Hyundai Inster is a compact electric city car based on the Casper
Hyundai Inster EV revealed, the carmaker has marked its entry into the global market for affordable electric vehicles. Based on the popular Casper sub-compact city car, the Inster sits on a lengthened platform to accommodate a larger battery and provide more cabin space.
The Hyundai Inster EV offers two powertrain options. The base model features a 96 HP front-mounted drive unit, capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/hr in 11.7 seconds, with a top speed of 140 km/hr. This variant is equipped with a 42kWh battery, providing an estimated range of around 300 km on a full charge.
The higher-spec version boasts a 113 HP motor paired with a 49kWh battery, extending the range to approximately 350 km. This variant can reach a top speed of 150 km/hr and accelerates from 0-100 km/hr in 10.6 seconds. Both models use nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) battery chemistry and come standard with an 85kW DC fast charging capability and a heat pump.
Measuring 3.8 meters in length, 1.6 meters in width and 1.6 meters in height, the Inster is slightly smaller than its competitor, the Citroen eC3. Hyundai has emphasised practicality in the Inster’s design, offering a versatile five-seat cabin with multiple interior configurations. The four seats can be folded completely flat and the rear seats can slide and recline to provide either more legroom or additional cargo space.
The Inster EV stands out with its interior technology. All variants come with dual 10.25-inch displays for the instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. Additionally, the car can be unlocked and started using a smartphone as a key.
Hyundai has equipped the Inster with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies. These include a 360-degree parking camera, adaptive cruise control and a blind-spot monitoring system that projects a camera image onto the instrument panel when the turn signal is activated.
The Hyundai Inster aims to compete in the mainstream city EV market, leveraging its compact size, practical interior and advanced features. While the Inster is positioned to rival models like the Citroen eC3 and Tata Punch EV, Hyundai’s immediate focus for the Indian market is the upcoming Creta EV. The potential introduction of the Inster in India could provide a strong alternative in the entry-level electric vehicle segment, although no official plans have been announced yet.
