Hyundai Inster EV compact SUV detailed

HYUNDAI has this week revealed further details of its Casper-based Inster compact SUV, an all-electric model likely to replace the aging Venue in some markets.

Offering what Hyundai says is a unique design and segment-leading driving range, the Inster will make its official debut at the 2024 Busan International Mobility Show before going on sale in South Korea.

It will then launch in Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific “in due course”.

Promising a spacious interior and safety-oriented technologies, the Hyundai Inster will offer up to 355km range from a single charge.

It will be available with 42kWh or 49kWh battery options, both driving a single 71kW motor at the front axle in the regular variant or 85kW motor in the Long-Range alternative. Both provide 147Nm of torque.

Top speed for the pair is listed at 140km/h and 150km/h respectively, while the 0-100km/h standard is noted at 11.7 and 10.6 seconds respectively.

Hyundai estimates average power consumption of 15.3kWh per 100km and says charging is possible at up to 120kW (DC), enabling a 10 to 80 per cent recharge time of as little as 30 minutes.

The Inster offers vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities and is further available with an 11kW (AC) charger, battery heating system, and high-efficiency heat pump.

Building on the design of the Korean market Casper petrol model (introduced in 2021), the Inster offers an extended wheelbase to provide more interior space and on-road stability.

The compact model measures 3825mm in length, 1610mm in width, 1575mm in height and with a wheelbase of 2580mm. Front- and rear-seat headroom is listed at 1028mm and 982mm respectively while front and rear legroom measures 1050mm and 862mm.

The Inster is also claimed to offer more luggage space than the petrol-powered derivative, (280-315 litres with sliding seats) nearing that of models in the segment above, Hyundai says.

“With Inster, we have taken the small SUV image to a bold new place for the global audience,” said Hyundai Design Centre senior vice president Simon Loasby.

“Inster punches well above its weight with distinctive design and an interior that maximises its potential in exciting, customer-centric ways. With Inster we’re redefining what it means to drive a sub-compact EV.”

The design of the Inster is characterised by what Hyundai describes as a robust yet compact SUV profile and flush, clean surfaces.

The bumper design is inspired by a printed circuit board while the LED daytime running light signature and pixel-graphic indicators and tail-lights recall other EV models in Hyundai’s line-up.

Inster will be available optionally with LED projector style headlights and a two-tone exterior with contrasting black roof, and a choice of 15-inch steel or 17-inch alloy wheels, depending on grade.

Exterior colour options include Abyss Black Pearl, Aero Silver, Atlas White, Bijarim Khaki Matte, Buttercream Yellow Pearl, Dusk Blue Matte, Sienna Orange Metallic, Tomboy Khaki, and Unbleached Ivory.

Interestingly, black hues utilise a pigment manufactured from recycled waste tyres, which replaces the carbon black pigment traditionally used in black paint.

Of course, the cabin of the Inster is not without its own personality. The pixel theme is repeated here, with graphics on the steering wheel boss said to reinforce the Inster’s high-tech image.

The upper door trim garnishes are customisable while the front-row seats offer walk-through flexibility. All seats may be folded flat (including the driver’s seat) for unmatched practicality.

The second-row seats are split 50:50 and offer both slide and recline functions.

Further, a front-seat bench option, heated front seats, and heated steering wheel will be offered.

Interior trim choices include Black, Khaki Brown, Newtro Beige. All are cloth and include recycled PET and bio-polypropylene (from sugarcane) in their construction.

The interior décor is complemented with what Hyundai says is “a wealth of cutting-edge technology”, including 64-colour LED ambient lighting, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a one-touch sunroof, a 10.25-inch central infotainment array, native sat nav, and wireless device charging dock.

Hyundai says the Inster will feature a multitude of advanced safety and driver assistance features ensuring it offers “the most complete safety technology package in the segment”.

Included in the extensive list of standard safety equipment is adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot collision avoidance and view monitor, driver attention warning, front and rear parking sensors, high beam assist, intelligent speed limit assist, lane follow and lane keeping assist, leading vehicle departure alert, parking collision avoidance assist (rear), rear cross-traffic alert, rear occupant alert, safe exit warning, and a surround view monitor.

Hyundai says region-specific details, including model pricing, will be advised closer to the Inster’s launch. It also plans to release a “more rugged, outdoor focused” variant dubbed the Inster Cross 5 with details to follow at a later date.