Hyundai Motor has announced the upcoming launch of its ‘sub-compact’ Inster EV, with the adventure-focused crossover model confirmed for Australia from early 2025.
The Korean car maker confirmed the Inster’s design, which builds on the Korean-market Casper model released in 2021, focuses on offering maximum space despite its pint-sized footprint.
At 3825mm long, 1610mm wide and 1575mm high – similar in size to a three-door Suzuki Jimny – the Inster is every bit a city car but its interior has been optimised to offer impressive access.
Hyundai says the INSTER has ‘walk-through access’ across the front row, while all seats can be folded flat for increased space – or a mattress if you’re adventurous enough.
Based on earlier reports, the Inster is powered by a single motor producing 71kW/147Nm in the base model and 84kW/147Nm in the long range option. The standard version gets a 42kWh battery and the long-range model scores a 49kWh unit.
Long range models will be capable of up to 355 km on a single charge and Hyundai says they can be re-juiced from 10 to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes using 120kW DC fast charging.
The Inster also features vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality without additional equipment, providing power for 110v/220v external devices like electric bicycles, scooters or camping equipment.
For the Cross variant, Hyundai has confirmed rectangular front and rear bumpers with blacked-out features, as well as skid plates front and back for added off-road protection. The Inster Cross will ride on 17-inch alloy wheels and gets an exclusive ‘Amazonas Green Matte’ paint option.
Roof racks will also come as standard with the option to add a roof basket, to offer additional cargo-carrying capabilities.
The Inster also offers a full ADAS package, including Highway Driving Assist 1.5, Smart Cruise Control, and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5.
Pricing is yet to be confirmed, but Fleet EV News expects it will come in under $40,000 offering zero-emission competition for adventurous compact SUVs like the Suzuki Jimny.
