HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY TODAY UNVEILED the all-electric Inster (once again, we won’t follow the policy of all-caps), a new A-segment sub-compact EV offering unique design, segment-leading driving range and versatility, and advanced technology at the 2024 Busan International Mobility Show.
Speaking personally, we love its quirky appeal and unique design, once again demonstrating Hyundai’s willingness to take chances and emerging design language. Although we’re not so sure about the strange name.
Inster’s bold design combines a futuristic, innovative image with a spacious interior in a compact SUV body. With a sophisticated technology package that helps deliver safe, refined driving, Inster offers fast charging and the best all-electric range (AER) in its segment, at up to 355 km.
Inster delivers eco-friendly flexibility, as well as agile driving dynamics and seamless connectivity. Its compact positioning provides increased efficiency compared with larger models.
Bold exterior design and unique features
Building on the design legacy of the Korea-only, petrol-powered Casper introduced in 2021, the Inster’s styling evolution is underpinned by an extended body and wheelbase to deliver more interior space and a rugged road presence.
With its expanded dimensions, Inster is positioned squarely between traditional A-segment sub-compact city cars and larger B-segment compact models. This offers the manoeuvrability and ease of use buyers expect with enhanced practicality and flexibility thanks to a more spacious interior and improved luggage capacity. Compared with larger models from the segment above, the Inster’s compact dimensions make it ideal for city driving and boost convenience when parking.
“With Inster, we’ve taken the small SUV image to a bold new place for the global audience,” said Simon Loasby, Senior Vice President and Head of the Hyundai Design Centre. ” Inster punches well above its weight with distinctive design and an interior that maximizes its potential in exciting, customer-centric ways. With Inster we’re redefining what it means to drive a sub-compact EV.”
Inster’s exterior design is characterized by its robust yet compact SUV profile and flush, clean surfaces, with the car’s strong fenders, a high-tech, circuit board-style bumper and a bold skid plate enhancing the Inster’s front and rear designs.
Inster’s personality shines through with its 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 with wheel covers, 15-inch alloy or 17-inch alloy wheels will be offered depending on specification.
Interior versatility and advanced materials
Inside, Inster provides enhanced technology and convenience with a 10.25-inch digital cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation and a wireless charging dock that forms part of a compact centre console designed to create a greater sense of spaciousness.
The pixel theme is repeated inside, with graphics on the Inster’s steering wheel boss reinforcing the car’s high-tech image. The interior design also features customizable upper door trim garnishes for owners to further personalize their vehicle.
Inster’s interior offers versatility and spaciousness, with the front row seating providing walk-through access. All seats can be folded flat – including the driver’s seat – for increased flexibility. 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.
Inster’s 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 utilize 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.
Fast charging capability and segment-leading range
Inster excels with its DC charging speed and maximum AER, enabling customers to spend less time charging, travel further and take full advantage of the energy at their disposal.
Equipped with a 42kWh battery as standard, Inster is also available with a Long-Range 49kWh battery as an option. Both models are powered by a single motor that delivers 71.1kW in the base variant and 84.5kW in the Long-Range car. Both versions offer 147Nm of torque.
With a segment-leading projected range of 355 km (WLTP) on a single charge for the Long-Range model, Inster redefines what is possible from a sub-compact urban EV, delivering impressive flexibility with an estimated energy consumption of 15.3kWh/100 km (WLTP).
When using a 120 kW DC High-Power charging station, Inster can charge from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes under optimal conditions. Inster also comes equipped with an 11kW on-board charger as standard, while a battery heating system and high-efficiency heat pump are available.
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.
Sophisticated technology and convenience features
Alongside its driving range and charging, Inster offers a wealth of cutting-edge technology, including a multitude of advanced safety and driver assistance features. Inster also features 64-color LED ambient lighting, a digital cluster, a one-touch sunroof and Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch (NFC) accessibility.
Hyundai’s new A-segment sub-compact urban EV offers the most complete technology package in the segment, including comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features such as a Surround View Monitor (SVM), Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist Rear (PCA-R), Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM) and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5 (FCA 1.5).
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Lane Following Assist (LFA) are also offered, plus Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Safety Exit Warning (SEW), Smart Cruise Control (SCC) w/ Stop and Go, Highway Driving Assist 1.5 (HDA 1.5), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), High Beam Assist (HBA), Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA) and Rear Occupant Alert (ROA).
The ADAS Parking System combines Parking Distance Warning (PDW) Front and Rear with a Rear-View Monitor (RVM) for greater visibility.
Global rollout with additional model on the way
Inster will launch first in Korea this summer, followed by Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific in due course. Most equipment and technologies will come fitted as standard, with enhanced convenience and design features available optionally. Specifications will be confirmed closer to launch.
An additional variant, called Inster Cross, will join the Inster family in the future, featuring a more rugged, outdoor-focused design. Further details will be announced at a later date.