- The Hyundai Inster Cross adds skid plates, matte paint, a roof box, special 17-inch wheels and embossed cladding to the standard Inster EV hatchback.
- The Inster Cross still is mechanically the same as its standard Inster hatchback.
- Hyundai also introduced a new base model of the standard Inster in South Korea, starting at $20,000 before any government incentives.
Every day I log into the internet, the more frustrated I get watching the rest of the world enjoy well-styled, well-designed, not-so-big, and not-so-expensive electric vehicles. The Hyundai Inster is one of them; Hyundai took its Korea-only city car, stretched the wheelbase a bit, made it electric, and now it’s headed basically everywhere but here. And Hyundai’s decided to rub salt in our wounds by introducing a more rugged version of its cutest little EV.
Dubbed the Inster Cross, Hyundai’s done a few visual add-ons to its standard Inster (or Casper Electric, if you live in South Korea), to make it that much more attractive. To start, Hyundai has redesigned the front and rear bumpers for more of an off-road attitude. They’re wider and more rectangular, incorporating a skid plate to protect the car from rocks and mud from the mini excursions it could go on. The Inster Cross also comes with trim-exclusive 17-inch wheels, embossed cladding and an optional roof basket. The mini-crossover will come available in this matte army green (Amazonas Green Matte) pictured here, alongside the other fleet of colors the regular Inster can be purchased with. Inside, the Inster Cross gets lime green accents to set the model apart from its non-cross variant.
Now, this is more of an appearance pack rather than an outright upgrade to the vehicle’s abilities. The Inster Cross will still get the same 42 or 49 kWh batteries as the standard Inster. As far as we know, the Inster Cross still is FWD. Hyundai made no mention of an additional motor or AWD added to the mini-crossover.
But, does it matter? I think Americans are desperately in search of more of attitude rather than capabilities. I mean, just look how many crossovers are on roads with all-season tires, never ever seeing anything more than mildly wet pavement. The Inster Cross doesn’t need AWD, it’ll do just fine without it.
In the meantime, the Inster/Casper Electric has been a hit in its home market. Korean news outlet Yonhap News reported that it’s the best-selling EV from Hyundai. It’s so popular that Hyundai has introduced a new base model trim called “Premium,” which starts at $20,000 USD, before any government subsidies.
Just imagine what life would be like if we had access to such a cheap EV. Granted, the base Premium model with its 42 kWh battery and 95 horsepower motor isn’t a lot, but I’m certain it’s probably enough for more than a few EV drivers in the U.S.
Hyundai doesn’t have any plans to bring the Inster or Inster Cross to the U.S., which is a shame.
Contact the author: kevin.williams@insideevs.com
Hyundai recently unveiled its latest version of the smallest electric vehicle in its lineup, the Hyundai Kona Electric, which now boasts a more off-road-ready attitude. The Kona Electric has received a series of updates and enhancements aimed at giving it increased capability in off-road terrains while still maintaining its impressive efficiency and range.
One of the key changes to the Kona Electric is the addition of a new trim level called the Kona Electric N Line. This new trim level features a more robust exterior design, including a redesigned front bumper with a skid plate and LED daytime running lights, as well as larger wheels and tires for improved off-road performance. The N Line trim also comes equipped with a new all-wheel-drive system, which provides added traction and stability on rough terrain.
In addition to the exterior updates, the interior of the Kona Electric has also been refreshed to reflect its off-road capabilities. The cabin now features new upholstery options and trim finishes, as well as a redesigned center console with a larger infotainment screen and additional storage space. The Kona Electric N Line also comes equipped with a range of advanced tech features, including Hyundai’s latest in-car connectivity and safety systems.
Under the hood, the Kona Electric retains its efficient electric powertrain, which delivers a potent combination of zero-emission driving and impressive performance. The Kona Electric N Line features a more powerful motor that provides enhanced acceleration and torque, making it even more fun to drive both on and off the road. The all-wheel-drive system also helps to optimize power delivery and efficiency, ensuring that the Kona Electric N Line remains a leader in its class in terms of performance and range.
Overall, Hyundai has succeeded in giving its smallest electric vehicle a little more off-road attitude with the latest updates to the Kona Electric. By introducing the new N Line trim level with enhanced design features, off-road capabilities, and advanced tech, Hyundai has once again demonstrated its commitment to innovation and sustainability in the electric vehicle market. The Hyundai Kona Electric N Line is sure to appeal to adventure seekers and eco-conscious drivers alike who are looking for a compact and capable electric vehicle that can handle the demands of off-road driving.