Maximilian Stocker
With its length of 3.83 meters, the Hyundai Inster, which is based on the combustion engine model Casper (previously only available in Korea), is clearly a city runabout and at home in the A segment. However, the stretched wheelbase and the rear doors make it suitable for everyday use. The manufacturer specifies the trunk volume as 351 liters or a maximum of 1,059 liters with the second row of seats folded down. The rear seats can be moved lengthways and the passenger seat backrest can also be folded down. The Inster will initially be launched as a four-seater, with a version with five seats to follow in 2025.
The cockpit looks modern and has two 10.25-inch screens. The front footwell is free of a center console. Buttons and controls can be found high up in the middle of the dashboard, and the gearshift lever is on the steering wheel. This creates an airy feeling of space in the small electric dwarf. The driver and front passenger sit on a shared bench and are only separated from each other by the cup holders integrated into the seats and a movable armrest. There is ambient lighting for the eye. Hyundai also equips the Inster with an inductive charging cradle, USB-C ports, a one-touch sunroof and steering wheel and seat heating. The rounded air vents, on the other hand, look like a relic from the 1990s.
Up to 355 kilometers range
The fact that the Inster can be used for more than just the city is shown by the maximum possible number of kilometers, which also makes a trip to the country possible. But for that you have to go for the Longe Range model. The electric motor here produces 115 hp and 147 Newton meters of torque. This means you can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 10.6 seconds and can travel at a maximum of 150 km/h. The built-in 49 kWh battery can be recharged with 11 kW AC or 120 kW DC in 30 minutes (10 to 80 percent).
In addition to the Longe Range model, a Standard Range version is also available. Here the electric unit is slightly weaker (96 hp). The sprint from zero to 100 km/h takes 11.7 seconds and tops out at 140 km/h. The smaller 42 kWh battery has a maximum range of 300 kilometers. The charging power and charging time are identical to the larger unit.
Interesting optics
As usual, Hyundai always comes up with something new and unique when it comes to design. The Inster, like its combustion-engine brother Casper, has an exciting and thrilling design language to stand out on the road. Hyundai mixes together numerous elements from a wide range of vehicle classes. At the front, directly below the hood, there is a black panel with the brand logo and separate LED pixels that take on the function of the indicators. Below this, also in black, is a closed unit with circular and optional LED lights. In the combustion engine, this unit is actually the actual radiator grille and is therefore open. A silver-colored bracket as underbody protection exudes SUV vibes. The roof pillars are steep and wide, painted in the vehicle color and, together with the roof rails, ensure a robust look. The LED pixels of the taillights are flush with the shape of the rear window. As at the front, other round, darkened lights can be found at the bottom of the apron. Here, too, the manufacturer has placed the suggested underrun protection.
The exact market launch of the new all-electric Hyundai Inster has not yet been determined. However, the price for the standard range version is already known: This is expected to start at around 25,000 euros.
© Motorsport Magazine