It’s nice to see electrification take hold of the small car market. Battery power is the perfect thing for zipping around urban areas, and there are some really funky designs around taking advantage of the packaging benefits. The Renault 5 and Alpine A290 pair have just scooped Car of the Year, the Dacia Spring is cheap as chips, and VW’s ID.2 surely isn’t far away. Don’t forget the Hyundai Inster, either; launched at the end of last year, it’s now available here in ‘Cross’ spec.
You’ll recognise the look. Like every Alltrack, Active, All Terrain, Cross Turismo and Trek model that ever there’s been, this small Hyundai is meant to appear a little more ready for off-road adventures without boasting any significant changes. If people want to buy them, the companies will keep making them. This Inster gets new bumpers, wheels, cladding and roof rails - the Cross Design Package - to mark it out from the 01 and 02 models.
The powertrain is unchanged, with 115hp/247lb ft from a permanent magnet synchronous motor powering the front wheels and powered by a 49kWh battery. So it’ll scoot to 62mph in just over 10 seconds, and reach 93mph. With kerbweight from 1,335kg, Hyundai reckons that four miles per kilowatt hour is possible, as well as 223 miles of range thanks to the standard heat pump. Plenty enough for a lot of errands, with charging possible at up to 85kW. An hour on a 50kW CCS while you do the shopping and have a coffee will replenish the battery from 10-80 per cent.
As a top-of-the range model, the Inster comes with all the equipment you’d expect plus a fair bit more, including wireless phone charging, a surround view monitor, a heated wheel, a sunroof and a 10.25-inch infotainment display. Sadly the days of truly back to basics city cars are done, with a whole host of active safety equipment included, but such is the world in 2025. Hyundai’s five year unlimited mileage warranty applies to the Inster Cross, as does an eight-year, 100,000 mile policy for the battery.
Because of the level of standard kit, the only options so far are a Tech Pack (with Vehicle2Load functionality and a Digital Key) plus paint: Natural Ivory is free, Atlas White is £399, Abyss Black Pearl is £600, and a matter Aero Silver/Amazons Green finish is £800. Which would put the Inster Cross close to £30k, given the asking price is £28,745. An Inster 01 is £23,495, an 02 £26,745. So the new look is really going to have to appeal, basically, because there are now plenty of sub-£30k alternatives (and reasonable finance deals) around. Long may they continue. Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai & Genesis UK, said: “With its distinct styling and segment-leading technology, Inster is already an exciting proposition. The Inster Cross only furthers that versatility and appeal with its bold design and added features, and continues to showcase Hyundai’s position as an industry leader in electrification.”
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