Hyundai confirms new Inster EV for Australia

Not content to let emerging brands own the electric car space, this major manufacturer will hit back with a cut-price car.

Hyundai has revealed its pint-sized Inster electric SUV, confirming an Australian arrival early next year and a price around $40,000.

The cutesy five-door four-seater will rival the ever-growing number of cheapie Chinese EVs which have flooded our market.

Hyundai has confirmed that the Inster electric car will come to Australia. Photo: Supplied

The new Inster could even challenge for the title of Australia’s most affordable EV, currently held by GWM’s Ora at $35,990 drive away.

Other key rivals include the BYD Dolphin ($36,890), MG4 ($39,990 drive-away) and MG ZS EV ($39,990 drive-away).

For many Australian buyers, Hyundai – as our fifth best-selling brand – will feel a safer harbour than Chinese marques relatively fresh to our market.

The Inster will be the smallest car in Hyundai showrooms. Photo: Supplied

This may prove decisive for those making their first leap from petrol or diesel to electric.

Unveiled today at Korea’s Busan Mobility Show, the Inster EV is only slightly longer than a Fiat 500 or Suzuki Ignis, but on first sit-in, offers decent cabin space for four and technology including two 10.25-inch screens, wireless phone charging and a raft of safety and driver assistance features.

Aimed squarely at urban users, the Inster has relatively short full electric driving range. Australia receives two battery options – a 42kWh with 305km range, and 49kWh Long Range giving 355km between charges.

The Hyundai Inster electric car has a modern cabin. Photo: Supplied

The smaller battery feeds a single front-mount motor to deliver 71kW and 147Nm, meaning it’ll labour to 100km/h in 11.7 seconds.

Cars with the larger battery see numbers improve to 85kW, 147Nm and 10.6 seconds to 100km/h.

We’re promised both batteries charge from 10-80 per cent in 30 minutes when using a 120kW or higher public DC charger. An 11kW on-board charger comes standard with the car for home and AC charging.

The interior makes extensive use of recycled material. Photo: Supplied

We were able to explore a static display of Insters at the Busan show, featuring the two grades confirmed for Australia: a base model and Premium higher grade.

It feels familiarly Hyundai inside – well laid out and with user-friendly panoramic screens – but some of the trim’s sustainable materials, including recycled bottles and sugarcane, feel hard and too thin.

While final Australian specs aren’t confirmed, even the entry-level with cloth seats has the twin screens, navigation, heated steering wheel, heated front seats and drive mode selector.

The Premium grade brings soft-touch faux leather, ventilated seats and a sunroof.

The Inster is a close relative of the Hyundai Casper. Photo: Supplied

All Insters feature handy Vehicle-To-Load (V2L) functionality, with external and internal power points to charge or power the likes of electric bikes, laptops and camping equipment.

With no transmission tunnel blocking the way, front row seating has walk-through access like Hyundai’s larger Ioniq 5 EV.

All seats can be folded flat – including the driver’s.

Only two rear chairs will put off some Australian buyers, but the two seats are wide, recline, and offer good headroom. Seats slide on runners for impressive legroom, but at the expense of boot space – dropping from a not-large 351L to a challenging 280L.

EMBARGO 10.45AM THURS JUN 27: 2024 Hyundai Inster electric car. Photo: Supplied

The Inster’s size means it’s best suited to empty-nesters, young professionals or as an EV second car.

Safety includes radar cruise control, rear cross traffic collision avoidance, blind spot monitor, lane keep and surround-view monitor.

The Inster’s distinctive design should help its case. Hyundai’s EV-signature pixel graphic turn signals join circular LED daytime running lights, while boxy arches and high roof give it chunky urban style.

The Hyundai Inster has pixel-like brake lights. Photo: Supplied

The base model has 15-inch wheels (steel or alloy) while the higher grade scores funky cross-like design 17-inchers, although the latter sacrifices some driving range.

Exterior colours include Tomboy Khaki, Sienna Orange and Buttercream Yellow Pearl, with some available with contrasting black roof. The interior can be black, brown or beige.

Hyundai Australia’s Guido Schenken said the Inster was an “Exciting and important new entry model in Hyundai’s EV line-up, offering Australian more affordable electric motoring: it’s the right time for this car.”

Hyundai has not finalised prices for the Inster. Photo: Supplied

An additional Inster Cross variant with a more rugged, outdoor-focused design was also locked in for Australia, arriving at a later date.

The Inster EV goes on sale in Europe late in 2024, with a target price of 25,000 Euros ($40,000). Hyundai Australia will likely want a sub-$40,000 starting price to stay competitive against the Chinese EV alternatives.

Originally published as Hyundai confirms new Inster EV for Australia