With newer cars getting progressively bigger and more gargantuan than the last one, it’s nice to see carmakers still focusing on petite models. The latest brand to downsize is Hyundai, with its newest INSTER sub-compact EV. It genuinely is really tiny, with a wheelbase that’s just over 2.5 metres long, totalling 3.8 metres in overall length. Yet, despite its compact size, the INSTER still promises optimised interior packaging and the best all-electric range in its segment! You’d be able to order one pretty soon too, with the INSTER’s unveiling sometime this summer.
The new Hyundai INSTER is built with the same design language and style as the South Korean-only Hyundai CASPER, unveiled back in 2021. But, unlike the CASPER, the INSTER is available for European markets, and purely as an electric-only model. Stepping inside, you might be forgiven for thinking that the INSTER is a lot larger than it actually seems. The front-row seats have walk-through access, and you can option it with bench seating. Or, if you need maximal cargo capacity, all seats in the INSTER can be folded flat for more space, even the driver’s seat.
Small In Size, But Pretty Sizeable At Heart
For a compact A-segment city car, it’s also surprising to see how well the packaging of the new INSTER is. Hyundai will offer two battery sizes; a 42kWh battery pack as standard, and a larger long-range 49kWh battery as an option. Respectively, Hyundai will thus pair them with varying single-motor powertrains; a 71.1kW (97PS) motor in the base trim, or an 84.5kW (115PS) motor with the long-range battery. Regardless, you’re still getting the same 147Nm of torque. Should you opt for the long-range model, the INSTER promises a respectable 355km of EV range.
With an estimated energy efficiency of 15.3kWh per 100km, the INSTER is supremely very efficient and has a really good endurance too, particularly for a rather compact EV. When your INSTER’s battery dies, recharging it takes little to no time, as well. Using a 120kW DC charger, the new Hyundai INSTER could charge from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes, and it also comes with an 11kW onboard charger by default. Moreover, you could optionally spec your INSTER with battery heating systems and a high-efficiency heat pump to further maximise your range.
A Lot Of Tech Wrapped Up In A Tiny Package
Another cool addition is V2L (vehicle-to-load) capability, an unexpected inclusion in a compact EV. This means you can now unlock bi-directional charging, or provide power for 110V or 220V devices. So, if you need to power up a small campsite or charge up your electric scooter, you’d be able to do so with the Hyundai INSTER. Tech-wise, you get a lot of it inside the INSTER, too. This includes a 10.25-inch infotainment system and a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, which is then complemented with built-in satnav, and a wireless charging pad for your phone, too.
Elsewhere, Hyundai offers a one-touch sunroof and a digital NFC key. The INSTER further has a plethora of ADAS systems, such as a surround-view camera system, blind-spot view monitor, or a collision avoidance system. Additionally, there’s lane-keep assist, highway driving assist, smart cruise control, and much more. Hyundai will launch the INSTER first in Korea, and it’ll be followed by Europe rather soon. On top of that, a more rugged and outdoorsy-focused model, called the INSTER CROSS, will join the line-up sometime in the future, if that’s your style.
