Hyundai Inster name confirmed for electric city hatch, Australia likely

June 2024: Hyundai Inster name confirmed

The 2025 Hyundai Inster has been teased ahead of its full reveal later this month.

Hyundai’s electric city hatch will be positioned in the A-segment – which includes cars like the Fiat 500e and Kia Picanto – and be heavily based on the internal-combustion Casper unveiled in 2021.

In Korea, where the petrol Casper is exclusively sold, the Inster will instead be called the Casper Electric.

11

The brand said the ‘Inster’ name is derived from “intimate” and “innovative”, with the teaser images revealing its pixel-like lights inspired by Hyundai’s range Ioniq-badged electric cars.

Hyundai has also announced the Inster will have a 355-kilometre WLTP-rated driving range, more than the 311km offered by the Fiat 500e.

More details about the 2025 Hyundai Inster will be confirmed when it debuts at the Busan Motor Show in Korea next week.

Jordan Hickey

11

January 2024: Electric Casper spied!

It's been a long time coming, but the electric version of Hyundai's compact Casper looks to be nearing its debut.

Surfacing for the first time on public roads, the Casper Electric is shown here with 'pixel' lights inspired by the dedicated Ioniq range and the newly launched Kona Electric.

The blocky pixel-style lighting can be seen at both ends, replacing the standard lighting signature of the regular petrol Casper. It looks as if that pixel theme will continue, subtly, into the LED rings that sit in the lower bumper at both ends.

11

These photos were published to Korean Car Blog and AutoSpy.net.

It's unclear if any other design changes will be made to the exterior of the Casper in its electric form, although we can likely expect its mesh grille to be replaced with a closed design that further announces its status as an electric vehicle.

Little else is known about the electric Casper, although Wheels understands the model is being investigated for Australia as a sub-Kona affordable EV to tackle recent arrivals like the MG 4, GWM Ora and the BYD Dolphin – all of which are positioned just beneath $40,000, but with markedly longer wheelbases than the tiny Casper.

If we don't see the Casper in Australia, we can likely thank a price and size equation that won't compete with those well-considered Chinese models.

11

December 2023: Casper driven!

Dylan Campbell travels to Korea for a first spin in the perky little Casper.

Rolls-Royce has the Ghost, Dodge the Demon and Lamborghini the Diablo, but only Hyundai has the Casper.

September 2022: Electric Casper reported, could come to Australia

South Korean outlet Pulse reports that Hyundai will offer an electric Casper by 2024 with a driving range up to 400km.

The quirkily-styled crossover Hyundai Casper is based on the same platform as the i20 and Kia Picanto, and has been sold in South Korea since 2021.

In South Korea, Hyundai offers it with with a pair of inline three-cylinder engines, either a 56kW 1.0-litre naturally aspirated unit or a 74kW turbocharged option, both mated to a four-speed auto.

11

Although it has Snow, Mud and Sand modes, the Casper is front-drive only.

South Korean outlet Pulse reports that Hyundai will offer an electric Casper by 2024 with a driving range up to 400km.

The electric Hyundai Casper would compete against the electric Chevrolet Bolt (not offered in Australia), which uses a single front-mounted 149kW electric motor and 66kWh battery offering 380km WLTP range.

The Bolt costs around AU$25,000 in South Korea with subsidies.

11

Above: the Casper is also offered in a van-like form

In South Korea, the four-seat Casper has helped drive a resurgence in small car sales.

Wheels understands the budget-friendly, city-focused Casper is being considered for Australia – and that would likely include an electric model, should one become available.

With no official plans confirmed, and the expected EV not yet announced, Hyundai Australia has declined to comment on local market potential.

For now, the brand's cheapest EV is the 'Standard Range' Kona Electric, priced from $54,000.

Critically, the Casper – a smaller and more budget-focused offering than the Kona – would give Hyundai a price rival to the MG ZS EV and BYD Atto 3, although both outdo the Casper in size.

Wheels road-tested the Casper in South Korea and will publish a first drive review next week.