Breaking the trend for larger vehicles in EV motoring, the compact new model from Hyundai helps city drivers with small frame filled with big features. As a brand their EV range has proved exceptionally popular with drivers, with models like the award winning IONIQ 5.
There's very little choice in these urban cars at the moment, so the INSTER could be perfectly poised to help make urban life easier for EV driver looking of a small second car, or something for family to drive. Now that the Honda e has left the new car market, and the Smart #1 moving from the original small 2 door car to something that is larger than a VW Polo, the only current competitor is a Fiat 500e.
Hyundai Motor Company today unveiled the all-electric INSTER, 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.
INSTER’s bold design combines a futuristic, innovative image with a spacious interior in a small 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. Its compact size helps provide increased efficiency compared with larger models. 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 maneuverability 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 Center. "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 small 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. Helping it shine through with its LED daytime running light signature and pixel-graphic turn signals, tail lamp, and bumpers. 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. Customers can customise the car’s appearance with LED projection headlamps. Either 15-inch steel with wheel covers, 15-inch alloy or 17-inch alloy wheels will be offered depending on specification. With exterior color choices including 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 color 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 coloring made from recycled waste tires. Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from bottles and bio-polypropylene material extracted from sugarcane are used inside.
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 42 kWh battery as standard, INSTER is also available with a Long-Range 49 kWh battery as an option. Both models are powered by a single motor that delivers 71.1 kW (97 PS) in the base variant and 84.5 kW (115 PS) in the Long-Range car. Both versions offer 147 Nm of torque.
With a segment-leading projected range of 220 miles (WLTP) on a single charge for the Long-Range model, INSTER redefines what is possible from a small urban EV. 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 11 kW on-board charger as standard, while a battery heating system and high-efficiency heat pump are available.
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.