Hyundai Inster: The new electric car for the city

Hyundai today unveiled its new electric car, the Hyundai Inster. This vehicle is set to revolutionize urban transport with its impressive range and affordable price. The Inster is aimed at a broad target group, from environmentally conscious city dwellers to technology enthusiasts looking for an innovative and affordable electric car.

• Affordable price: Hyundai is aiming for an entry-level price of around 22,000 euros.
• Impressive range: The Inster offers a range of up to 300 kilometers.
• Compact design: Ideal for urban areas and tight parking spaces.
• Modern technology: Comprehensive connectivity and safety features.

Design and technology of the Hyundai Inster

The Hyundai Inster impresses with its compact and modern design, which has been specially developed for urban traffic. With a length of just under four meters (3.83 m) and a width of 1.61 meters, it is ideal for narrow streets and small parking spaces. The futuristic exterior is complemented by an aerodynamic shape and stylish LED lights.

Under the hood, the Inster offers a 42 kWh battery that provides a range of more than 300 kilometers (up to 355 km is the claimed range). This range makes the Inster an attractive option for commuters and city dwellers who regularly travel short to medium distances.

However, there is also an option for a 49 kWh battery. The drive is provided by a single electric motor, which delivers 71 kW (97 hp) in the entry-level version and 85 kW (115 hp) with the 49 kWh battery. The torque is 147 Nm in both cases.

Thanks to the quick-charging function, the battery can be charged to 80% in around 30 minutes; a full charge takes around four hours.

Technology and interior

The new Inster is the first A-segment electric vehicle from Hyundai. The interior of the Hyundai Inster features state-of-the-art technologies that increase both comfort and safety. A 10.3-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard and provides access to navigation, entertainment and vehicle functions. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing users to seamlessly integrate their smartphones.

The gear selector (shift-by-wire) is located directly on the steering column, which creates additional space in the center console area. The full-length front row of seats offers particularly easy access to the driver and front passenger seats. All seats – including the driver’s seat – can be folded down, and the 50:50 split seats in the second row can also be moved up to 16 centimetres in length.

The trunk is also quite large with a volume of 280 liters. If the seats are pushed forward, a load volume of up to 351 liters is created; with the rear seats folded down, it is even 1,059 liters (data according to VDA standard).

Safety is Hyundai’s top priority. The Inster is equipped with advanced driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and automatic emergency brake assist. These technologies help to make driving safer and more enjoyable.

Market positioning and availability

Hyundai is positioning the Inster as a direct competitor to other affordable electric cars such as the Dacia Spring and Citroën e-C3. With a target price of “under 25,000 euros”, the Inster will be one of the most affordable electric cars on the market, making it accessible to a wide range of buyers.

The market launch of the Hyundai Inster is planned for the fourth quarter of 2024. Initial orders can be placed as early as September 2024. Hyundai is anticipating high demand and plans to gradually increase production at its plants in South Korea and Europe.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Inster is a promising new electric car that impresses with its combination of affordable price, modern technology and impressive range. It is aimed at environmentally conscious drivers and technology enthusiasts who are looking for a practical and innovative vehicle for urban areas. With an imminent market launch in the fourth quarter of 2024, the Inster could have a significant impact on the electric car market and further facilitate access to environmentally friendly mobility.