2025 Hyundai Inster Review
Let me cut to the chase: I didn’t expect to love the Hyundai Inster. On paper, it’s not exactly aimed at a bloke in his late 40s but now and again someone in my position gets a surprise, and in this case it was a massive one (well a tiny car, but you know what I mean). I’m going to say it – this little electric TARDIS has completely won me over. At the UK launch, I had the chance to spend a day with it, and what I found was a thoughtfully designed, incredibly efficient, and genuinely fun little EV that makes a strong case for itself in a segment that desperately needs more contenders of this quality.
What Is the Hyundai Inster?
The Inster is Hyundai’s latest stab at creating a small, practical, and affordable EV. It starts from just £23,495, making it one of the most accessible electric cars in the UK. For that money, you get the base model Inster 1 with a 42 kWh battery and 97 PS. Step up to the 49 kWh version, and you get 115 PS and a WLTP range of up to 229 miles. That’s where it starts to get seriously appealing.
There are three trims: Inster 1, Inster 2, and Inster Cross. Prices climb to £28,745 for the Cross, which adds chunkier styling and more premium kit. The Inster 2, at £26,745, is the sweet spot in my book – great value without straying too far into premium territory.
A quirky yet striking design, this Inster 02 seems to be the sweet spot in the range
Pros & Cons at a Glance
Pros:
Starts from £23,495
Up to 229 miles of range (Long Range model)
Great equipment even on lower trims
Extremely efficient (I averaged 4.8 mi/kWh!) with Heat Pump as standard
Clever interior packaging with flexible rear seats
Spacious for its footprint – a true TARDIS
Physical buttons (yes!) and intuitive tech
Cons:
Max 85 kW DC charging is a bit slow
Wind noise at motorway speeds
Clever Inside and Out
The Inster’s exterior design won’t be for everyone – it’s a bit quirky – but step inside, and the cleverness really starts to shine. From the huge upright windscreen that gives a panoramic view and makes the cabin feel far larger than it is, to the fold-flat front seats and sliding rear bench, this is a car that’s been thought about.
Need more boot space? Slide the back seats forward and you get up to 351 litres of boot capacity. Need to carry longer items? Fold everything flat and it transforms into a mini-van with over 1,000 litres of room. Hyundai’s even included some quirky, interchangeable door panels and storage bits that – while a tad gimmicky – show a genuine effort to innovate.
Real buttons, plkenty of equipment and a feeling of space; the interior design is a masterstroke.
Sit In It, Drive It, Love It
As a 5'9" (or 5'10" on a good day) fella, I was surprised how comfortable the rear seats are. Sure, with the bench slid fully forward to maximise boot space, it’s snug – but the legroom and headroom are impressive for a city car. And up front, it’s positively airy. The visibility from that vast windscreen is just brilliant, even if its upright positioning does mean that it doubles as an insect cemetery after a coastal drive.
The driving experience? It’s fantastic. This thing is properly fun. Light, nimble, direct steering, good suspension, and surprisingly composed at motorway speeds. The most surprising aspect of this car to me, is the fact that is just so much fun and even dares to deliver a smile on the B-roads. I expected this car to be very sensible and very good, but I didn’t expect to love it quite so much.
The interior is great too, despite not using the most premium of materials (but look at the price point!) it feels rock solid – way better than rivals like the MG4 or even the Ford Puma when it comes to cabin materials. Hyundai has avoided gimmicks in the tech department too. Physical buttons for climate control, easy-to-use infotainment, wireless charging, Apple CarPlay – all here and sensibly laid out. It just works without drama!
Real-World Efficiency & Charging
Efficiency matters in a car like this, especially when the fast charging tops out at 85 kW (on a 100 kW charger). But when you’re averaging 4.8 mi/kWh, you won’t be hanging around waiting to charge very often. A 10–80% top-up takes about 30 minutes, which is fine for most real-world usage, especially in urban settings. During my limited testing the car appears to be capable of actually achieving its WLTP range figure in normal usage - wow!
Also worth a nod – the Inster has a heat pump as standard on all trims. That’s a big deal for efficiency in the winter.
It’s Not Just About the Price Tag
Yes, it’s affordable – but this isn’t a "cheap" car. It feels well built, well thought-out, and properly designed. It’s not trying to be quirky for the sake of it. It’s simply good. Genuinely good. It’s spacious, practical, and fun. I reckon it’s more comfortable in the back than a Renault 5 – and that’s not something I expected to say today.
No, it’s not perfect. The charging speed is a bit meh, there’s a bit of wind noise at speed, and the bug-covered windscreen thing is real. But when those are the worst I can say? That says everything.
Final Thoughts: A Standout Small EV
This is the small, efficient, versatile, and fun electric car that we’ve needed for years. It’s not just a sensible buy – it’s an enjoyable one too. Whether you’re a first-time EV buyer, someone looking to downsize, or just want something smart and practical without breaking the bank, the Hyundai Inster deserves your attention.
Take one for a test drive – I think it’ll surprise you too.
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