Hyundai brings its affordable electric cars to Switzerland

Electric cars under 30,000 francs are still rare. Alongside Citroën, Dacia and Renault, Hyundai will soon launch an affordable electric car in this segment.

Christopher Clausen/t-online

Giving up looks different: Hyundai will bring the entry-level electric car Inster to market at the end of this year, and it looks ripe for it. In terms of price, the 3.83-meter-long electric car is positioned against the Dacia Spring (from 15,000 francs) and the Citroën e-C3 (from 25,000 francs), as well as the upcoming Renault 5 base version. Starting in early 2025, the order price is 25,000 francs.

The mix of corners, edges and some curves is reminiscent of the first Fiat Panda and Suzuki Ignis.

The taillights have a pixelated look similar to other modern electric cars.Image: Hyundai

The wheelbase is long relative to the vehicle's dimensions (2.58 metres), pushing the axles very far outward. It can be seen from the shape: the space of a four-door car is good for this model. Light filtering through the large glass roof creates an airy feel.

When we first tested the seats, we liked the choice of materials; at least in the version of the high-end equipment shown, nothing looked cheap. For example, the storage tower is nice because it provides space for a charging dock and other things in the middle of the dash. There is also a closed glovebox. The steering wheel is similar to the Hyundai Ioniq5. In addition to the two 10-inch (25.4 cm) displays, there are switches and buttons on the board that complement the digital and analog elements.

The materials look good, and the operation still uses many classic buttons.Image: Hyundai

Practical talents for small electric vehicles

Designed as a four-seater, the show car also demonstrates its practical talents: rear passengers sit on individual seats with plenty of headroom and armroom. The rear seats can be individually moved longitudinally by up to 16 cm. Depending on the seating position, the boot volume ranges from 238 to 351 liters, and if the rear seat backrests are folded down, the flat load space can accommodate up to 1,059 liters. If the passenger seat is folded, objects up to 2.20 meters long can be accommodated.

Depending on the seating position, the boot volume ranges from 238 to 351 liters, and if the rear seat backrests are folded, the flat load space can accommodate up to 1059 liters.Image: Hyundai

Basic version under 25,000 euros

But one thing must be clear: the model shown is expected to be priced from 27,000 euros (Swiss prices are not yet known), but does not correspond to the basic version. Sliding rear seats, a glass roof, roof rails, ambient lighting, heated front seats or a smartphone charging station are not part of the entry-level version. Like the beautiful 17-inch aluminum monitor.

But even the basic version with 15-inch steel rims, starting at around €24,000 (probably just over 25,000 francs for us), shouldn't look too much like a sacrifice. Among other things, the car is always equipped with electric windows and exterior mirrors, folding integrated rear seats, navigation with route charging planning, a reversing camera and automatic climate control.

The base range is about 300 kilometers

The base version of the Inster offered by Hyundai comes with a 42 kWh battery and is said to have a range of 327 kilometers. As an alternative, a 49 kWh battery is available, with a range of up to 370 kilometers. Hyundai says WLTP consumption for both models is 15.3 kWh. The small battery is connected to a 97-horsepower electric motor, and the larger battery has a 115-horsepower electric motor. Top speed is 140 or 150 km/h.

Drive is always via the front wheels. So-called one-pedal driving with three recovery levels is possible. This means that energy recuperation can be adjusted to different strengths, so that the car can only be braked to a standstill by releasing the accelerator pedal.

Leisurely loading

The charging plug is in the front, so the car is the nose charger. There is an extra charge for using the heat pump.

An 11 kW on-board charger is always available on board, and the Inster draws its maximum output of 85 kW from a DC fast charging station. That's not a lot, but it's better than the entry-level version of the Renault 5, which doesn't come with any DC fast charging options and is therefore limited to 11 kW. In the more expensive version (from 32,500 francs), the Renault 5 charges slightly faster than the Inster, up to 100 kilowatts.

For comparison: the slightly larger Volkswagen ID.3, which sells for just under €30,000 after a price cut (list price in Switzerland is 33,300 francs), has a base version with a 52 kWh battery that can go up to 145 kW, while the top model comes with a larger 79 kWh battery. Charging power is up to 185 kW.

What to do next? In mid-2025, Hyundai will bring a crossover version of its small electric car. It relies on the look of an SUV, such as using plastic paneling on the fenders.

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