Hyundai has officially launched its newest electric vehicle in Australia — the all-electric Hyundai Inster, and it’s already turning heads for all the right reasons. With a smart mix of urban agility, SUV practicality and modern tech, the Inster is Hyundai’s most compact EV yet, but it might just be the most important.
As Samantha Wong, Product Planning Assistant Manager at Hyundai Motor Company Australia, explained at the national launch:
“The Inster Electric is Hyundai’s newest nameplate, and it’s our most successful entry into the world of electric mobility… It’s a category-defining model that combines the efficiency and agility of a light car with the functionality and presence of a small SUV.”
Why It Works for Novated Leasing and Fleets
For novated lease buyers, the Inster is fully FBT exempt, which means employees can salary package the vehicle and enjoy significant tax savings — especially on the Standard Range variant starting at $39,000 MLP.
Andrew Tuitahi, Hyundai Australia’s Director of Product and Marketing, said there’s already interest from salary packaging clients.
“Certainly Kona and Ioniq 5 are our most popular novated leasing products… This one’s a little bit niche, but we think there’s absolutely a customer out there that wants a smaller EV that’s easy to park and manoeuvre.”
Fleets will find the Inster a tidy solution for urban and metro operations — from council staff to community support workers. It’s light, compact, easy to drive, and ticks all the boxes for sustainability reporting and cost of ownership.
Powertrains and Range
Two battery options are available, both front-wheel drive and with a single-speed reduction gear:
Standard Range
- 42kWh battery
- 71.1kW / 147Nm
- 327km WLTP range
- 0–100 km/h in 11.7s
Extended Range
- 49kWh battery
- 84.5kW / 147Nm
- 360km WLTP range
- 0–100 km/h in 10.6s
All models support 10.5kW AC charging (about 4–4.5 hours depending on battery size) and 120kW DC fast charging, giving you a 10–80% charge in just 30 minutes — perfect for time-poor drivers.
“The Inster supports up to 120 kilowatt DC fast charging… taking the battery from 10 to 80% in just 30 minutes,” said Wong. “It’s designed to fit seamlessly into your life, and that includes how quickly and easily it recharges.”
Technology and Comfort
Even the base model gets a long list of standard tech and safety features, including:
- Dual 10.25-inch screens (cluster + infotainment)
- Wireless phone charging
- Hyundai Bluelink™ Connected Services (free for 5 years)
- Sliding and reclining rear seats
- Regen braking via paddles
- Over-the-air updates
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Tyre mobility kit (no spare wheel)
The premium Inster Cross variant adds a rugged look, roof basket option, ambient lighting, heated/ventilated seats and privacy glass — making it ideal for outdoor types or branding as an ‘active’ fleet car.
Design and Dimensions
Despite being shorter than a Venue, the Inster offers more rear legroom — up to 88mm more — thanks to a longer wheelbase and clever interior packaging.
“It actually offers greater headroom than its larger siblings… and more rear legroom than either Venue or Kona Electric,” Wong noted. “This is not just another compact EV — it’s purpose-built for flexibility and usability.”
Visually, Inster leans into its EV identity with pixel-themed lights, bold surfaces and playful proportions. Hyundai has gone with what it calls a “chess set” design philosophy, meaning each EV in its line-up is intentionally different.
“We see it as a strength,” said Tuitahi. “All our products look different, but there are some distinct Hyundai design cues… The size itself is definitely going to be an appeal.”
Safety First, Always
Every Inster comes with Hyundai SmartSense™ safety, including:
- Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA 1.5)
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCCA)
- Driver Attention Warning
- Safe Exit Warning (SEW)
- In-Cabin Camera (ICC)
- 7 airbags including a front-centre airbag
The Inster Cross model adds extras like:
- Blind Spot View Monitor (BVM)
- Surround View Monitor (SVM)
- Parking Collision Avoidance-Reverse (PCA-R)
Tuitahi made it clear this wasn’t a place Hyundai wanted to cut corners:
“We’re not asking anybody to pay extra for safety… It’s the convenience features like the 360-degree camera that step up into the Cross, but safety is standard across the board.”
The Hyundai Inster is what the EV market — and fleet buyers — have been waiting for:affordable, practical, stylish and tax-smart. It brings a lot of sophistication in a small package, with just enough SUV vibe to appeal to Aussie buyers who still want a bit of presence on the road.
And with novated leasing making EVs more accessible than ever, the Inster’s timing is perfect.
“We’re not shying away from the fact this is a small car,” said Wong. “In fact, we’re proudly embracing it… because Inster doesn’t just fit the mold of a compact EV, it’s reshaping it.”
