Hyundai describes the Inster as its first electric A-segment (city car) model designed specifically for the European market. It makes a strong first impression, with funky SUV-inspired exterior styling, and in our opinion, things only get better once you climb aboard.
Interior and practicality
Stepping into the Inster is a bit like entering a retro 70s lounge, with cream coloured trim everywhere on our test car, and patterned cloth front seats styled to resemble a single bench (though they aren’t). It’s great for instilling a sense of lightness and fun before you’ve even set off, and disguises the fact that materials are mainly plastic – not that that’s out of line for a city car. An exception to this is the chunky leather steering wheel, which feels more like something out of a BMW M car.
The Inster’s dashboard has more buttons than most cars these days, but we consider this a very welcome thing – it’s nice to get into a new car and have the ventilation and audio controls immediately obvious. The controls themselves also feel reassuringly well-made and chunky. Underneath, there’s hidden storage and wireless phone charging neatly integrated.
The Inster comes with a pair of 10.25in screens which are well up to standard, with the infotainment touchscreen nicely responsive.
Rear legroom is a match for some cars a segment or two higher, supporting Hyundai’s argument for a 2,580mm wheelbase more in line with B-segment expectations. There is also plenty of headroom. A sliding rear seat with the 02 equipment grade tested here allows that impressive legroom to be sacrificed in favour of extending the boot, which in its default setting is on the small side, although there is a large underfloor compartment for charging cables.
The 02 grade is the top one in the regular Inster range, bringing other features including 17in alloy wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, front parking sensors, and the aforementioned wireless phone charging. The Inster Cross variant, bringing a more rugged SUV look, tops the line-up.
Performance and drive
The Inster is available with two EV powertrain options, pairing either a 97hp motor and a 42kWh battery (with the entry-level 01 equipment grade only), or a 115hp motor and a 49kWh battery as with our test car. This offers nippy performance around town, and the level of power is more than adequate up to and including motorway speeds.
Something about the Inster’s dimensions, and the aforementioned sense of fun it projects, led us to expect it to feel more frisky on a twisty road than is actually the case. It’s not that it handles badly, just that it feels more grown-up than we would expect. It’s still fun to drive, flowing nicely between bends, with steering that’s fairly accurate if without much feel. The suspension also smooths out jolts from potholes well.
With the 02 spec tested here, the Inster has a P11D price of £26,690. This would have been competitive as little as one year ago, but now seems a bit expensive when compared with (slightly larger) EV alternatives such as the Citroen E-C3 and Fiat Grande Panda. However, the Inster does have a longer EV range, and we’d expect that, combined with the model’s charm, to give it some persistent buyer appeal.
Positive: Appealing design inside and out, spacious interior for a city car, ride comfort.
Negative: Rivals cheaper to buy, small boot with rear seats back.
Standard equipment: 15in alloy wheels, 10.25in digital instrument cluster, 10.25in touchscreen with sat-nav, Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluelink connected car services with over-the-air updates, rear parking sensors with rear view camera and dynamic parking control, smart cruise control with stop/go, automatic headlights, smart key with keyless entry and start/stop button, climate control, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors.
Engines: Electric: 97hp, 115hp
Equipment grades: 01, 02, Cross
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
| Model | Hyundai Inster 02 49kWh |
| P11D | £26,690 |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | £3,394 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £1,942 |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Range | 223 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (3%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £13/£27 |
| Luggage capacity | 238-351 litres |
| Battery size/power | 49kWh/115hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
