The Hyundai Inster (2024): The New Benchmarker for Affordable Electric Cars

In the dynamic landscape of electric vehicles (EVs), the Hyundai Inster (2024) emerges as a game-changer, setting a high standard for budget-friendly electric cars. This comprehensive review delves deep into its design, performance, comfort, and value for money, making a case for why this remarkable vehicle promises to give tough competition to other affordable EVs in the market.

Striking Features of the Hyundai Inster (2024)

At first glance, the Hyundai Inster (2024) may appear to be a compact A-segment city vehicle. However, the moment you step inside, it surprises with the spaciousness and comfort reminiscent of a larger B-segment car. During an extensive test drive in the Frankfurt area, we unravelled how Hyundai achieved this impressive feat.

Spacious Interior Design

The Inster’s generous interior space is attributed to its high roofline and an upright windshield that provides ample headroom. This clever design maximizes comfort, allowing four adults to sit comfortably without feeling cramped. The sliding rear seat mechanism enhances legroom in the back, making it versatile for both passengers and luggage. While the cargo space measures at 280 liters with the rear seat pushed back, it is still commendable for a compact vehicle.

Class-Defying Equipment

Hyundai throws down the gauntlet with the Inster’s equipment levels. Unlike basic models of competitors like the Dacia Spring or Citroën e-C3, even the entry-level Inster comes outfitted with modern conveniences such as a navigation system, reversing camera, and adaptive cruise control. The driver is greeted by digital instrumentation and a spacious touchscreen interface. With two battery options—42 kWh delivering a range of 327 km and 49 kWh offering 370 km—the Inster comfortably positions itself within the desirable range for budget electric cars.

Driving Experience: What to Expect

One of the most compelling aspects of the Hyundai Inster is how it drives. During our test drive, with the car cruising at 130 km/h on the autobahn, all occupants remained comfortable, able to converse without raising their voices. The Inster appears to glide over the road with minimal wind and tyre noise, establishing itself as a well-engineered EV.

Performance Metrics

Our prototype featured a 97 hp entry-level motor, which seems modest at first glance. However, it delivers adequate power for urban traffic and highway cruising alike. The acceleration is smooth thanks to the electric motor’s instantaneous torque delivery. The Inster can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.7 seconds, which is commendable for a compact EV. The variants featuring the larger battery offer a slightly increased power output of 115 hp and can reach 100 km/h in 10.6 seconds.

A Unique and Charming Design

What sets the Inster apart from many other electric cars are its often-overlooked design details. The flowing lines between the two front seats, the ability to fold down the backrests for additional cargo space, and the innovative parcel shelf that adapts to the sliding rear seat are just a few of the charming touches that elevate the overall experience.

Functional Technology

With numerous physical buttons and levers located conveniently behind the steering wheel, controlling features like regenerative braking becomes intuitive. While some aspects of the interface remain shielded in our prototype, Hyundai typically provides thorough power consumption analytics, catering to the EV enthusiast community.

Charging options are also satisfactory, albeit on the slower side. The Inster takes approximately 39 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%, and the 11 kW onboard charger ensures hassle-free home charging in around 4 to 5 hours.

Areas for Improvement

While the Hyundai Inster is impressively equipped and well-designed, there are opportunities for refinement.

Steering Feedback

Although the steering is light, some drivers might appreciate a heavier, more direct steering feel, delivering a more connected driving experience.

Button Layout

The abundance of physical controls does lead to a somewhat cluttered interface. A more streamlined button layout in future models could enhance usability.

Comfort for Taller Drivers

An area where the Inster could improve is the door panel armrest, which may not provide adequate support for taller individuals. This is a notable mismatch between the car’s compact exterior and its spacious interior design.

Pricing Strategy: What to Expect

The starting price for the Hyundai Inster is an attractive £24,295, with promotional subsidies potentially lowering it to an incredible £18,395. This makes it highly competitive within the segment of budget EVs, standing shoulder to shoulder with noteworthy rivals like the Dacia Spring and Citroën e-C3.

Recommended Upgrades

We recommend considering the Pulse version, which adds significant value for an extra £3,000. This version enhances the experience with a larger 49 kWh battery, alloy wheels, a sliding rear seat, and a wireless phone charging option.

Moreover, for those preparing for winter, the optional Winter Pack at £995 provides essential features such as heated seats and a heat pump, further cementing the Inster as an exceptional value proposition.

Final Thoughts on Hyundai Inster (2024)

In conclusion, the Hyundai Inster (2024) stands out not only as an affordable electric vehicle but also as a model that offers a level of luxury and practicality that defies its price tag. This car is an invitation for potential buyers to experience a spacious, modern, and well-equipped electric vehicle without compromise.

With its blend of style, functionality, and competitive pricing, the Inster challenges other manufacturers to elevate their offerings in the affordable EV space. If getting behind the wheel of a stylish EV at a fraction of the price of its competitors interests you, the Hyundai Inster might just be the perfect fit.

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Closing Remarks

As we transition toward a more sustainable and electric future, the Hyundai Inster proves that being environmentally conscious does not mean sacrificing luxury or quality for affordability. Other brands will need to intensify their efforts in crafting vehicles that can compete with this outstanding addition to the electric car market.