Hyundai announces ruggedised Inster BEV
BY PETER BARNWELL | 21st Oct 2024
BEFORE the Hyundai Inster electric light SUV arrives Down Under early next year, the South Korean manufacturer has announced a semi-toughened version of the everyday model called Inster Cross.
Hyundai says the Inster Cross, due here in Q1 next year just after the Inster, is a “versatile electric city car wrapped in an outdoor-focused design”.
Though the same under the skin, the Cross version exhibits a more rugged facade and appropriate design elements that include special bumpers, skid plates, “unique” 17-inch alloy wheels, embossed black claddings, roof racks, and optional roof basket.
Hyundai says the new Inster Cross offers an alternative for those looking for an electric car with more adventurous look, but are not too concerned about genuine capability.
While the base model will likely be only metro-driven the additional variant will “accompany customers on their mini-adventures in the outdoors,” says Hyundai.
More than just an aggro face, design elements inside the Inster Cross complement its exterior with an outdoorsy focus including the “special” colour and trim combination: Grey cloth with lime-yellow accents complemented by lime-yellow accents on the dash.
On closer scrutiny, the Inster Cross rocks wide, rectangular front and rear bumpers to highlight its adventurous character, as well as embossed black claddings.
Front and rear skid plates, coupled with the side rocker panels with 17-inch alloy wheels, are designed to provide extra protection when driving over rough roads.
The model scores roof racks as standard with a roof basket optional for when you want to take the Victa to the hobby farm, a bale of hay for the nag or a plethora of other oddments and camping kit that may fit in the space.
A camo-like Amazonas Green matte colour will be offered as well as five others, some of which are available with a black two-tone roof. In addition to the camo colour, the palette is: Atlas White, Unbleached Ivory, Aero Silver Matte, Abyss Black Pearl, and Tomboy Khaki.
Equipped with a 42kWh battery as standard, the Inster is also available with a 49kWh battery as an option.
Both powertrains use a single motor driving the front wheels that delivers 71kW in the base variant and 84.5kW in the long range car.
Regardless Regardless off battbattery y size, Hyuze, Hyundai dai saysays ththe Inste Inster Cross develops Cross develops 147Nm of torque and coconsuumess energy at aat an e estimatedmated 15.3kWh/100 km (WLTP) for a range of up to 360km with DC charging from 10 to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes.
Similar to the regular Inster model, the Cross will come standard with a range of features more common in cars in higher segments.
According to Hyundai, the Inster offers a segment-leading ADAS package including highway driving assist 1.5, smart cruise control, and forward collision-avoidance assist 1.5.
“The interior offers true versatility with all seats being able to be folded flat, walk-through access in the front row, and 50/50 split second-row seats that can slide and recline,” according Hyundai.
Production of Inster Cross is set to begin later this year at Hyundai’s manufacturing plant in Korea.
