Summary
The Hyundai Inster is a small budget-end battery-powered hatchback and the entry-level all-electric model in Hyundai’s UK range. The range will also include a beefier Inster Cross variant that is more suited to off-road ‘adventures’.
Described as an “impressive package” by the Daily Mail’s Rob Hull, Auto Trader’s Dan Trent argues that the Inster is a great addition to the sub-£25k budget EV market that is “generously equipped and proves affordable doesn’t have to look cheap.”
Also praised for its stylish exterior looks by several reviewers, the car is also praised by many for its competitive battery range. “It’s not as cheap as we had hoped”, says Steve Fowler of The Independent, pointing to the fact that rivals like the Renault 5, Citroën ë-C3 and Dacia Spring are cheaper as standard.
As of April 2025, the Hyundai Inster holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 70%. It scores top marks for its low running costs (although we only have limited data at the moment) and zero tailpipe emissions, while its initial media review scores have also been good. As yet, we don’t have a Euro NCAP safety rating, which may push the overall score up or down whenever it is published. Check back again soon.
Inster highlights
- Roomy well-built cabin
- Competitive battery range
- Easy to drive and comfortable
- Attractive pricing
Inster lowlights
- Some cheap interior plastics
- Rather soft brake pedal
- Sliding rear seats reserved for higher trims
- Styling won’t appeal to all
Key specifications
Body style: Small hatchback
Engines: electric, battery-powered
Price: From £23,495 on-road
Launched: Spring 2025
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Featured reviews
“The Hyundai Inster is a cute-looking and great-value EV with up to 229 miles of range, but it’s pricier than a Citroen e-C3.”
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
Read full review
Carwow
Neil Briscoe
“The new Hyundai Inster EV is fun to drive, has plenty of space and is well equipped.”
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
Read full review
Auto Express
Richard Ingram
More reviews
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“The new wave of affordable, attractive and relevant electric cars like the Hyundai Inster is a breath of fresh air. Comfortably hitting the sub-£25,000 entry price point also targeted by the likes of the Renault 5 and Citroën ë-C3, the Inster is more expensive than a Dacia Spring or Leapmotor T03 but is more generously equipped and proves affordable doesn’t have to look cheap.”
Author: Dan Trent
Read review
Business Car
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Hyundai is sure to attract attention from fleets looking to electrify due to its affordable pricing, quirky look, class-leading range, and its easy going, comfortable drive.”
Author: Martyn Collins
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Hyundai has hit the bullseye here with a cool Dikec-like accuracy. For a compact urban runabout, the Inster is big where it counts – big on character and charm, big on clever and flexible packaging, and big on range and performance. If you’re looking for an affordable and stylish runabout that doesn’t feel compromised in every area, then the Inster should be at the top of your must-drive list.”
Author: Ben Whitworth
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.6 / 10
“The Hyundai Inster looks pricey on the face of it, but it’s well built and upmarket inside.”
Author: Charlie Harvey, Richard Ingram
Read review
Daily Mail
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The Hyundai Inster is an impressive package. For such a small car, it’s hugely roomy and loaded with quality materials and kit you usually expect to find in bigger cars. But this latter point might also be its downfall. Had Hyundai done away with some features that aren’t necessary for such a compact car, it could have created an EV that’s truly affordable.”
Author: Rob Hull
Read review
Electrifying.com
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“Such a welcome addition to the electric car classes, the Hyundai Inster is versatile, stylish, affordable and has loads of ‘big car’ kit. We absolutely love it.”
Author: Ginny Buckley
Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The Hyundai Inster has eye-catching, SUV-aping styling. Its roomy, practical interior is packed with standard equipment. But it’s still pricey for such a small car, and the base model misses out on rear seat flexibility.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The world needs more cars like this.”
Read review
The Independent
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Hyundai’s entry-level model is a cute all-electric mini-SUV to compete against the likes of the Renault 5. It boasts an impressive array of tech, but it’s not as cheap as we had hoped.”
Author: Steve Fowler
Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Good but doesn’t Inster the soul.”
Author: Will Dron
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Hyundai Inster is a refined and good looking little car, at home in the city and suburbs. Price a little stiff though.”
Author: Paul Horrell
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
As of April 2025, the Hyundai Inster has not been assessed by Euro NCAP. Check back again soon.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of April 2025, the Hyundai Inster has not been assessed by Green NCAP.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the Inster is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing if and when it takes place. Check back again soon.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 218 miles | B | 203 – 229 miles | B – B |
| Electrical efficiency | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 4.2 m/KWh | B | 4.1 – 4.3 m/KWh | B – C |
As of April 2025, we only have limited information about the Hyundai Inster’s running costs. Its electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of fuel economy for a petrol or diesel car) is good, which helps to deliver a decent battery range for this class of car.
We should be getting servicing and insurance cost data shortly, so check back again soon.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of April 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Hyundai Inster to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Inster, we’ll publish the results here.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Hyundai Inster
As of April 2025, we are not aware of any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the Hyundai Inster. However, this information is updated very regularly so this may have changed.
You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Hyundai dealer.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Hyundai Inster, you might also be interested in these alternatives.
BYD Dolphin | Citroën ë-C3 | Dacia Spring | Fiat 500e | GWM Ora 03 | Kia Soul EV | Mini Cooper Electric | Peugeot e-208 | Renault 5 | Vauxhall Corsa Electric
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Hyundai Inster at The Car Expert
Buy a Hyundai Inster
If you’re looking to buy a new or used Hyundai Inster, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.
Find your next used car with Motors. Find out more
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Lease a Hyundai Inster
If you’re looking to lease a new Hyundai Inster, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal.
Personal contract hire deals from Leasing.com. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Select Car Leasing. Find out more
Subscribe to a Hyundai Inster
Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)
Car subscriptions from SelfDrive.
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Car subscriptions from Cocoon.
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