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VM Test Drive Report Hyundai Inster: Cool Model with Space and Performance

In South Korea, the Hyundai Casper, with its cool 80s design, is one of the most sought-after small cars. Now the electric version as Inster is coming to Europe. This is how casual an electric small car can be - and how spacious.

Googly eyes design for a city-friendly appearance. | Photo: Hyundai
Googly eyes design for a city-friendly appearance. | Photo: Hyundai
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Admittedly, the new Hyundai Inster is not really cheap and does not intend to be. However, the base price of under 23,000 euros is quite a statement, as most European competitors can only dream of such an entry-level model with a plug. The Casper twin is undeniably purely electric, but primarily its rounded, cute design with light SUV touches makes it a real eye-catcher in traffic.

Retro memories of the 1980s, pixelated clock radios, and Polaroid photos are far from accidental, while the Inster carries no classic ambitions within it. Instead, it wants to be part of Asian pop culture with extroverted design, clever details, and nice ideas, without indulging in automotive cubism. Compared to the extremely successful Casper in South Korea, it offers an identical design and a length increase of almost 25 centimeters to 3.83 meters.

This not only brings more wheelbase and thus space for a battery pack up to 49 kWh in the underbody, but also more living space in the rear and balanced driving behavior. Despite its manageable dimensions, even adults up to 1.90 meters tall can sit there – including their own doors.

Small on the outside, spacious inside: Original Mini virtues

It looks quite different with the significantly more expensive competition like the Mini Cooper E (28,150 euros) or the Opel Corsa E (29,900 euros), and at most the Citroen e-C3 (from 23,300 euros) and the recently noticeably price-reduced Fiat 500 Electric (24,990 euros) can compete in this environment without standing out as much. As characterful on the inside as it is on the outside, the Hyundai Inster presents itself with plenty of space in the front and back, clear 10.25-inch displays, and simple operation via direct selection buttons – exactly how you would want a modern-day electric small car to be. 

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Micro-Camper: All seats are foldable

The fact that the round front headlights in the base variant still glow yellowish in halogen technology is one of the few annoyances. In return, there are storage compartments everywhere, practical hooks, and comfort details like air-conditioned seats or an optional panoramic roof for light and air. All four seats can be folded down if needed, accommodating a short camping experience or a quick work session in the parking lot—not just during the next charging stop. The load volume can be expanded from 238 to 351 liters by folding down and sliding the rear seat back by 16 centimeters.

Almost 1,100 liters of trunk space

Once the second row is folded down, up to 1,059 liters are available. Conveniently, like the larger models, the Inster can also be opened and closed via a smartphone. The pixel taillights are hinted at with four square diodes on the steering wheel, and if there are any type of warning messages, the ambient lighting flashes atmospherically in time while the comfortable suspension and direct steering ensure the driver is in a good mood.

Two Batteries and Two Motors

The drive portfolio is simple, clear, and consistent. The entry-level version offers a combination of a small 42 kWh battery pack and a 71 kW / 97 hp electric motor on the front axle. Not only in terms of range, the stronger variant with 85 kW / 115 hp / 147 Nm and a 49 kWh battery is likely to find greater demand. Then, the mini electric vehicle from South Korea runs on its 15-inch wheels, which can be inflated to 17 inches upon request, reaching a speed of 150 km/h on the highway.

Unusual: Fast Charger with 85 kW - it's enough here

The battery pack in the underbody of the Inster charges from 10 to 80 percent at a fast charger in about half an hour – unfortunately, the charging speed at 85 kilowatts is rather slow. With a standard consumption of 15.3 kWh per 100 kilometers, the large battery pack enables ranges of up to 370 kilometers. However, no one needs more in this micro-league. Incidentally, the Inster offers a vehicle-to-load function for external devices with 230 volts both inside and outside, thus enabling bidirectional charging of e-bikes, electric scooters, or camping equipment.

Stefan Grundhoff; press-inform

Technical Specifications: Hyundai Inster Long Range
Engine: Electric, front
Power: 85 kW / 115 HP
Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h: 10.6 seconds
Top speed: 150 km/h
Battery pack: 49 kWh
Drive: Front
Range: 370 km
Standard consumption: 15.1 kWh / 100 km
Load capacity: 280 – 1,059 liters
Curb weight: approx. 1,400 kg / Gross weight: 1,745 kg
Price: from 23,000 euros

Translated automatically from German.
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