Special Edition - Hyundai Inster
About this episode
The Hyundai Insta is a new small electric SUV that sits between the i10 and i20, blending hatchback and crossover elements. Alan shares his experience from the UK launch, highlighting its value-oriented pricing and impressive features like keyless entry and heat pumps across all trim levels. The design is described as appealing and non-threatening, while the interior boasts surprising space and practical touches. Driving impressions reveal a mature feel, good handling, and efficient range, making it suitable for both urban and longer journeys. Overall, the Insta stands out as a well-rounded option in the budget EV market.
Earlier in the year, Alan was invited down to the south coast to sample the then-new Hyundai Inster electric B-segment hatchback. Food was eaten, a hotel room was slept in, and an Inster was driven to the end of Portland Bill on a surprisingly long, comprehensive test route.
In this Special Edition, Alan shares his thoughts on the Inster.
Shundai i10
"It is a new small electric SUV from Shundai which sits between the i10 and the i20, so"
The Shundai i10 is a small car made by Shundai. It's designed to be affordable and easy to drive, especially in cities.
The Shundai i10 is a compact car that is popular in various markets, known for its affordability and efficiency. It serves as an entry-level model in Shundai's lineup, appealing to urban drivers looking for a small vehicle.
Hyundai i20
"...V from Shundai which sits between the i10 and the i20, so it's somewhere between an A and B segment."
The Hyundai i20 is a small car that is bigger than the i10 but smaller than the i30. It's a good option for people looking for a reliable and efficient vehicle that is easy to drive and park.
The Hyundai i20 is a subcompact car that sits between the smaller i10 and the larger i30 in Hyundai's lineup. It is known for its practicality, fuel efficiency, and modern features, making it a popular choice in the competitive hatchback market.
Renault 4
"...it's sort of somewhere, I don't know. It's like the new Renault 4 or the old Renault 4 or any of these things which would be an SUV at the time."
The Renault 4 is a compact car that was made by the French company Renault. It was popular for being practical and useful, similar to some modern hatchback SUVs.
The Renault 4 is a small family car produced by Renault from 1961 to 1992. It was known for its practicality and versatility, often considered a precursor to modern hatchback SUVs.
Fiat / 2100 Familiare
"SUV at the time. Yeah, like the Fiat Panda, that sort of idea behind it. Yeah."
Fiat Panda
"...like the Fiat Panda, that sort of idea behind it."
The Fiat Panda is a small car made by Fiat that has been around since the 1980s. It's known for being easy to drive and very practical, much like some modern hatchback SUVs.
The Fiat Panda is a city car produced by Fiat since 1980, known for its compact size and practicality. It has evolved over the years but maintains a focus on utility and versatility, similar to hatchback SUVs.
Shundai Casper
"...originally a concept called by the name it's sold as in Korea, which is the Casper. I think we covered it a new car on use some time ago when it was still a concept."
The Shundai Casper is a small electric car that was first shown as a design idea before it became available for people to buy. It's made to be affordable and is mostly sold in places like the UK and Canada.
The Shundai Casper is a small electric vehicle (EV) that originated as a concept car before being released for sale. It is designed to be budget-friendly and is primarily targeted at markets outside the USA, such as the UK and Canada.
kWh battery
"Prices start at £23,495 for the Insta 01 with the 42kWh battery and putting out 97 metric horsepower."
A kWh battery measures how much energy a battery can hold. More kWh means the car can go further on a single charge.
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery is a unit of energy that represents the amount of energy a battery can store. In electric vehicles, a higher kWh rating typically means a longer driving range before needing to recharge.
horsepower
"...with the 42kWh battery and putting out 97 metric horsepower. They rise to £25,045 for the 01, again 49kWh battery and 115 metric horsepower."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and more powerful the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement that quantifies the power output of an engine. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, which is crucial for understanding a vehicle's performance capabilities.
electric vehicles (EVs)
"...compared to some of the more affordable budget conscious EVs, affordable. Well, yes, some of the other small EVs in that same size..."
Electric vehicles are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They are usually better for the environment and can save money on fuel.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars that are powered entirely or partially by electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. They are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.
colour tax
"then that will cost you £500 on top of the colour tax. Say £1100 in colours, potentially maximum."
Colour tax is an extra fee you might have to pay for specific car colors that cost more to make. Some colors are more expensive than others, and this fee covers that difference.
Colour tax refers to an additional charge that manufacturers or dealerships may impose for certain paint colors that are more expensive to produce or apply. This can include special finishes or unique colors that are not part of the standard palette.
metallic paint
"The car I drove on the day was Sienna Orange, which is a sort of metallic orange, just like darker and sort of orangy browny colour. Great metallic sparkle to it, looked great in the sunshine, looked really good."
Metallic paint is a special kind of car paint that has tiny bits of metal in it. This makes the paint shine and sparkle when the sun hits it, making the car look more attractive.
Metallic paint is a type of automotive paint that contains small metal flakes, which give the surface a reflective quality and a sparkling appearance. This finish can enhance the visual appeal of a car, especially in sunlight.
Renault 5
"...it's a bit like the baby offspring of a classic Renault 4 and a Nionic 5."
The Renault 5 is another small car from Renault that was popular in the 70s and 80s. It was known for being fun to drive and had a sporty version called the Turbo.
The Renault 5, also known as the Renault 5 Turbo in its performance variant, was a popular hatchback produced from 1972 to 1985. It is known for its compact size and sporty characteristics, especially in the Turbo version.
EV platform
"... manufacturers are beginning to get to grips with the fact that they have a EV platform. Well, that's it. And they feel the freedom to do it as well."
An EV platform is a special design used for electric cars. It helps make the inside of the car more spacious because it doesn't need parts like a gas engine or transmission, which take up space.
An EV platform refers to the underlying structure and design specifically engineered for electric vehicles. This platform allows for more efficient use of space, as it doesn't require components like a traditional internal combustion engine or transmission, leading to features like flat floors and more interior room.
inverter
"...there is no front core fruit on the Insta. It is all motor and inverter under the bonnet up front."
An inverter is a part that changes the type of electricity from the battery so that it can be used to power the car's motor. It's important for how electric cars work.
An inverter is a device that converts direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). In electric vehicles, it plays a crucial role in powering the electric motor by converting the battery's stored energy into a usable form for propulsion.
BMW E34
"They look like they've been stolen from a 1980s BMW, sort of E30, E32, E34. I'm glad you said that because I was thinking it."
The BMW E34 is a model of the 5 Series car made by BMW in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was designed to be both sporty and comfortable for drivers.
The BMW E34 is the fifth generation of the BMW 5 Series, produced from 1988 to 1996. It is known for its balance of performance and comfort, appealing to both enthusiasts and luxury car buyers.
drive mode
"There is a drive mode button for changing drive modes down to the bottom left, a little separate one."
Drive modes let you change how the car feels when you drive it. You can make it more fuel-efficient, normal, or sporty depending on what you want.
Drive modes are settings that adjust the vehicle's performance characteristics, such as throttle response, steering feel, and suspension stiffness. They allow drivers to customize their driving experience based on conditions or personal preference.
sport mode
"The usual choice of eco makes everything green, normal keeps everything blue, and sport makes everything red."
Sport mode makes the car feel faster and more responsive. It changes how the car reacts when you press the gas pedal, making it more fun to drive.
Sport mode is a drive setting that enhances the vehicle's performance by increasing throttle response and modifying suspension settings. It typically provides a more dynamic and engaging driving experience.
eco mode
"The usual choice of eco makes everything green, normal keeps everything blue, and sport makes everything red."
Eco mode is a setting in the car that helps you save gas. It makes the car use less power, which can help you drive further on a tank of fuel.
Eco mode is a drive setting designed to improve fuel efficiency by optimizing engine performance and reducing power consumption. It often modifies throttle response and other systems to help save fuel.
body roll
"...didn't do any sort of it didn't have any real body roll or any of these things."
Body roll is when a car leans to one side while turning. If a car has less body roll, it feels more stable and controlled when going around corners.
Body roll refers to the tilting motion of a vehicle's body during cornering. It occurs when the vehicle leans to one side due to centrifugal force, which can affect handling and stability.
suspension
"...what did they do to the suspension in that? Because I just thought it was me and I thought it was because, you know,..."
Suspension is what helps a car stay smooth and stable when driving over bumps. It includes parts that connect the car to its wheels and help absorb shocks from the road.
The suspension system of a vehicle is crucial for handling and ride comfort. It includes components like springs, shock absorbers, and linkages that connect the vehicle to its wheels, allowing for better control over bumps and road irregularities.
Bmw I3
"...It's like the opposite of a BMW i3. It's like pram wheels. Yes, it's not like that at all."
The BMW i3 is a small electric car made by BMW. It's designed for city driving and has a different look and feel compared to traditional cars, including its tires.
The BMW i3 is a compact electric vehicle known for its unique design and use of sustainable materials. It features a small footprint and is designed primarily for urban driving, which is reflected in its lighter, narrower tires.
regenerative braking
"...almost single pedal driving if you ramp up the regen. And then out of town, it will cruise along quite happily. If you put the regen in auto, then it'll let it coast."
Regenerative braking helps electric cars recharge their batteries while slowing down. Instead of wasting energy, it saves some of it for later use.
Regenerative braking is a technology used in electric and hybrid vehicles that captures energy typically lost during braking and uses it to recharge the battery. This process allows for more efficient energy use and can extend the vehicle's range.
AC
"And it was a warm sunny day. And the AC inside was set at 22, 23 degrees."
AC means air conditioning, which cools the air inside the car. It makes driving more comfortable on hot days.
AC stands for air conditioning, a system in vehicles that cools and dehumidifies the air inside the cabin. It helps maintain a comfortable temperature for passengers, especially on warm days.
range
"how many miles I've driven since I last filled it up and what range I have left."
Range is how far a car can go before it needs more fuel or a recharge. It's important to know so you don't run out of power while driving.
In the context of vehicles, range refers to the distance a car can travel on a single charge or tank of fuel. It's an important consideration for drivers, especially for electric vehicles.
Lexus Is 400
"...ke, that kind of thing. The target number in the Lexus is 400. The target number in the GRMN is 25, 300."
The Lexus LS 400 is a fancy car that was first made in 1989 and is known for being very comfortable and well-made. It's a great choice if you want a luxurious ride with lots of nice features.
The Lexus LS 400 is a luxury sedan that debuted in 1989 as the flagship model of the Lexus brand. It is celebrated for its exceptional build quality, smooth ride, and advanced technology for its time, making it a benchmark for luxury vehicles.
miles per kilowatt hour
"I got my average consumption was around 4.2 miles per kilowatt hour and I was not driving and I wasn't driving for economy."
Miles per kilowatt hour tells you how far an electric car can go using a certain amount of electricity. The more miles you get per kilowatt hour, the better the car is at using energy.
Miles per kilowatt hour (miles/kWh) is a measure of the efficiency of electric vehicles, indicating how far the vehicle can travel on one kilowatt hour of electrical energy. A higher number means better efficiency and range for the vehicle.
Ioniq
"Sounds like you've remade the Ionic original. Yeah, well, with twice the range."
The Ioniq is a car made by Hyundai that can run on electricity or a mix of gas and electricity. It's designed to be very efficient, which means it can go further on less energy.
The Hyundai Ioniq is a compact car that comes in various versions, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric. It is known for its efficiency and eco-friendly design, making it a popular choice among environmentally conscious drivers.
WLTP
"I wasn't driving for WLTP, but those figures were very, very close to the WLTP figures."
WLTP is a testing method used to measure how much fuel a car uses and how much pollution it produces. It gives a better idea of real-world driving conditions than older tests.
WLTP stands for Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure. It is a global standard for measuring the fuel consumption and emissions of vehicles, providing more accurate and realistic figures compared to previous testing methods like NEDC.
electric vehicle battery
"It's got a refined but conventional electric vehicle battery. It's got a refined but conventional navigation and entertainment system,"
An electric vehicle battery is what powers electric cars. It's like the fuel tank in a gas car, but instead of gasoline, it stores electricity.
An electric vehicle battery stores electrical energy to power the vehicle's electric motor. These batteries are typically lithium-ion and are designed for efficiency and longevity.
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