Hyundai Interster Seven-Day Test Finds Affordable Chinese Counterpart may Not Be the Optimal Purchase

Hyundai Inster: A Compact Electric SUV that Delivers

The Hyundai Inster, a compact electric SUV, has been making waves in the EV market. This South Korean creation, produced by Hyundai Motor Company, offers a unique driving experience that is both peppy and nimble, making it a standout choice for urban dwellers.

Charging the Inster is a breeze, as it can be plugged into a 10amp household socket, taking approximately 10 hours and 50 minutes to reach full charge. For faster charging, it uses a Type 2 plug with an AC charging capacity of 10.5kW. Interestingly, it can also DC fast charge at up to 120kW, but the tester didn't need to public charge during the test period.

The Inster's economy is impressive, with an average energy consumption of 12.7kWh/100km (as tested). This means that a trip of 10,000km could potentially cost just over $100, given the right electricity tariff. The tester found the Inster's economy to be particularly good in city conditions, returning an impressive 8.9kW/100km during in-town use.

In terms of performance, the Inster's acceleration may not be impressive, but it's surprisingly fun to punt through and fly out of corners. The Inster's single front motor delivers a smooth power output, with 71.1kW and 147Nm of torque. This makes the Inster a joy to drive, especially on urban streets, where it feels settled and composed on the highway.

The Inster's interior is dominated by hard plastic, except for the door armrest which lacks padding. However, the cloth seats feel basic but never uncomfortable. The cabin is roomy, with a duo of 10.25-inch screens and comfortable seats. The reversing camera is considered average, but it gets the job done.

The Inster's range is 327km, which is more than enough for most daily commutes. The tester found that the Inster's economy prefers city life over highways, with the highway drive hitting the battery hard, resulting in an economy of over 15kW/100km.

The Inster can seat four comfortably, and the rear seats can be folded down to create a usable flat floor. The boot is small, but with the rear seats folded, the cargo area isn't half bad. It's worth noting that the Inster's boot was able to hold all beach gear, but surfboards could not fit.

The Inster is a compact vehicle, described as being small, tall, and having tiny overhangs. It handled traffic-heavy situations well, as demonstrated during a drive to Noosa Main Beach. Parked beside a Land Rover Defender, the Inster appeared comically smaller.

The tester compared the Inster to an Uber's BYD Atto 3 and found the Inster's ride, handling, and build quality to be superior. The tester will miss the Inster, finding it up there with the best second cars for general around-town daily duties.

The Inster comes in two versions: a standard model priced at $42,473 (in Queensland, Australia) for the entry-level model with a 42kWh battery, 327km range, and 71.1kW/147Nm front motor, and an Extended Range version priced at $46,043 drive-away. This Extended Range version boasts a 49kWh battery, 360km range, and 84.5kW/147Nm front motor.

In conclusion, the Hyundai Inster is a compact electric SUV that offers a unique driving experience, impressive economy, and a practical interior. It may not be the largest vehicle on the road, but it certainly packs a punch when it comes to performance and economy. For those looking for a second car for general around-town duties, or for those looking to make the switch to electric, the Inster is definitely worth considering.

Hyundai Interster Seven-Day Test Finds Affordable Chinese Counterpart may Not Be the Optimal Purchase