2025 Hyundai Inster Review

It’s no secret there is a MAJOR onslaught of cheap Chinese electric cars entering into the Australian market.

No less than 10 new Chinese EV brands alone are coming to Australia, including Zeekr and XPeng, and established brands like BYD with its Dolphin, GWM with its Ora and Chery with its OMODA E5 are bringing the heat to brands like Hyundai by introducing their EV’s at almost unbelievably low prices.

Seeing this, Hyundai is bringing it’s smallest electric car ever - and one of its smallest SUVs ever - to Australia. And it’s this, the Hyundai Inster.

Unveiled in front of us at the Busan Auto Show, we’ve flown all the way to South Korea to drive a pre-production version of the Hyundai Inster before it lands in Australia in late 2024 or early 2025.

And honestly, if you thought it was all-over for these established brands - the Inster might just change your mind.

Let’s review the Hyundai Inster!

How much does the Hyundai Inster cost?

Official pricing is yet to be determined for Australia, but based on some internal and off-record whispers, we can expect the Inster to start at around $40,000 australian dollars for the smaller 42kWh battery variant.

While the trim-levels are yet to be determined, there will be at least 2 different battery options available: a standard range 42kWh battery and a long range 49kWh battery.

2025 Hyundai Inster Pricing:

• Standard Range - approximately $40,000
• Long Range - To be determined

Note: We will update the pricing details closer to the Australian local launch.

What’s the exterior like of the Hyundai Inster?

If you feel like you’ve seen the Inster before, it’s probably because it is heavily based on the Casper A-Segment SUV currently sold in Korea.

However, it has been nipped and tucked in all the right ways.

First of all, while still being tiny, it has a longer wheelbase than the Casper by a significant 180mm. 

At 3,825mm long, 1,610mm wide and 1,575mm tall, the Inster remains suitably tiny which frankly is perfect for urban and inner city environments.

The front has been slapped with a bunch of parametric pixels, and looks all the better for it. It also has large circular daytime running lights, which house its bright LED lights as well. 

The side looks like a Suzuki Ignis; essentially, a 4x4 that never was. 

The Inster comes with either 15-inch steel wheels, 15-inch alloy wheels or 17-inch alloy wheels. It has integrated doorhandles in the C-pillar for a more seamless look, and large windows for such a small SUV.

The rear again is dotted with parametric pixels and large LED lightbar, with large fender flares from the side. It’s also got a nice flat profile, again with a large rear window for such a small car.

Overall, the styling of the Inster is frankly epic. It’s unique, looks great and has functional elements not necessarily seen in small SUV’s of this size.

What’s the interior like of the Hyundai Inster?

While the interior lacks a lot of the soft-touch materials found in competitors at this price point, like the GWM Ora or BYD Dolphin, it is certainly more than makes up for it in design and practicality.

Not to mention, Hyundai says much of their interior is made from recycled PET materials like the IONIQ 6 sedan. Even the black exterior paint, should you option it, is partially made using recycled tyres.

Firstly, I didn’t know you could stick so many different crevices and cracks inside of a car’s interior - but Hyundai have done just that.

In front of the passenger is a large open storage space, also housing a USB-A port, USB-C port and 180W 12V socket.

There is a dedicated area for a mobile phone in the centre console with a fast-charging wireless charging pad.

Below that is a deep open storage area, and because of the lack of transmission tunnel, there is a large, flat open floor between the driven and passenger.

It certainly turns what could otherwise be a claustrophobic space into something open and strangely airy. 

There are some interesting design quirks, like a colourful ovular insert on the door which can be swapped out for different styles through the removal of a couple of oversized phillips head screws.

You can also get the seats in a plaid-like cloth material, though the basic cloth seats I sat in were just fine with ample support for an hour long driving session.

The seats are also heated on higher trims, too.

Technology is fantastic too, with dual 10.25” digital displays. The infotainment screen has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the digital instrument display in front of the driver is something we’ve seen now in a lot of Hyundai products.

That is to say, while it’s not the most customisable, it’s sharp and crisp graphics and plenty of information is enough for most.

The steering wheel is a nice faux leather unit, that’s nice to hold onto and has a natural, functional layout.

Overall, the front occupant area has been really well designed and it’s a nice, comfortable place to be.

What about back seats?

Thanks to its extended wheelbase, the Inster actually has plenty of space in the rear - which is extra surprising, considering its length is well south of 4m long.

However, you’ll only find 2 seats in the rear - making the Inster a 4 seater. Frankly, I don’t mind that - frankly, trying to fit 3 people in the back would be difficult at best, extremely uncomfortable at worst.

It certainly feels basic in the back, with minimal storage space and small door bins, but its fine. 

You’ll notice scratchy plastic surfaces on the back of the seats, but it’s totally by design. All four seats can fold entirely flat, and if you fold the front seats, you can use it as a work surface for your laptop or just to stretch your legs.

Still, if you were hoping for charging ports or air-vents, those don’t exist in the rear… not that you’re that far away from them up front, regardless!

What’s boot space like in the Hyundai Inster?

Boot space is again impressive in the Inster, starting at 280L of space with both rear seats in their furthest back position.

You can also slide the rear seats forward, and get a rather massive 351L of boot space. Of course, fold the rear seats and you get a silly amount of space on top of that.

Sadly, if you were hoping for a frunk (front-trunk) you won’t find that in the Inster. After all, it’s still based on a combustion engine platform.

It really is a strangely practical tiny SUV.

What’s under the bonnet of the 2025 Hyundai Inster?

The 2025 Hyundai Inster is available in two front-wheel-drive electric powertrain options. The Standard variant features a 71.1kW motor producing 147Nm of torque, paired with a 42kWh battery. This setup delivers a WLTP range of over 300km and achieves a 0-100km/h time of 11.7 seconds.

The Long Range variant upgrades to an 84.5kW motor, also producing 147Nm of torque, with a 49kWh battery. This version offers a WLTP range of 355km and accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.6 seconds.

Both variants support 11kW AC charging, with full charge times around 4 hours, and 120kW DC fast charging, which can take the battery from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes. The Inster also includes vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality and optional battery heating for enhanced efficiency.

The Hyundai Inster uses lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries.

How does the Hyundai Inster Drive?

Driving the Hyundai Inster, also known as the Casper EV in Korea, reveals a vehicle well-suited to the demands of urban living. It’s clear from the outset that this car isn’t about raw speed but rather about delivering a comfortable, efficient, and practical driving experience.

Built on a platform originally designed for combustion engines, the Inster doesn’t have the same bespoke electric vehicle architecture as Hyundai’s more premium models like the Ioniq series. However, this doesn’t detract significantly from its performance in the environments it’s intended for.

The front-wheel-drive setup, available with either a 71.1kW motor in the Standard variant or an 84.5kW motor in the Long Range version, offers adequate power for city driving. Both variants produce 147Nm of torque, which is more than enough for zipping around town. While the Standard variant’s 11.7-second 0-100km/h time isn’t quick, it’s perfectly acceptable for an urban commuter.

The Long Range version, with its slightly quicker 10.6-second time, provides a bit more pep for those who might occasionally venture onto faster roads. Below 60km/h, the Inster feels responsive and nimble, making it easy to maneuver through tight streets and heavy traffic. The acceleration is smooth, and the electric motor delivers torque instantly, ideal for the stop-and-go nature of city driving.

However, once you exceed 60km/h, the lack of power becomes noticeable. Acceleration feels rather slow, and the car’s performance tapers off significantly, making it less suited for highway driving or rapid overtaking maneuvers.

In terms of real-world efficiency, the Inster does a commendable job of delivering on its WLTP range claims. The Standard variant offers a range of about 305km, while the Long Range variant pushes this to 355km. During testing, the vehicle’s range remained consistent with these estimates, with only a slight reduction in real-world conditions—approximately 20km less than the WLTP figures.

This level of efficiency is impressive for a small EV, especially when compared to similar vehicles in its class, such as the Fiat 500e, which often struggles to achieve its claimed range. The suspension setup, which includes a torsion beam at the rear, is geared towards providing a comfortable ride over city streets. On smoother roads, it does a good job of soaking up bumps and keeping the ride comfortable.

Even though the small wheels contribute to a slightly firmer ride on rougher surfaces, the Inster remains composed, and it’s clear that Hyundai has prioritized comfort for the urban commuter. The compact size and well-tuned steering make parking and tight cornering effortless, a significant advantage in congested city environments.

Handling is another area where the Inster impresses. The steering offers a nice balance of weight and precision, especially in Sport mode, where it becomes more responsive and engaging. This makes the car feel agile and quick to respond to inputs, adding a bit of fun to the daily drive.

It’s not a car built for spirited driving, but within the context of city use, it handles admirably well, providing a secure and predictable driving experience. A highlight of the Inster’s driving experience is the adjustable regenerative braking system, including the "I-pedal" mode.

This feature allows for one-pedal driving, where releasing the accelerator significantly slows the car down. It’s particularly useful in urban settings, reducing the need for constant braking and making the car easier to drive in stop-start traffic.

The system is well-calibrated, offering a smooth and intuitive way to manage speed. The Inster is clearly optimized for city life. Its compact dimensions, practical range, and features like vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability make it a versatile and appealing choice for urban dwellers.

While it might not offer thrilling performance, it excels in the areas that matter most for city driving—ease of use, comfort, and efficiency. The Hyundai Inster delivers a pleasant and capable driving experience tailored to urban environments.

Whether you’re navigating busy streets or cruising through the suburbs, the Inster offers a compelling mix of efficiency, comfort, and maneuverability, with the caveat that its performance is best kept within city limits.

Is the Hyundai Inster safe?

The 2025 Hyundai Inster has not yet been crash tested, however it does come with a comprehensive safety suite. This includes:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5 (FCA 1.5)
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Lane Following Assist (LFA)
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) and Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM)
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
• Safety Exit Warning (SEW)
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop and Go
• Highway Driving Assist 1.5 (HDA 1.5)
• Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA)
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
• High Beam Assist (HBA)
• Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA)
• Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)
• Surround View Monitor (SVM)
• Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist Rear (PCA-R)
• Parking Distance Warning (PDW) Front and Rear
• Rear-View Monitor (RVM)

How much does it cost to run the Hyundai Inster?

The Hyundai Inster will come with Hyundai’s 5-year, unlimited kilometer warranty.

The battery pack will come with an 8-year, or 160,000km, warranty.

Servicing prices will be detailed closer to the local launch of the Inster.

Final thoughts on the Hyundai Inster

The Hyundai Inster enters the Australian market at a crucial time, as an influx of affordable Chinese electric vehicles challenges established brands. With a price point likely to start around $40,000, the Inster positions itself as a competitive option for those looking for a compact, urban-friendly EV.

Hyundai has clearly designed the Inster with city driving in mind. Its small footprint, responsive handling, and practical features make it an ideal choice for navigating crowded streets and tight parking spaces. The car’s real-world range is commendable, especially in comparison to some of its peers, ensuring that it can handle daily commutes with ease.

While the Inster may not be the fastest or most powerful EV on the market, its strengths lie in its balance of efficiency, practicality, and comfort. The interior, though basic in materials, is thoughtfully designed with a focus on functionality and space. The inclusion of modern technology, such as dual 10.25-inch displays and advanced safety features, adds to its appeal.

There are, however, some trade-offs. The performance above 60km/h is modest, and those looking for a more spirited driving experience may find the Inster lacking in power. Additionally, while the rear seats offer good space, the absence of amenities like charging ports and air vents might be a drawback for some buyers.

Overall, the Hyundai Inster is a solid entry into the small SUV EV segment. It offers a compelling mix of urban practicality, decent range, and modern technology at a price point that will appeal to many. For those in the market for a city-focused electric vehicle, the Inster is certainly worth considering.