THERE'S ANOTHER COOL KOREAN EV COMING SOON, THE HYUNDAI INSTEROID. PROMISES TO BE FUNKY AF.
Hyundai has taken a bold step into the A-segment EV market with the all-new INSTER, a sub-compact electric vehicle that blends futuristic design, segment-leading range, and impressive versatility. Building on the foundations of the Korea-exclusive CASPER, the INSTER takes things further with a stretched body and wheelbase, delivering more cabin space while maintaining a rugged yet playful stance. The INSTER embraces a compact SUV profile with crisp, flush surfaces, beefy fenders, and a tech-inspired front bumper featuring pixel-graphic elements. Its LED daytime running lights, pixel-style turn signals, and taillights add a high-tech edge, while options like LED projection headlamps and a two-tone paint job with a contrasting black roof give buyers extra room for personalization. Depending on the trim level, wheels range from 15-inch steel options to stylish 17-inch alloys. Inside, the INSTER leans into modern minimalism with a tech-focused cockpit. A 10.25-inch digital cluster and a matching infotainment touchscreen with navigation dominate the dash, while a wireless charging dock integrated into the center console keeps the space uncluttered. Hyundai’s signature pixel motif continues inside, appearing on the steering wheel and customizable door trims. The front-row walk-through design, fully foldable seats (yes, including the driver’s), and a sliding and reclining second row maximize the INSTER’s adaptability. For added comfort, buyers can opt for heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Under the hood - or rather, beneath the floor - Hyundai offers two battery configurations: a standard 42 kWh unit and a Long-Range 49 kWh option. Power output stands at 71.1 kW in the base model and 84.5 kW in the Long-Range version, both delivering 147 Nm of torque. While exact range figures haven’t been disclosed, Hyundai promises competitive mileage for the segment, making the INSTER a compelling urban EV.
The original INSTER
If the INSTER is a funky urban runabout, its concept counterpart, the INSTEROID, is a full-throttle dive into gaming-inspired automotive fantasy. Hyundai’s designers let their imaginations run wild, morphing the INSTER into an aggressive, pixel-infused EV that feels like it escaped from a futuristic racing simulator. The name says it all - INSTEROID is INSTER on steroids. This one-off concept takes the base model’s fun-loving personality and cranks it up with a muscular, motorsport-inspired stance. Teaser images reveal massive 21-inch wheels, sculpted wheel arch air vents, an oversized rear spoiler, and a menacing diffuser. Signature Pixel LEDs add an extra layer of digital flair, while every element - from the controls to the brake calipers - reinforces its video game aesthetic. Hyundai describes the INSTEROID as a “glitch in the automotive matrix,” blurring the lines between real-world engineering and virtual reality. It’s an electric fever dream, a showcase of what happens when unrestrained creativity meets cutting-edge automotive design. While the INSTEROID remains a concept (for now), the INSTER is set to hit markets soon. Unfortunately, there’s little hope of it reaching South African shores, but one can always dream. Either way, Hyundai is proving that even the smallest EVs can pack a serious punch in design, tech, and sheer cool factor. We’re patiently waiting for the full reveal sometime next month, it promises to be a rather rad little thing. If the other Hyundai sport-inspired EVs are anything to go by, the INSTEROID is going to be a cracker of a car. Well, that all depends on how much they decide to juice up the small electric motors, we’re just hoping the infamous N badging is added to the mix too.
Take a look at the YouTube video that gives glimpses and flashes of what promises to be a rather funky little EV that may be a really fun little thing to drive. We hope it gets the power upgrade that the name suggests - some steroids are better than others: INSTEROID – A Glitch in the Car Industry | HyundaiWorldwide
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