2025 Hyundai Inster Australia Review: The Small EV That Could (And Totally Does!)
In search of the ultimate budget-friendly electric car in Australia? The 2025 Hyundai Inster is arriving with up to 360 km range, luxurious interior, enhanced safety, and intelligent tech features. Discover pricing, specs, pros & cons, and why it’s the ideal EV for city driving.
From Pony to Power Plug: Hyundai’s Electrifying Evolution
Hyundai’s most affordable electric car is here – and it’s got the heart of a lion, the size of a koala, and the brains of a tech startup. Let’s see if it’s worth the buzz. A long time ago—alright, the 1970s—Hyundai was synonymous with mass-market hatchbacks such as the Pony, vehicles that took you from A to B without breaking the bank. Jump forward to 2025, and Hyundai is a major player in car innovation on the global stage. EVs, hydrogen fuel cell, autonomous tech—you name it, they’re doing it.
And now? They’ve launched their smallest EV in Australia, and it’s here to make a point. Meet all new Hyundai Inster, the EV made for city roads, narrow car parks, and the urban commuter’s guilt-free.
Interior and Features: A Microcar That Doesn’t Feel Cheap
Though its tiny exterior, the interior of the Hyundai Inster punches well above its size. Let’s get down to business:
Dual 10.25-inch digital screens that leave you wondering if you’re driving a spaceship or a sub-$40k EV.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto because cables are just for 2020.
Eco-friendly materials such as recycled seat trimmings and soft-touch plastics that are good to touch and good for the planet.
Wireless charging pad, rear seats that fold and adjust, ambient lighting, USB-C ports – the Inster has more tech than some luxury sedans.
And the cherry on top? The build quality. It’s solid, tight, and free of squeaks. This isn’t a “cheap EV” it’s a cheap one, with the refinement of a premium city car.
Performance: Small But Zippy
Don’t imagine that Inster’s adorable mug will translate to slowness. The Standard Range version provides a 71.1 kW motor and 327 km of WLTP range—ideal for the Monday-to-Friday commute.
The Inster Cross and Extended Range bump you up to an 84.5 kW motor with a 360 km range—perfect for those last-minute weekend beach excursions.
It’s fast off the mark, almost silent, and remarkably responsive. And with rapid charging to 120 kW, you’ll travel from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes—almost enough time to finish a flat white in Melbourne’s CBD.
Safety Tech: Loaded to the Roof Rails
Hyundai didn’t cut corners on safety, either. The Inster is equipped with:
Adaptive Cruise Control
Lane Keep Assist:
Blind Spot Monitoring
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Autonomous Emergency Braking
360° Surround View Monitor
Driver Attention Warning (perfect for Monday mornings)
As a car this size, it’s astonishingly well-equipped to keep you safe from all things—from distracted SUV drivers to out-of-control shopping trolleys at Coles.
Capabilities: Not Just a City Slicker
Let’s be realistic—the Inster isn’t hauling a caravan along the Nullarbor. But for urban living? It’s fantastic.
Tight turning radius makes U-turns easy.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) makes it a power station on wheels—ideal for camping or remote working (who knew your EV could charge up a coffee machine?).
Sliding rear seats and 351L boot make it more practical than its small size implies.
Ground clearance & suspension are ideal for Aussie speed bumps and potholes.
If your daily route includes traffic jams, tight parking, or urban errands—this EV is tailor-made for you.
Hyundai Inster Price in Australia (2025)
Here’s what you’ll pay to join the EV revolution on a budget:
Variant Price (Before On-Road Costs) Range (WLTP)
Standard Range $39,000 327 km
Extended Range $42,500 360 km
Inster Cross $45,000 360 km with Sunroof options
Available: Q3 2025 across Australia. Pre-orders open now.
It’s placed smartly between the BYD Dolphin and GWM Ora, but with Hyundai’s superior reputation for reliability.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Most affordable Hyundai EV ever
High-quality interior & advanced tech
Fast charging and long range
Compact yet spacious design
Safety-first with ADAS features
Vehicle-to-Load feature is super practical
Cons:
No AWD or long-distance highway punch
More expensive than BYD Dolphin
Limited to urban and suburban versatility
No leather or luxury trim options (yet)
Final Verdict: A Clever EV for Clever Aussies
The 2025 Hyundai Inster is more than just another electric vehicle. It’s a statement—a cheeky, small, tech-packed statement that says to the world: “Yes, I love the planet, but I also enjoy parallel parking in one motion.”
For urban commuters, first-time EV owners, or even retirees who want a hassle-free second vehicle, the Inster is a no-brainer. It’s intelligent, secure, and surprisingly stylish. And most importantly—it shows that the future of driving needn’t cost six figures.
FAQ
Q1: Is the Hyundai Inster coming to Australia?
Yes, the Hyundai Inster will be available in Australia from Q3 2025, with pre-orders now available.
Q2: How much is the driving range of Hyundai Inster’s?
The Inster has up to 360 km of range (WLTP) on its Extended and Cross variants, and up to 327 km on the Standard model.
Q3: How much is the Hyundai Inster in Australia?
The prices begin from $39,000 for Standard Range, $42,500 for Extended Range, and $45,000 for the Inster Cross approx.
Q4: Does the Hyundai Inster make a great EV for city driving?
Yes. Its small size, small turning radius, refined driver assists, and quick charging make it perfect for urban driving and short trips.
Q5: Is the Hyundai Inster capable of fast charging?
Yes. The Inster can fast charge via DC at up to 120 kW, which can charge 10–80% in 30 minutes.
Q6: Who are the main rivals of the Hyundai Inster in Australia?
Key competitors are the BYD Dolphin, GWM Ora, and MG4 EV—although the Inster is distinguished by its high-end capabilities and Hyundai’s service record.
Q7: Is the Hyundai Inster V2L-capable?
Yes, some varient feature V2L, enabling you to charge small appliances, laptops, or equipment from the vehicle’s battery—great for outdoor or working away.
