TRIED AND TESTED
Hyundai Inster
Korean manufacturers are on a roll when it comes to their recent EVs – and Hyundai is hoping for a hit with its newest addition
TRIED AND TESTED
Hyundai Inster
Korean manufacturers are on a roll when it comes to their recent EVs – and Hyundai is hoping for a hit with its newest addition
Anyone with eyes can see that the small car market has diminished hugely in recent years. Manufacturers have pulled a number of previously dominant diesel and petrol players out of the market, but those that remain are enjoying some success – including Hyundai with the i10 and i20 models.
However, as the future is electric, the Korean brand understands the brief – transfer those small car customers from ICE to BEV – and the first model to help that shift is the Inster. Sitting in-between the likes of the Dacia Spring and Renault 5 in the A/B segment, Inster competes with a growing list of small electric vehicles. Beyond the two already mentioned, the small Hyundai is up against Citroën’s e-C3 and the 500e and Grande Panda from Fiat.
Taking certain design cues inside and out from the larger Ioniq 5 and 6 models from Hyundai, Inster is aiming to win over drivers with a cute and fun exterior, interior space and economy. Outside, the pixel graphical elements seen on the brand's other EVs are evident, mixed in with circular elements to add a certain element of charm. Inside, there’s a mature and sensibly laid-out interior, somewhat dominated by a brace of 10.25-inch screens – one driver display and one central panel. The large screens are easy to navigate and display all information in a clear and concise format. Voice recognition is supported, along with the ability to connect two devices via Bluetooth.
It might be small and relatively inexpensive, but that doesn’t prevent a very decent spec for all Insters, as well as an extensive suite of ADAS features. There is also the option of a digital key, enabling Inster drivers to unlock and start their car with their phone – an innovation that can be shared with up to 15 devices, with customisable profile settings for each individual user.
The 2,580mm wheelbase ensures that Inster feels much larger than it actually is, when you consider the dimensions of the compact car. Rear seats slide and recline for extra space, or when versatility is needed with boot space or rear room. All the seats fold flat to create an ideal surface for carrying large objects – another nod to the adaptability of the supermini – providing up to 1,059 litres of space in the process.
Powertrain-wise, there are two battery size and motor pairings; the 42kWh, 95hp ‘standard range’ unit and the 49kWh ‘long range’ pack with 115hp. Zero to 62mph times are modest – 11.7 seconds and 10.6 seconds respectively – but this car isn’t about performance. What you’re getting with Inster is efficiency, cost-effective motoring and a bit of fun. Theoretical driving ranges are 203 and 229 miles for the standard- and long-range versions; these figures being assisted by the inclusion of a battery heating system and heat pump. Vehicle-to-load technology is also available, while the onboard electronics also help to cut charging times – replenishing the battery from 10% to 80% takes around 30 minutes, helped by the Inster’s 11kW onboard charger.
Which model is right for you?
Hyundai is offering the Inster in nine exterior colours: three solid finishes, one metallic, two pearl and three matte options. Inside, entry-level models come with a black cloth interior as standard, with the option of black cloth or khaki brown cloth interior on other cars.
There are two grades of Inster available – 01 and 02. The entry-level model comes equipped with 15-inch alloys, smartphone connectivity, over-the-air updates, rear parking sensors and rear-view camera, and smart cruise control. Other standard features on the Inster 01, which is priced from £23,495, include automatic headlights, smart key with keyless entry, leather steering wheel and heated door mirrors.
Step up to the 02 (priced from £26,745) and drivers will benefit from larger (17-inch) wheels, front parking sensors, LED front and rear lights, privacy glass and roof rails. Inside, other standard kit includes LED multifunction steering wheel lights, ambient lighting, fold-flat seats and a sliding rear bench. Other comfort features incorporate heated front seats and steering wheel, automatically dimming rear-view mirror and a wireless charging pad.
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EXPERIENCE
Hyundai Inster
VERDICT
Inster arrives at a promising time for Hyundai, because it is still riding on the crest of a wave from the Ioniq 5 (and 5N) and Ioniq 6, so another EV from the brand will get a lot of attention. There is also a renewed interest in – and a growing number of – small EVs, which offer great efficiency (we managed 4.3mpkWh), reasonable range and a dose of fun. In the same way as the Renault 5 brings a smile to the face, the Inster is charming, but also capable, comfortable and ideally suited to the urban environment. The Koreans certainly have another winner on their hands.
