Hyundai Reveals Affordable Inster EV: Could It Be Australia’s Cheapest Electric SUV?

2024-10-08

Hyundai Motor UK has just announced pricing and specifications for the all-new Inster sub-compact electric SUV, offering a surprisingly affordable entry point for a battery electric vehicle (BEV). Starting from just £23,495 (A$45,057) in the UK, the Inster significantly undercuts the petrol-powered Kona and positions itself as a budget-friendly EV option in Hyundai’s lineup.

A Closer Look at the Inster's Pricing & Range

The Inster Standard Range comes with a 42kWh battery and a front-wheel-drive electric motor generating 71.1kW of power and 147Nm of torque. This setup gives the Inster a 0-100km/h time of 11.7 seconds and a driving range of 327km (WLTP). If you’re looking for more power and range, the Long Range version offers a 49kWh battery, delivering 85.5kW of power, 147Nm of torque, and a range of 360-370km. This model cuts the 0-100km/h sprint to 10.6 seconds.

Charging the Inster is also a breeze, with support for both AC (up to 11kW) and DC fast charging (up to 120kW), allowing for flexible charging options depending on the situation.

Affordable Pricing Compared to Petrol Models

While £23,495 may still seem high when converted to Australian dollars, it’s worth noting that the Inster is positioned competitively within Hyundai’s range. In fact, it’s nearly £3000 (A$5753) cheaper than the Kona in the UK, which runs on a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. This marks a significant shift in making EVs more accessible.

For Australian buyers, the base Kona with a 2.0-litre petrol engine starts from $32,500, suggesting that the Inster could arrive with a price tag close to $35,000—potentially making it one of the cheapest new electric vehicles on sale in Australia. That’s especially enticing when considering that even the Kona Hybrid starts from $36,500.

What’s Included?

The Inster is available in two trim levels in the UK, '01' and '02', with the rugged Inster Cross variant expected to follow. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect with the standard and extended range models:

Inster 01 Standard Range:

15-inch alloy wheels
10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Satellite navigation
Adaptive cruise control
Rear parking sensors and reversing camera
Bluelink connected services with OTA updates
Climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel

Inster 02 Extended Range:

49kWh battery (standard)
17-inch alloy wheels
Projector LED headlights and rear LED lights
Front parking sensors
Sliding rear seats and flat-fold capability
Heated front seats and steering wheel
Wireless smartphone charging, ambient lighting

Will the Inster Be a Game-Changer in Australia?

Hyundai has confirmed the Inster will arrive in Australia with both Standard and Long Range battery options, likely in two trim levels. If the pricing lands below $35,000 as speculated, the Inster could become a top contender in the affordable EV market. Chinese brands like MG and GWM have already slashed prices on their EVs, with models like the MG 4 starting at $30,990 drive-away, so competition is heating up.

Hyundai Australia’s product planning manager, Sam Dabestani, hinted that the Inster’s appealing price point and stylish design could attract a younger demographic to the BEV market. With its competitive pricing, solid range, and attractive features, the Inster could indeed be the entry-level EV that many Australians have been waiting for.

Would you consider buying the Hyundai Inster if it arrives at around $35,000?