Instant success for the New Hyundai Inster
Published on 13th February 2025 at 12:41
There is no escaping the figures. A four-seater city car, that is full electric, with 327-
kilometre range and dimensions of 1,575mm tall, 1,610 wide, 4,825mm wheelbase,
with boot space of 238 litres, which can be expanded to 351 litres or 1059 litres with
all seats folded flat – yours for 19k – take a breath - 19k.
Welcome the Hyundai Inster, a car that defies its footprint, coming with internal
space for four substantial adults, (as at its Irish launch), and every conceivable
convenience, safety and comfort item one could ask for – did I mention 19k?
We now live in the realm of the electric car, particularly in the urban areas, where
driving lanes are narrower, footpaths are continuous, cycle and bus lanes abound,
with the sharing of our road space ever more demanding, due to cyclist, electric
scooters, skateboarders, mono-wheelers and pedestrians.
The manoeuvrability of the Inster, all the while keeping four adults in appreciated
comfort, was a revelation on my short, but informed test drive. The driver’s view out
the extensive glass area is excellent, making easy of that urban demand and going
well in removing the stress of the commute and to remind you – 19k.
Two trim levels are available on the Inster, the Elegance elevating the price to
€21,995 and will very probably be the majority choice. The standard list of features
on the Signature is very impressive, including leather steering wheel, heated seats,
heated steering wheel, 10.25-inch multi-media screen, charge-pad for mobile phone,
15” Alloys and 327km range.
Those stepping into the Elegance get: 17” Alloys, plus roof rails, battery heating
system, Heat pump, dual LED’s, rear LED’s, fold flat seats rear sliding bench, mood
lighting, privacy glass and a 350kn driving range.
Short Spin
On the road, it drives well, absorbing all bar the lunar sections of our road systems.
The driving position is easily attainable, with a good panoramic view. The tactility of
the leather steering wheel is a great touch, especially in a car at this price point. Mt
test car was the Elegance trim and with its cream interior was bright and welcoming.
There is large amounts of plastic trim, but it is of good quality and overall, the finish
is very acceptable.
Being the high-power model, 115bhp, my test car responded very well, especially as it
was fully occupied with four substantial adults, all hovering on or over the six-foot
mark.
The rear doors deserve mention, them opening out at close to ninety-degrees, which
made for access and egress fluid like. Parents with young children will revel in ease
afforded them.
As a package, the new Hyundai Inster will satisfy the demand of many urban
commuters, at the same time surprising even more with the manner in which it
appears before you, the build and trim levels on a par or better than one could expect
when looking at the asking price. Given it is full electric and so user-friendly, its sales
success is not just inevitable – it is deserved – 19k.
Make: Hyundai
Model: Inster
Format: 5-door, 4- seat, City Car
Trim Levels: Signature & Elegance
Variants: 2 – 42 & 49kW batteries
Power: Full time Electric Vehicle – 97bhp & 115bhp
Torque: 147 Nm
Drive: Front wheel drive
Co2: Zero
Annual Car Tax: 120
Warranty: 5 years unlimited
Price: Signature - €18,885; Elegance - €21,995
Some of the Competition: Fiat 500e, Opel Corsa – E, Dacia Spring and
