In a sea of bulbous bodies and squinty headlights in the monotonous electric vehicle segment, we found a breath of fresh air in the Hyundai Inster. The Korean automaker’s smallest EV and SUV, it casts a visual that is equal measures unique, cute and purposeful.
The subject of our week-long road test was the “Cross” variant, which can drive a misconception of a taller more adventurous model. The truth is, while you can spec it with roof racks, it’s not going anywhere further than the grass verge on a suburban street.
That’s especially so given its front-wheel drive only layout and 17-inch low profile rubber. A more apt way to describe it is as a higher spec model, with things like a 360-view camera, extended range up to 360km (from 327km) and power outputs at 84.5kW versus 71.1kW.
There are seven different and interesting colours to choose from, including our Amazonas Matt Green, which went from a dark olive to a bright popping green at the lick of the sun’s rays.
Up front there’s excellent LED projection headlights, which are larger round units in a stylised black and charcoal front fascia. Those trims continue to the wheel arches, adding a chunky flared look that contrasts well with the matt green across the front guards.
It’s not a long walk to get to the back, where the styling is reminiscent of a Fiat 500 at some angles. Rear fog lights in the bumper are matched to the interesting miniature squares above, which light up at the press of the brake pedal.
The brand’s desire to standout continues inside, where one is met with what is up there with the best interiors we’ve come across in some time. With lashings of light grey, combined with various greens, its not going to be to everyone’s taste.
There’s various options available though, and we quite liked the vibe. It matches the fun persona of the Inster, so it certainly felt fitting. It’s feature packed too, starting with the artificial leather front seats in a mix of green seat pads and grey embossed backrests.
They house heating and cooling functions, along with electric adjustability. It’s almost a bench seat, in that the driver seat has a continuation under the swinging armrest where the cupholders sit.
Initially we thought it would be problematic, but it was just the opposite, and make great use of the space. The driver hangs onto a comfortable heated steering wheel housing various logical buttons and interactive pixel lights that change based on drive mode.
Ahead of the wheel is a screen for the driver with traditional dials, which was a welcome change. It’s partnered with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen atop the centre stack, which was both clear and intuitive to use.
Further down is a wireless charger in its own little cubby – supplemented by two USB-C ports, and a 180w output ahead of the passenger. It sits near a small shelf, where we found ourselves storing things given the relative lack of space otherwise.
Power is also provided in the form of a V2L 240-volt plug down near the floor. Disappointingly, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are a wired only option, but once connected, the sound system was a delightful addition to the experience.
The sunroof really adds to the interior too, although light isn’t an issue given the relatively tall roof, right through to the boot. Of note, optioning the roof storage box reduces range – so caveat emptor on that one.
Rear seat passengers gain access via a hidden handle in the C-pillar. It reveals a slightly tight entry but once inside, we were truly amazed by the space. With a 6-foot driver ahead, an adult was able to comfortably sit behind.
That makes this a genuine 4-adult proposition where required. There’s no charging ports or air vents back there, but given the cabin size, the latter never became an issue. The boot space is even cuter than the rest of the car.
Some 280-litres is the headline, so three average school back packs of floor space, or thereabouts. Thankfully the rear row can slide forward to extend that space out to a far more usable 351-litres.
If you are moving house, those seats also fold down to reveal a commodious 1059-litres of cargo space. But it’s when behind the wheel that it all comes together. A twist of the steering column mounted shifter selects Drive to get moving.
There are various modes available, along with adjustable regenerative braking via paddles on the steering wheel, but this is no rocket ship. In fact, the instant torque take off one may be used to in an EV, is missing.
In its place, a smooth and linear launch that never once put the front rubber in jeopardy. In similar vain to the interior accommodations, the ride belies the chassis size. It’s stable and smooth, with the suspension doing an admirable job of ironing out Sydney’s roads.
Even on the highway, it was happy to hold speed and a line, outside of the bow-wave of a large B-double. Linking a couple of corners makes you forget about that slow take off; it exhibits only the slightest mid-corner understeer, but is otherwise benign.
There’s only minimal body roll. It reminded us of the adage of driving a slow car fast. Range is low-ish but ultimately, we see this as the perfect city car. It’s confident enough to take on the freeway, but best around town.
Its miniature dimensions makes parking and manoeuvring super simple. It does this while offering an attractive package that stands out from the crowd. The 2025 Hyundai Inster Cross SRF comes with a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty.
The clincher though might be the price, at $45,000 plus on-roads it is severely undercut by newer Chinese rivals. What you do get though is something genuinely different from the competitors it’s up against.
You can find out more on the Hyundai Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership. To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One. To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by Hyundai Australia for independent review purposes. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this vehicle.
