Hyundai Inster
Words by Mark Slack
Hyundai’s Inster is probably the most marmite car I have driven in many a while, its somewhat avant-garde styling divided opinion but the majority who saw my test car, despite the Inster’s many qualities, weren’t keen. My test model wasn’t helped by the fact that it was finished in matte black. While styling is very much a matter of personal taste, I suspect the Inster’s characterful looks won’t appeal to all.
There used to be a saying ‘small car with big car features’. The Inster appears to have many features that aren’t even seen in a lot of larger cars. On the lead-in Inster standard fare includes navigation, climate, smart cruise, powered heated, adjustable and folding door mirrors, auto lights and wipers, rear parking sensors and rear-view monitor, Apple Car Play and Android Auto. My mid-range test model added heated seats and steering wheel, reclining and sliding rear seats, fold flat front seats, rear privacy glass, wireless mobile phone charging and a 49kwh longer range battery.
The boot is really only good for three or four carrier bags of shopping, and your jumbo pack of kitchen rolls will be on the back seat. Inside though, the occupants fare better with admirable space given the Inster’s modest dimensions.
On the road the Inster gives the usual anodyne driving feel that comes with most EVs but is relieved by the instant torque of electric power. It surprises many with its low range acceleration. The driving range makes it a largely urban car in my view, 223 miles, unless you like logistical planning and have the time to wait for charging on the overly expensive public network. Have a home charger though and the Inster makes a fine urban commuter car.
As someone who almost has standard paragraphs to express my annoyance at driver assistance systems, and complete touchscreen takeover, the Inster is a good news story. There are buttons! Although there is a touchscreen the important features can be controlled via button presses. Even the driver assistance system is relatively quiet with its bings, bongs and chimes.
The Inster feels like it’s built to a price, £26,755 for my 02 trim level, but what it lacks in tactile feel it more than makes up for in equipment levels. Overall, this is a very cleverly thought-out car that offers an excellent array of standard features and lots of interior cabin space. 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.
Words by Mark Slack
