IF you’re chucking your cap in the ring to join in the fight for electric car sales, it’s a good idea to have something that’s going to stand out in a crowd of sheep.

Something that’s a definite deviation from the norm, something that makes people stop and look, and something that is a refreshing change. Something like the Hyundai Inster here. After all, what’s the point of producing  a car that bears a startling resemblance to every other small car on the road.

In that respect, Hyundai have hit the sales race running with Inster. It’s got looks that demand a second glance, an external face that makes you wonder what the designers might have been mainlining during the initial sketches, and on-the-road presence that belies its compact dimensions. 

The chunky shape, bulbous wheelarches, large circular lights and extremely short overhangs were all features of the original Hyundai Casper which only sold in South Korea. But now it’s here.

The latest EV is their first A segment offering in Europe and has standard EV features more akin to higher segment cars.

You can charge it from 10 to 80 per cent in 30 minutes, for example, and a quick look around the outside highlights a number of neat and distinctive touches like the pixel pattern LED lights for one.

Inside it’s surprisingly roomy, even leggy drivers don’t suffer too much from its modest 3.8 metre length. And its narrow width makes it pretty adept at city driving, particularly in one pedal use. There are paddles behind the steering wheel that let you toggle between various strengths for the regenerative braking.

Off the line, as you’d expect with an electric car, it feels quite nippy so feeding into traffic is never an issue, except for those who think their entitlement to that space on the road is non-negotiable.

The view of the road ahead and rear visibility are both good, but the thick C-pillars create a bit of a blind spot when you’re turning to look over your shoulder.

There are only three trim levels to choose from – 01, 02 and the 4×4-inspired Cross – and two battery sizes. The basic model gets a 42kWh standard unit, while the 02 model here adds the bigger 49kWh battery plus extra kit including 17-inch rims, LED lights, roof rails, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, ambient interior lighting, fold-flat front seats and a sliding rear bench.
Standard equipment on all includes a heat pump that helps to preserve range in colder months, dual 10.25-inch displays, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity (handy too use when the onboard sat nav shows a store that closed a few years ago), 15-inch alloy wheels, climate control, keyless entry, and a rear-view camera, among other safety systems.

Hyundai Inster 02

Price: £25,965
Engine: 49kWh, permanent magnet synchronous motor
Power: 113bhp
Torque: 108lb/ft
Transmission: automatic
Top speed: 93mph
0-62mph: 10.6 seconds
Range: 224 miles
CO2 emissions: 0g/km

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