Hyundai Inster – a matter of style

Hyundai’s Inster was probably the marmite car that I’ve driven in a long time. Its somewhat avant-garde style divided opinion, but despite its many positives, the majority of people who saw my test vehicle weren’t impressed. It didn’t help that my test car was matte black. Although styling is a very personal matter, I don’t think the Inster will appeal to everyone.

There used to be a saying ‘small car with big car features’. Inster seems to offer many features not found in other larger cars. Standard features on the Inster include navigation, climate, Smart Cruise, heated, adjustable, and folding door-mirrors, auto-lights and wipers as well as rear parking sensors, rear-view camera, Apple Car Play, and Android Auto. The mid-range model I tested had heated steering wheel and seats, folding front seats, folding rear seats, rear privacy glasses, wireless phone charging, and a 49kwh battery.

The boot will only fit three to four large carrier bags. You can put your kitchen rolls on the backseat. The Inster is a compact car, but it offers a lot of space for its occupants.

Inster’s electric torque provides a more immediate driving experience than most EVs. Many are surprised by its low-range acceleration. I think the driving range limits it to urban use, unless one is into logistical planning and has the patience to wait in line for a public charger. The Inster can be a good urban commuter if you have a charger at home.

Inster, for someone who uses standard paragraphs almost to illiterate his annoyance with driver assistance and complete touchscreen control, is a great news story. There are buttons. The touchscreen is not the only way to control important features. Even the driver assist system with its bings bongs and bells is quiet.

The Inster has a built-to-a-price feel, but its equipment level more than compensates for this. This car is very well thought out and offers a wide range of features as standard. The interior space also makes it a winner. Use it with a home charger for largely urban driving and at the price – very affordable for an EV – it’s an attractive package if you are taken by the style.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

• Model: Hyundai Inster 02
• Engine: Electric motor 115 PS with 49 kwh Battery
• Gears: Automatic
• Price: £26,755
• Performance: From 0 to 62 mph/100 kph/10.6 seconds
• Economy: Range depending on driving conditions and style: 358km/223 mi
• Emissions: 0g/km

The model tested is UK specification and the equipment levels and price may vary. Other markets