Review: Hyundai INSTER

The city car class is currently enjoying something of a renaissance thanks to the advancement of electric power with models like the Hyundai INSTER helping to make zero emissions motoring more affordable than ever before… not to mention, ‘INSTER-antly’ lovable.

Indeed, while there is an arms race taking place at the upper end of the automotive market in the pursuit for more range and greater efficiency, electric power is also making a big impact at the other end of the price scale.

After all, city cars by their very definition are designed to be nippy in urban environments and affordable to run, so combining one with an electric powertrain that will significantly reduce costs and emit zero CO2 is surely a win-win.

For Hyundai, both electric vehicles and city cars are considered two of its strong suits, so it stands to reason that it has pooled its expertise in these areas to create the all-electric Hyundai INSTER.

Compact in size, but big on ambition, the INSTER is an exciting take on the electric city car formula, making it an excellent consideration for first-time or young drivers.

Hyundai INSTER Styling

As a follow on from the handsome but unremarkable looking i10 city car, the Hyundai INSTER represents quite the departure in the styling department.

Indeed, while we’ve become accustomed to Hyundai pushing the boundaries of design in recent times – particularly among its EV line-up – the INSTER is a particularly distinctive effort.

Bearing all the hallmarks of an SUV that has been shrunk in the wash, the INSTER is an audacious mix of edgy angles and curvy bulges that ensure it looks like nothing else on the road.

While the profile, with its upright A-pillar, creases below the window and steeply raked rear quarter, has a hint of Suzuki Ignis about it, the finer detailing is all Hyundai.

That includes the ‘pixel’ square headlight arrangement, a treatment that is subtle at the front but more liberally applied at the back, while four-spoke diamond cut fan-shape alloy wheels (on upper trims), chunky bumpers and bulking squared-off wheelarches complete the look.

If you really want your INSTER to pop, however, there is also the INSTER Cross trim, which leans into the SUV-inspired design with the addition of more rugged bumper embraces, plus front and rear skid plates.

Then there are the colour choices – how does Buttercream Yellow or Sienna Orange sound? If you don’t mind heads turning in your direction, one of these colours will really make you stand out in the urban jungle.

Indeed, for such a small model, the INSTER makes a big visual impact and injects a lot of fun into the city car sector.

Hyundai INSTER Interior

Things get a touch more conventional when you step inside the Hyundai INSTER, though there are still the hallmarks of the quality materials and technology-oriented detailing that are apparent across the Korean firm’s line-up.

The layout does in fact take cues from the i10 with the dashboard angled up and sitting on its own panel instead of morphing into a centre console.

It means there is a flat floor that stretches from the driver to the passenger’s side, which helps to maximise the feeling of space on board and disguise the INSTER’s slim proportions.

The dashboard itself is a hive of various buttons, but it’s all ergonomically laid out and within easy reach when on the move.

Much like the exterior, there are options to brighten up the interior with lighter fabrics and colourful inserts on the dashboard.

Space Inside the Hyundai INSTER

As a car that started life as a Korean market-only model – where it is adorably named the Casper – the INSTER is therefore small by design to comply with its nation’s tax break-qualifying ‘light car’ dimensions policy.

While the Casper has grown a few inches to comply with European safety standards upon becoming the Hyundai INSTER, it is still a very compact 3,845mm in terms of outright length, making it one of the shortest cars on sale in the UK.

It’s also very narrow, which has its benefits when out on the road, but does mean the INSTER is a strict four-seater.

Sacrificing a passenger does increase the feeling of space for the two remaining passengers in the back seat, not least because the INSTER’s tall profile does allow for a decent headroom too.

There is also a surprising amount of legroom for such a tiny car, helped in part by the INSTER’s short front-overhang.

This therefore allows the driver/passenger and the dashboard to be located further forward, which in turn delegates more of that saved space for rear passengers. Even if knees are close to rubbing the back of the front seats, a sliding rear bench is on hand to extend legroom a few more inches.

Better yet, if you aren’t carrying any rear passengers, that sliding bench can also be moved right forward to increase boot space from 238-litres to a sizeable 351-litres – that puts the INSTER on a par with the Hyundai i20 and Volkswagen Polo.

How Does the Hyundai INSTER Drive?

The Hyundai INSTER makes no secret that it has been designed to thrive within the confines of a city.

Indeed, you’ll quickly sense the INSTER’s narrow dimensions once you’re behind the wheel, especially once you start threading through congestions or tight streets, while those dimensions coupled with a tight 10.6m turning circle ensure manoeuvrability and parking are an absolute doddle.

Capitalising on the brisk acceleration that comes from its electric powertrain, the INSTER gets away eagerly from a standstill, which coupled to the light, precise steering ensures it will make light work of heavy traffic.

While the INSTER is undeniably small, the upright front windscreen and large window area allow for excellent visibility.

There is even the option of exterior cameras that provide a live relay onto your interior screen to assist when making moves.

Hyundai INSTER Range, Recharging & Running Costs

Two battery options are available with the Hyundai INSTER: a 42kWh battery labelled ‘Standard Range’ and a 49kWh battery termed ‘Long Range’.

The smaller of the two batteries is still good for plus-200 miles (203-miles on a WLTP combined cycle), while the larger can travel up to 229-miles.

Depending on which models you’d consider to be alternatives to the INSTER will dictate its competency in terms of range.

Versus models like the Dacia Spring and BYD Dolphin Surf – its most direct rivals in terms of size – the INSTER is the more durable, but it gives some range away to other rivals like the Renault 5 and Nissan Micra.

Recharging speeds are limited to 85kW (Long Range) and 73kW (Standard Range), but the modest size of the batteries ensures a 10-80% replenishment still only takes 30-minutes using a rapid charger.

Insurance for the INSTER comes in on the lower scale for electric models with each model sitting between groups 21 and 24.

Hyundai INSTER Reliability & Safety

As with other models in the Korean firm’s range, the Hyundai INSTER gets a very generous five-year/unlimited mileage warranty.

While it is too early in the INSTER’s life cycle to make a judgement on reliability, Hyundai has traditionally scored well in this area, while the i10 – the car the INSTER effectively replaces – has been lauded for its durability.

In terms of safety, the Hyundai INSTER has a four-star safety rating from EuroNCAP. The independent safety body awarded the INSTER with an 70% rating for adult occupants, 81% for child occupants and 70% for vulnerable road users (pedestrians).

Hyundai INSTER Trims

Vertu’s Verdict on the Hyundai INSTER

The pint-size Hyundai INSTER punches well above its weight as a small car with a big attitude.

Indeed, kerb appeal will do a lot of the selling for the INSTER, but it is reassuring to know it brings substance with the style as an exceptionally well thought out city car.

For one, the INSTER continuously defies expectations. Bulging wheelarches and chunky detailing aside, the INSTER is definitely teeny, yet some smart touches – such as the high-set dashboard, large glass area and sliding rear bench – allows it to be more spacious than you might anticipate.

It’s also generously equipped for the class across the entire line-up, while the quality feels a cut above compared to other models in this price bracket.

Coupled with each version being capable of exceeding 200-miles of range, and the INSTER certainly makes a statement… and not just with its looks.

* Prices correct at time of writing

Who is the Hyundai INSTER Best Suited To?

• First-time drivers seeking a trendy city that is easy to drive
• Young drivers who want a premium yet affordable to run small car
• An ideal second car for families needing an economical runabout
• City commuters who would benefit from the compact dimensions

Hyundai INSTER Technical Specifications