What's the difference?
There are really only four things you need to know about the all-new Hyundai Inster. It's small outside, yet surprisingly big inside. It's all electric. It's cute as a button. And it's as practical as a Swiss army knife.
Actually, there's one more thing. It's cheap for an EV. But it's still not that cheap, given the wave of cut-price Chinese product now on our shores.
So, can the Hyundai Inster carve itself a slice of the entry-level EV market?
Volkswagen’s new-generation Multivan is the brand’s family-oriented bus, and having just been to its Australian launch the people mover feels more high-end and somehow more practical than ever. But something has changed and it’s only now that it feels as though the final piece of the Multivan puzzle has been found and this van is complete.
Volkswagen’s entire vehicle range is mind-bogglingly big. From hatchbacks, wagons and SUVs to vans and buses, they all have two things in common - a high-quality feel and practicality. The Multivan has always adhered to this theme, as well.
Now, the new-generation Multivan has arrived and it’s clear Volkswagen has stuck to the same recipe of premium and practical, but there’s been a big change in the way it drives thanks to the decision to stop building the van on a truck-like platform and start building it on one used for cars.
You can read more about this below or watch my reaction to piloting the Multivan in my video.
Keep reading for more on the new-gen Multivan.
The target market for the Inster isn't huge, and Hyundai knows it won't be a runaway best-seller for the brand. But those in the market for a bite-sized EV will find the Inster feels bigger, and drives better, than they might expect.
The Australian launch of the new generation Multivan was confined to the Life grade with the 2.0-litre diesel engine. Later in 2025 the Style grade will arrive bringing a hybrid powertrain and even more features. We’ll be able to test both more thoroughly once we have them in the CarsGuide garage.
From this first drive, however, it's clear that while slightly pricier than its Kia Carnival rival the new generation Multivan is more practical than ever, and now that it rides on a car platform, far better to drive.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.