Hyundai is expanding its SUV lineup with the introduction of the new Inster, an all-electric version of the Casper subcompact crossover. This new model features a longer wheelbase and more advanced technology inside the cabin. While the Inster takes a lot of its design cues from the 2021 Casper, it adds some electric-specific features to make it unique. Unlike the Casper, which is sold only in Korea, the Inster will be available in Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region, making it a global model.
In Europe, the Hyundai Inster will fit between the A-SUV and B-SUV categories, making it ideal for city driving with its compact size. Additionally, Hyundai has announced a future Inster Cross version, which will have a tougher, more outdoor-friendly design.
On the outside, the Inster has slightly redesigned bumpers, the choice of 15-inch or 17-inch wheels, and stylish LED lights at the front and rear. The most significant change, however, is its increased size—it’s 230mm longer than the Casper, with a wheelbase that is 180mm longer. Despite this increase, the Inster remains quite compact, measuring 3,825mm in length, 1,610mm in width, and 1,575mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,580mm. This makes it a small SUV that’s larger than the tiniest vehicles but still smaller compared to other Hyundai subcompact SUVs like the Bayon, Creta, Venue, and Kona.
The interior of the Inster largely resembles that of its internal combustion engine counterpart but comes with upgraded technology and various color choices for the cloth seats. The digital cockpit includes two 10.25-inch displays, which are much bigger than those found in the Casper.
Depending on the model, the Inster can come with features such as a wireless charging pad, 64-color LED ambient lighting, heated front seats, a sunroof, and a full suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). All the seats can fold flat, and the second row can slide and recline, with an optional front bench seat. The trunk offers 280 liters of space, which can be increased to 351 liters by adjusting the rear seats.
The Hyundai Inster will be available in two versions: Standard and Long Range. The base model has a single electric motor that produces 95 horsepower and 147 Nm of torque. It uses a 42 kWh battery, providing a range of over 300 km on a single charge.
For those who need more power and range, the Long Range version comes with a 113 horsepower electric motor and a slightly larger 49 kWh battery, aiming for a class-leading WLTP range of 355 km. These specifications are significantly better than the Korean-market Kia Ray, the only other electric vehicle based on the Hyundai/Kia K1 platform.
The Inster supports 120 kW DC fast charging, allowing it to go from 10 to 80 percent battery in just 30 minutes. When using an 11 kW AC outlet, a full charge takes about 4 hours for the Standard model and 4 hours and 35 minutes for the Long Range model. Additionally, the Inster features a V2L function, enabling it to charge other devices such as e-bikes and camping equipment.
The Inster will be launched in Korea this summer after its debut at the 2024 Busan International Mobility Show. It will then gradually roll out to Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region, with pricing details to be announced later. Given its size and market position, it is likely to be Hyundai’s most affordable electric vehicle.