 84.5 kW (113 hp) and 147 Nm (108 lb-ft).

      Photos by Brad Anderson/Carscoops

      A Spacious Interior?

      As I approached my week of testing the Inster, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was immediately taken with the quirky interior and, more importantly, the clever design that manages to create a remarkably spacious cabin despite its compact dimensions.

      The Inster does not feature the single widescreen display found in other Hyundai vehicles; instead, it has a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an infotainment display of the same size located atop the dashboard. Although the screens may seem a bit outdated, the manufacturer has retained a dedicated manual control panel for the climate settings, including nice rocker switches for adjusting temperature and fan speed.

      Underneath the HAC controls, there is a wireless smartphone charger and a flat floor. While the Inster is very short and narrow, it has a tall profile. As someone who is 6’2”, I found approximately three inches of headroom, with ample legroom in the front.

      However, the compact design means there's no center console between the front seats, just a pair of cupholders and a foldable armrest, reminiscent of older Nissan Micras. Soft-touch materials are largely absent from the door panels and dashboard, detracting from the overall quality feel of the cabin. Considering the price, higher quality materials would be appreciated.

      The thoughtful design of the Inster is especially evident in the back row. Although there are only two seats at the rear, they can slide forward and backward. When the rear seats are positioned as far back as possible, I experienced almost five full inches of legroom with the driver’s seat adjusted to my liking, comparable to the rear legroom in an Ioniq 5, despite the Inster’s smaller size.

      Additionally, the rear seats are designed with a hinge