Hyundai Inster Reviews

The Inster Cross, which is $45,000, lists at the top of the Inster tree, above the entry-level model, which comes as a Standard Range for $39,000, or an Extended Range for $42,500.The Inster nabs 15- or 17-inch wheels, dual 10.25-inch screens (one for the infotainment, another for driving info, a six-speaker stereo, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloth seats, two V2L connectors (one inside the cabin, the other outside), a wireless charging pad and rain-sensing wipers. The equipment list for the Extended Range is the same, but it rides on 17-inch alloys.Stepping up the Inster Cross scores you a unique and off-road-inspired look, but also leather trim inside, a unique design for its 17-inch alloys, heating and ventilation for the front seats and heating for the steering wheel, some extra safety kit and practicality perks, and the option of a sunroof or an exterior roof storage box, the latter of which seriously eats into the driving range.Both the Extended Range and the Cross get a bigger 49kWh battery, increasing the range to 360kms. But, that roof box… It does look cool, but you’re going to really need to carry stuff to choose that option, given it increases energy consumption by 25 per cent, reducing the Cross’s range to just 293km. 

The Hyundai Inster Extended Range ($42,500) shares mostly the same equipment list with the cheaper Standard Range, but scores a slightly more powerful motor, along with bigger battery, unlocking a better driving range. Standard Range cars get a 42kWh lithium-ion battery, producing a driving range of 327km.The Extended Range gets a bigger 49kWh battery, increasing the range to 360kms. The front-mounted motor’s outputs have been ticked up slightly, too, now producing 84kW and 147Nm.The Inster Extended Range nabs 17-inch wheels, dual 10.25-inch screens (one for the multimedia, another for driving info), a six-speaker stereo, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloth seats, two V2L connectors (one inside the cabin, the other outside), a wireless charging pad and rain-sensing wipers. 

The Inster is a bold new play for Hyundai - an all-electric micro SUV that packs plenty of practicality into its bite-sized dimensions. And with it, the Korean brand wades into waters currently patrolled by plenty of cheap Chinese rivals. So, does the Inster have what it takes?

It feels like a weekly occurrence; another challenger automotive brand from China releasing a new electric car pitched towards the entry-point of the Aussie market. But this time its a city-sized EV from South Korean giant Hyundai, with pure electric power and tonnes of personality. CarsGuide's Dominic Tripolone slipped behind the wheel for a pre-release drive.