Hyundai unveils INSTER: all-electric sub-compact SUV with impressive range, sustainable design

SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Company unveiled the all-electric INSTER, a new A-segment sub-compact EV, at the 2024 Busan International Mobility Show on June 27. 

INSTER boasts a bold design that combines futuristic innovation with a spacious interior within a compact SUV body. With advanced technology, fast charging capabilities, and an impressive all-electric range (AER) of up to 355 kilometres, INSTER sets a new standard in its segment.

Bold exterior design and unique features

Building on the design legacy of the Korea-only, petrol-powered CASPER introduced in 2021, the INSTER’s styling evolution is underpinned by an extended body and wheelbase to deliver more interior space and a rugged road presence.

 
With its expanded dimensions, INSTER is positioned squarely between traditional A-segment sub-compact city cars and larger B-segment compact models. This offers the manoeuvrability and ease of use buyers expect with enhanced practicality and flexibility thanks to a more spacious interior and improved luggage capacity. Compared with larger models from the segment above, the INSTER’s compact dimensions make it ideal for city driving and boost convenience when parking. 

Simon Loasby, Senior Vice President and Head of the Hyundai Design Center, emphasised the global impact of the INSTER: "We've taken the small SUV image to a bold new place. INSTER's distinctive design and customer-centric interior redefine the sub-compact EV experience."

The exterior features robust yet compact SUV styling, including LED daytime running lights, pixel-graphic turn signals, and a bold skid plate. Customers can personalise their INSTER with LED projection headlamps and a two-tone exterior. Wheel options include 15-inch steel with wheel covers, 15-inch alloy, or 17-inch alloy wheels.

Interior versatility and advanced materials

Inside, the INSTER offers a 10.25-inch digital cluster, infotainment touchscreen with navigation, and wireless charging dock. Customizable upper door trim garnishes enhance personalization. The front row provides walk-through access, and all seats can be folded flat. Heated front seats and a split 50/50 second-row seating arrangement add to the versatility.

INSTER's exterior colour choices include Atlas White, Tomboy Khaki, Bijarim Khaki Matte, Unbleached Ivory, and new hues like Sienna Orange Metallic, Aero Silver Matte, Dusk Blue Matte, Buttercream Yellow Pearl, and Abyss Black Pearl. Some colours are available in two-tone combinations with a contrasting black roof.

Interior trim choices for the INSTER include Black, Khaki Brown, and Newtro Beige two-tone with full cloth trim.

Both the exterior and interior of the INSTER utilise sustainable materials. The exterior features black high-gloss recycled paint, replacing the traditional carbon black pigment with colouring made from recycled waste tyres. Inside, recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from bottles and bio-polypropylene material extracted from sugarcane contribute to the eco-friendly design.

Fast charging capability and segment-leading range

The INSTER excels in DC charging speed and maximum all-electric range (AER), allowing customers to spend less time charging and travel farther. Equipped with a standard 42 kWh battery, the INSTER also offers an optional Long-Range 49 kWh battery. Both models feature a single motor delivering 71.1 kW (97 PS) in the base variant and 84.5 kW (115 PS) in the Long-Range version, with 147 Nm of torque.

The Long-Range model boasts a segment-leading projected range of 355 km (WLTP) on a single charge, redefining sub-compact urban EV capabilities. Its estimated energy consumption is 15.3 kWh/100 km (WLTP).

Using a 120 kW DC High-Power charging station, the INSTER can charge from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes under optimal conditions. Additionally, it comes equipped with an 11 kW on-board charger, along with a battery heating system and high-efficiency heat pump.

External and internal Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality allows bi-directional charging, providing power for external devices (110V/220V). Customers can freely use or charge electric bicycles, scooters, and camping equipment.

Sophisticated technology and convenience features

Alongside its driving range and charging, INSTER offers a wealth of cutting-edge technology, including a multitude of advanced safety and driver assistance features. INSTER also features 64-color LED ambient lighting, a digital cluster, a one-touch sunroof and Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch (NFC) accessibility.

Hyundai’s new A-segment sub-compact urban EV offers the most complete technology package in the segment, including comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features such as a Surround View Monitor (SVM), Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist Rear (PCA-R), Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM) and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5 (FCA 1.5). 

Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Lane Following Assist (LFA) are also offered, plus Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Safety Exit Warning (SEW), Smart Cruise Control (SCC) w/ Stop and Go, Highway Driving Assist 1.5 (HDA 1.5), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), High Beam Assist (HBA), Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA) and Rear Occupant Alert (ROA).

The ADAS Parking System combines Parking Distance Warning (PDW) Front and Rear with a Rear-View Monitor (RVM) for enhanced visibility.

Global rollout and future variant

The INSTER will launch first in Korea this summer, followed by Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific. Most equipment and technologies come standard, with optional convenience and design features. Specifications will be confirmed closer to launch.

An additional variant, the INSTER CROSS, will join the INSTER family in the future, featuring a rugged, outdoor-focused design. 

Hyundai INSTER Specifications