The Hyundai Inster is a new four-seat city car that immediately grabs attention with its modern design, compact dimensions (under 3.9 meters in length), and a suite of advanced technologies. However, the starting price of €16,000 comes with a significant catch. This price is exclusive to businesses, excludes VAT, and requires financing through Hyundai. For individual buyers, the base price jumps to €24,000, placing the car in a completely different – and arguably illogical – price category.

What do you get for nearly €24,000?
The base “Start” trim of the Hyundai Inster offers a decent array of technologies and features:

  • A 42 kWh battery with a claimed range of 327 km.
  • 15-inch steel wheels with full covers.
  • Modern driver assistance systems, including lane-following assist and adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go functionality and intelligent cornering deceleration.
  • A digital instrument cluster with a 10.25-inch display.
  • Integrated navigation with a 10.25-inch touchscreen.
  • Rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.
  • Support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
  • DC charging capability.
  • 15-inch steel wheels with full covers.

 

While this package sounds appealing for a city-focused EV, the moment you consider upgrades, like alloy wheels, you’ll need to move up to the “Style” trim, which costs an additional €4,000. If you keep adding features, the price can soar to nearly €36,000.

Why not opt for the i10 instead?

The key question is: Why pay so much for a city car with limited space and only four seats? Comparing the Hyundai Inster to the Hyundai i10 highlights the value of choosing an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. The Hyundai i10 starts at approximately €14,000 and, even in its fully loaded version with a turbocharged engine, remains under €20,000.

The i10 offers:

  • Five seats instead of four.
  • Sufficient performance for city and suburban driving.
  • Rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.
  • An 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring.
  • A much friendlier price point without major compromises.

 

Operational costs – savings vs. investment
EVs are often marketed as cost-effective due to lower fuel and maintenance expenses. However, for the Hyundai Inster, the return on investment can be challenging:
1. Home charging with solar panels: If you charge for free using solar panels, the cost savings could offset the higher purchase price after approximately 100,000 km, including reduced maintenance costs.
2. Paid charging networks: If you rely on public charging stations, the fuel cost savings shrink dramatically, further extending the time needed to recover the initial investment.

For a city car that won’t cover hundreds of kilometers daily, the operational cost difference between an EV and an ICE vehicle becomes negligible, especially when factoring in the significant purchase price gap.

Verdict
The Hyundai Inster could have been the ideal city car – compact, stylish, and equipped with technologies that make daily urban driving convenient and enjoyable. Its electric drivetrain makes sense, particularly for eco-conscious buyers. However, the price is a major drawback.

At nearly €24,000 for individual buyers, it’s a hard investment to justify. If you’re looking for an affordable car for everyday commuting, the Hyundai i10 is a more practical choice – offering more space, a lower price, and comparable functionality.

Ultimately, the Hyundai Inster remains an attractive but overpriced alternative that struggles to compete not only with ICE vehicles but also with other EVs in its segment. A missed opportunity.

Source: hyundai