Car review: Hyundai Inster Standard Range 2WD

Posted 3 March, 2026 Reviewed by Mark Borlace

Hyundai’s Inster is an interesting looking car that has more space on the inside than it appears from the outside; and as Hyundai’s smallest electric vehicle (EV), it might be popular if you can look past the price.

There are three variants and we tested the base model which, at close to $40,000, isn’t cheap for a very small EV.

Hyundai must be betting on its reliability and reputation in the market to charge a premium compared to emerging and potentially short-lived Chinese brands which are at a lower price point.

The standard five-year unlimited kilometre warranty can be extended to seven years unlimited kilometres if all scheduled services are completed at an authorised Hyundai dealer.

Interior

Hopping into the driver’s seat, the interior has some fairly ordinary cloth, but it’s good to see the Inster has buttons to control the functions instead of endless screen menus on a touch screen.

Talking of screens, there are two: the centre screen allows access to the less often needed functions such as charge regime, calendar access and internet-connected GPS, and the driver’s screen has all the traditional information like speed, dynamic range calculator and tyre pressure. The tech extends to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but only via a cable connection.

The Inster is equipped with connected car services as standard. These services are complimentary for the first five years of new-vehicle ownership, after which a subscription fee is charged. Over The Air update technology allows the car’s software to be updated remotely instead of visiting a workshop.

The Hyundai has a large wheelbase for a small car, allowing for a slightly better ride and more interior space for four occupants. The 60/40 rear seats slide to give either more cargo or more leg room, and because there’s no spare wheel, there’s space for the charging cable in under-floor storage in the boot. Overall, the tall boxy design allows for good headroom and a wide view out of the car.

On the road

The single-motor, single-speed electric motor isn’t quick for an EV but it’s still adequate for city driving. Charging for the 42kWh battery is via a front grille mounted port and supplies a 327km range. There’s an extended range model available that increases the range to 360km.

The stated energy consumption of 15.6kWh is around the mark in the real world. Inster’s Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality also lets you charge or power devices such as electric bicycles, scooters and camping equipment.

The on-road handling, even on 15-inch alloy wheels, is pretty good and has the right balance of good ride and cornering stability. The longer wheelbase helps with these attributes but seems to have come at the cost of a slightly larger turning circle. Unfortunately, the drive is only spoilt by some of the annoying safety systems intervening.

The Inster is a lot of car in a little package, but the price may affect its competitiveness in the very active EV market.