Hyundai's latest attempt to win over the EV-skeptic masses comes in the form of the Inster, a pint-sized electric SUV that promises a 220-mile range and a price tag that won't make your wallet cry... much.
The Race to the Bottom (of the Range)
In what can only be described as a desperate attempt to convince us that electric is the way forward, car manufacturers are now engaged in a thrilling race to the bottom of their ranges. It's like watching a bunch of toddlers compete to see who can eat the most dirt - fascinating, but you're not sure you want to join in.
We've already been treated to the Dacia Spring, which at £15k is about as cheap as a new car can get without actually being a glorified golf cart. Then there's the Citroen e-C3, weighing in at a "mere" £22k. And now, ladies and gentlemen, Hyundai wants a piece of this bargain-basement EV pie with the Inster.
What's in a Name?
According to Hyundai, the name 'Inster' is derived from "intimate", "innovative", and "Casper". Because nothing says "cutting-edge electric vehicle" quite like mashing together random words and the name of a friendly ghost. It's like they put those terms in a blender, hit puree, and this is what came out.
But wait, you might be thinking, shouldn't this be called the Ioniq 2 to fit in with Hyundai's existing EV range? Well, apparently logic and consistency are so last year. Hyundai's naming department clearly decided to go rogue on this one. Maybe they were inspired by Elon Musk's approach to naming his kids.
A Familiar Face in Electric Clothing
If you're thinking the Inster looks suspiciously like the Korea-only Hyundai Casper, give yourself a gold star. It's essentially the Casper with an electric heart transplant and some fancy LED makeup. Hyundai's design team must have been working overtime to come up with such groundbreaking changes as... *checks notes*... signature LED daytime running lights and pixel-graphic indicators.
But fear not, for Hyundai assures us that the Inster is not just a Casper in a cheap Halloween costume. Oh no, it's much more than that. According to their press release:
"INSTER will set new standards in terms of driving range, technology, and safety features, redefining what buyers can expect from a vehicle in this class."
Well, color me intrigued. I can't wait to see how they redefine my expectations for a vehicle that's essentially a electric shoebox on wheels.
The Price of Progress
Now, let's talk turkey. Or in this case, pounds sterling. The Inster is expected to start at around £20k. That's right, for the price of a decent used car, you too can own a brand new electric Hyundai that's smaller than your average shopping trolley.
But before you rush to remortgage your house, let's consider what you're getting for your hard-earned cash. A 220-mile range, which in real-world terms probably translates to "pray there's a charging station every 150 miles". Some funky LED lights that will make you feel like you're in a budget sci-fi movie. And the smug satisfaction of knowing you're doing your bit for the environment, even if you can barely fit your weekly shop in the boot.
The Mystery of the Missing Powertrain
In a move that can only be described as "building suspense" (or "we haven't figured it out yet"), Hyundai has kept mum on the actual powertrain details. Beyond the estimated 220-mile range, we're left to speculate. Will it be powered by hopes and dreams? Perhaps it runs on the collective sighs of EV skeptics? We'll have to wait for the Inster's debut at the Busan Motor Show to find out.
The Verdict (Before We've Even Seen It)
So, what are we to make of the Hyundai Inster? It's small, it's electric, and it's... well, it exists. In a world where EVs are still priced out of reach for many, perhaps this little electron-muncher is exactly what we need. Or maybe it's just another drop in the ocean of budget EVs that promise the earth but deliver a postage stamp.
One thing's for sure - Hyundai is determined to make electric vehicles accessible to the masses, even if those masses have to squeeze themselves into a car the size of a large appliance box. Whether the Inster will be a roaring success or just another forgettable entry in the annals of automotive history remains to be seen.
But hey, at least it's not another crossover, right? Oh wait...
The Final Word
As we eagerly (or perhaps tepidly) await the Inster's grand unveiling at the Busan Motor Show, let's take a moment to appreciate Hyundai's chutzpah. In a market saturated with overpriced electric SUVs and questionable design choices, they've decided to go small or go home. And while the Inster might not be the EV revolution we were expecting, it might just be the one we deserve.
So, buckle up, EV enthusiasts and skeptics alike. The Hyundai Inster is coming, whether we like it or not. Just don't expect to fit much more than your ego in the boot.