Hyundai Inster EV makes global debut

With the launch of the new Inster EV SUV, a fully electric variant of the Casper subcompact crossover, Hyundai is extending the range of SUVs it offers. At the 2024 Busan International Mobility Show, the new A-segment sub-compact EV was presented and it will initially be available in Korea, followed by Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific markets.

Hyundai Inster EV: Dimensions and Design

The dimensions of the Inster are 3,825 mm in length, 1,610 mm in width, and 1,575 mm in height. Its wheelbase is 2,580 mm, and its wheel sizes range from 15 to 17 inches. The Inster borrows its design from the petrol-powered Casper introduced in 2021 but blended well with splashes of and EV.

The Hyundai Inster has a robust, well-built bodywork with streamlined lines, prominent fenders, and contemporary bumpers. The Inster's pixel-graphic turn signals, bumpers, and LED daytime running lights all contribute to its unique appearance. The Hyundai emblem is positioned in the centre of pixel-themed light bars that are mounted on the back of the Inster EV.

Atlas White, Tomboy Khaki, Bijarim Khaki Matte, Unbleached Ivory, and new colours Sienna Orange Metallic, Aero Silver Matte, Dusk Blue Matte, Buttercream Yellow Pearl, and Abyss Black Pearl are the exterior colour options for the Hyundai Inster. Some of these colours can be combined with a black roof to create a two-tone scheme.

Hyundai Inster EV: Powertrain

The Inster will be available in Standard and Long-Range variants. The base model has a single electric motor that produces 147 Nm of torque and 97 PS. It has claimed range of over 300 kilometres thanks to a 42kWh battery pack.

The Long Range variant boasts a more powerful 115 PS and 147Nm electric motor. This is paired with a somewhat bigger 49kWh battery pack for a WLTP range of 355 km. The Standard variant can sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in just 11.7 seconds while the Long-Range car can do the same in 10.6 seconds.

The Inster EV can charge from 10 to 80 percent using a 120 kW DC charger in around 30 minutes. In addition, an 11 kW on-board charger is included as standard equipment. A high-efficiency heat pump and battery heating system are other options. Power for external devices (110V/220V) is provided by internal and external Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities, enabling bi-directional charging without the need for extra equipment.

Hyundai Inster EV: Interior and Features

Inside, the dashboard and interior as a whole have a simple, contemporary design that is largely functional. Regarding features, the Inster EV has a big 10.25-inch infotainment screen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, auto temperature control, and a multipurpose steering wheel with a driving mode selector lever positioned on the steering column.

The Inster has 280 litres of luggage capacity, or up to 351 litres with the optional sliding rear seats. Bio-polypropylene derived from sugarcane and recycled polyethene terephthalate (PET) from bottles are used for upholstery. Lane-keep assist, lane following assist, blind spot collision avoidance assist, forward collision-avoidance assist 1.5 (FCA 1.5), and parking collision avoidance assist rear (PCA-R) are some of the driver assistance features available in the EV.

For now, Hyundai is currently only focused on bringing the Cret EV to India. Since the Kona EV has been taken off the Indian market for good, Hyundai's only EV offering is the Ioniq 5 and the brand is looking to expand its EV presence in the country. If the Inster EV does arrive, it will rival the likes of the Tata Punch EV and Citroen eC3.

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