Hyundai Reveals Insteroid Concept: A High-Performance Twist on the Inster EV

Hyundai has just shocked the EV world with the unveiling of the Insteroid, a bold, performance-driven concept based on its upcoming Inster small electric SUV. While the Inster promises affordability and practicality, the Insteroid cranks things up to 11 – proving there’s serious potential for a hot hatch-style BEV that doesn’t break the bank.

⚡ A Compact EV with a Big Attitude

Though it might look like a wild design exercise, the Insteroid is more than just a showpiece. Underneath its aggressive, rally-inspired styling lies a beastly dual-motor electric powertrain, all-wheel drive, and Hyundai’s proven e-GMP platform — the same high-tech setup found in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

According to Hyundai Motor Europe exterior design manager Nicola Danza, the Insteroid borrows the Ioniq 5 N’s 478kW/740Nm drivetrain and its 84kWh usable battery, delivering serious performance cred in a much smaller and lighter package.

🛠️ Built Fast, Designed to Impress

What’s even more impressive? The Insteroid went from first sketch to working prototype in just 12 months – with only six of those spent building the actual car.

While it uses some standard Inster body panels, Hyundai’s design team in Germany’s Rüsselsheim studio stretched the wheelbase to accommodate the Ioniq 5 N’s larger battery and fitted massive 21-inch wheels. These sit well outside the typical Inster’s track, giving the Insteroid its wide, aggressive stance.

🧨 Not Officially an ‘N’ Car… But Close

Hyundai made it clear that the Insteroid is not officially an N performance division project — though it clearly borrows heavily from the N playbook. The drift mode, high-output motors, and race-ready styling show that even if N wasn’t involved in the design, its influence runs deep.

Despite being a one-off, the Insteroid is fully functional, though Hyundai test drivers are handling it with care due to its rarity.

🏁 What This Means for the Future

While there’s no word yet on whether the Insteroid will evolve into a production model, it highlights Hyundai’s ability — and ambition — to create fun, fast, and functional EVs in a more affordable segment. If something like this were to join Hyundai’s N lineup down the track, it could seriously shake up the hot hatch market.

With the regular Hyundai Inster already set to offer great value as a compact EV, the Insteroid hints that high-performance electrification may not be limited to luxury price tags much longer.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates as Hyundai continues to redefine what’s possible in the world of electric performance.

Ensure you search the Tynan stock through our link here.

Credit: GoAuto.com.au