KUALA LUMPUR: Teased earlier this month, Hyundai’s new A-segment sub-compact EV, the Inster, has made its official premiere at the 2024 Busan International Mobility Show. It is touted to be the brand’s smallest and most affordable electric car that is based on the ICE-powered Casper sold in the global market.

The new Hyundai Inster measures 3,825 mm in length, 1,610 mm in width, and 1,575 mm in height, and spans a 2,580-mm long wheelbase. The trunk capacity is measured at 280 litres, extended to up to 351 litres with rear seats folded.

Visually, the EV looks quite quirky and youthful with its modern-retro design cues. It features a circuit board-style bumper, a bold skid plate, circular LED daytime running lights, LED projection headlamps, pixel-graphic turn signals and tail lamps, and strong fenders. Further accentuating the EV’s two-tone exterior styling is a contrasting black roof, chunky wheel arches with 15-to 17-inch wheels, functional roof rails, and pillar-mounted rear door handles.

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

The cabin exudes a modern and minimalistic vibe with a compact centre console, 10.25-inch digital cluster, 10.25-inch infotainment unit, automatic climate control, and a wireless charging dock. It offers an amazing level of versatility and spaciousness as all seats can be folded flat (including the driver’s seat). The front-row seating is designed for easy walk-through access. Options include a front bench seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. 

Interior trim choices include Black, Khaki Brown, and Newtro Beige two-tone combinations with full cloth upholstery.

"With INSTER, we've taken the small SUV image to a bold new place for the global audience," said Simon Loasby, Senior Vice President and Head of the Hyundai Design Center. "INSTER punches well above its weight with distinctive design and an interior that maximizes its potential in exciting, customer-centric ways. With INSTER we're redefining what it means to drive a sub-compact EV."

It is worth noting that EV incorporates sustainable materials both inside and out. The exterior boasts black high-gloss recycled paint while the interior utilises recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from bottles and bio-polypropylene extracted from sugarcane.

Hyundai will offer the Inster EV in two versions - Standard and Long Range, both powered by a single electric motor generating a maximum power of 95 hp for the standard and 113 hp for the long-range. The torque output is consistent at 147 Nm for both versions.

In terms of battery pack, the Standard model comes with a 42kWh offering a range of 300 km while the Long Range trim is equipped with a 49kWh unit that lets the EV cruise up to 350 km on a single charge. The battery packs can juice up from 10 to 80% in less than 30 minutes with the help of a 120 kW DC fast charger.

The new Hyundai Inster also comes with a bucketload of advanced safety and driver assistance features. These include - 

• Surround View Monitor
• Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist Rear
• Blind-spot View Monitor
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Lane Following Assist
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Safety Exit Warning
• Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop and Go
• Highway Driving Assist 1.5
• Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
• Driver Attention Warning
• High Beam Assist
• Leading Vehicle Departure Alert
• Rear Occupant Alert
• Parking Distance Warning 

After launching the Inter in Korea this summer, Hyundai will introduce the Instrer Cross5 featuring a rugged, outdoor-focused design at a later stage.

Also read: Hyundai Mobis introduces 'Moving Panoramic Screens'