Hyundai Inster 2025 review
Photo: Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Hyundai Inster is the small electric car the UK has been waiting for: a proper A-segment city car with real range, honest pricing and big-car tech. Based on the Korean-market Casper but stretched and electrified for Europe, it went on sale in early 2025 from just £23,495 — and promptly won the 2025 World Electric Car of the Year title.
Two powertrains are offered. The £23,495 Standard Range pairs a 42 kWh battery with a 95 bhp motor for up to 186 miles, while the £25,495 Long Range upgrades to a 49 kWh battery and 113 bhp for up to 229 miles and a 10.6-second 0–62 mph sprint. Both top out at 93 mph and — unusually for the class — rapid-charge at up to 120 kW, so 10–80% takes just 30 minutes. A heat pump is standard across the range.
Despite being only 3,825 mm long, the Inster is cleverly packaged: sliding and reclining rear seats liberate up to 351 litres of boot space, and the boxy shape gives excellent headroom. Inside you get twin 10.25-inch displays, vehicle-to-load tech for powering camping kit or tools, and a four-star Euro NCAP rating.
Against the Dacia Spring and Citroen e-C3, the Inster feels like a grown-up car: faster charging, longer range, better tech and Hyundai's five-year warranty. Its tiny footprint and nippy steering make it a joy in town, even if motorway pace is modest.
Related reviews: Hyundai I10 2024 review · Hyundai I20 2024 review · Hyundai I30 2024 review
UK price from: £23,495
Specifications
| Battery | 49 kWh (42 kWh standard range) |
| Power | 84.5 kW (113 bhp) |
| 0-62 mph | 10.6 seconds |
| Top speed | 93 mph |
| Range (WLTP) | Up to 229 miles |
| Charging (DC max) | Up to 120 kW (10–80% in ~30 min) |
| Transmission | Single-speed reduction gear |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Boot space | 280 litres (351 litres seats forward) |
| Length | 3,825 mm |
| Kerb weight | 1,305 kg |
| Insurance group | 21 |
Features
- 120 kW DC rapid charging: 10–80% in just 30 minutes
- Heat pump fitted as standard across the range
- Vehicle-to-load (V2L) for powering external devices
- Sliding and reclining rear seats for flexible boot space
- Twin 10.25-inch driver and infotainment displays
- Adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist
- 2025 World Electric Car of the Year winner
- Five-year, unlimited-mileage Hyundai warranty
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin pollen filter | £18.99 | Replace every 2 years |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £22.99 | Small-car sizes keep costs down |
| 12V auxiliary battery | £109.99 | Standard fitment |
| Front brake pads (set) | £49.99 | Long life thanks to regen |
| Front brake discs (pair) | £94.99 | Inspect for corrosion at services |
| Key fob battery (CR2032) | £4.99 | DIY fit in seconds |
Pros
- Among the cheapest proper EVs on sale
- Fast 120 kW charging is exceptional for the class
- Heat pump standard boosts winter range
- Clever sliding rear seats maximise space
Cons
- 11.7-second 0–62 mph on the base model
- Boot is just 280 litres with seats up
- Four-star Euro NCAP, not five
- Motorway refinement is limited
