Hyundai launches the Inster, an electric people's car starting at 20,000 euros

Hyundai has unveiled its first all-electric compact car as announced: At the Busan International Mobility Show 2024, the Korean company revealed the A-segment model, which aims to impress with its SUV design, versatile and spacious interior, fast-charging technology, and a range of up to 355 kilometers. Based on the design of the Hyundai Casper introduced in 2021 and offered only in South Korea, the Inster differs with a longer body and an extended wheelbase. This provides more interior space and greater visual presence.

With a length of 3.82 meters, a slim width of 1.61 meters, a height of 1.57 meters, and a wheelbase of 2.58 meters, the compact car falls between traditional A-segment city cars and larger B-segment models. It aims to offer a spacious interior and higher cargo volume (up to 351 liters according to VDA standard), in addition to being more agile and space-saving in urban traffic. 

Ample Space on a Small Footprint

Inside, a digital cockpit with a 10.3-inch display and a similarly sized 10.3-inch touchscreen with a navigation system provide the driver and passengers with all essential information. The compact center console is designed to improve the sense of space and includes a smartphone tray with wireless charging functionality. The shift-by-wire gear selector is located directly on the steering column to create additional space. The continuous front seat row offers especially easy access to both driver and passenger seats.

The highlight of the model: All seats, including the driver's seat, can be folded down, and the 50:50 split rear seats can be moved up to 16 centimeters in length. When the rear seats are upright, the trunk capacity is 280 liters, which increases to 351 liters with the seats pushed forward and to 1,059 liters when the rear seats are folded down.

Two Battery Sizes, Up to 355 Kilometers Range

The electric compact car is offered in two battery variants. A 42-kWh battery is standard, with an optional 49-kWh battery. Each is powered by a single electric motor, producing 71 kW (97 hp) with the base battery and 85 kW (115 hp) with the 49-kWh option. Torque is 147 Nm in both versions. The standard sprint from 0-100 km/h is accomplished quickly enough in 11.7 and 10.6 seconds, respectively.

With the 49 kWh battery, the Korean electric vehicle can travel up to 355 km (WLTP) on a single charge, with an estimated energy consumption of 15.3 kWh/100 km (WLTP). At a fast-charging station, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes. For charging at wall boxes and AC stations, the vehicle is also equipped as standard with an 11 kW (3-phase) onboard charger. A battery heating system and a heat pump are intended to optimize charging times and range. Additionally, the model features a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function inside and outside the vehicle for external devices (230 volts), enabling bidirectional charging.