In this week’s Ask Nathan:
- The Hyundai Inster may be THE thing to convert many to EVs.
- Rock & Roll is missing from the automotive universe!
The first question came from my brother who wants to replace his Nissan Leaf with the Hyundai Inster – he just doesn’t know it yet.
Q: (RE: Hyundai Inster – Via Big Brother Adlen – edited for content and context…)
Whadda’ think about the Hyundai Inster?
- Big Brother Adlen (during a moment of clarity)
A: Ah! The Upcoming Hyundai Inster is shaping up to be a big deal!
Before I go any further, and before I use larger words, you should know – my brother is a Nissan Leaf owner. Almost as if he’s paid by the hour to dent and defile the poor thing, it’s been through a lot. Nevertheless, it takes a licking and keeps on ticking. It’s a stout little EV, but not exactly cutting edge by any means.
In addition, the Hyundai Inster has not been slated to come to North America – as far as we know. Thus, for now, it’s strictly for the overseas’ market. That’s a shame, the Inster is a miracle of packaging, economy and cuteness. Seriously, it’s a brilliant car to behold, and on paper.
No, it’s not the Hyundai Casper (we covered a while back) – but this platform shares many components with the Casper.
I hope to drive one – eventually.
Look, I guarantee the Hyundai brass would say to me, “But we have the Kona EV in the United States.” Sure we do, but it’s a bit larger, and more expensive. Most importantly: it’s not as adorable, or utilitarian.
In the UK, the Hyundai Kona EV starts at £34,995 – which is the equivalent of $46,000 in the U.S. Also, i the U.S. the Kona EV has a base price of $34,270 – making it one of the least expensive EVs you can buy here. I mention this comparison because the Hyundai Inster has a UK price that starts at £23,495.
Base models get a 42kWh battery which (with 71.1 kW of power) gets you up to just over 200 miles. You get about 25-percent more distance (estimated 249 miles) with the optional, long range 49kWh battery. That bigger battery nets you more power (84.5kW), but they both produce the same amount of torque. While 108 lb-ft of torque may not seem like much, this is a small, relatively lightweight (by EV standards) should move smartly. The curb weight is expected to be around 3,000-lbs.
Fast charging is available, but it might be disappointing for some. At 80kW, it’s no Ioniq5 – in terms of charging speed; however, the Inster has a much smaller battery. Despite the sluggish charging speed, that small battery should zoom to 80-percent rapidly. Meaning: long distance charging stops will be less arduous than-say a Chevy Bolt, or Nissan Leaf.
Oh, and a heat-pump comes standard too!
The Hyundai Inster has a length that’s about the same as the new Fiat 500e, but it has four doors, and room for four adults.. full-size ‘Merican adults. The rear seats slide, and all four seats can fold flat (yes, front seats too) for convenience. It’s a proper hatchback, even though Hyundai would rather you regard it as a crossover, or SUV. Regardless, it’s filled with charm and thoughtful touches throughout.
I’m not sure if Hyundai would seriously consider bringing the Inster here. There are a lot of obstacles to bringing an EV here, especially with the geo-political ramifications facing every decision any EV-builder makes.
Could you imagine how a $25,000 proper little EV could shake up the electrification doldrums in North America? At the very least, it could convince a few “petrol-only” folks to look into EVs.
I’ll send a sweet holiday card to Hyundai and see if that will help them look at our market!
– N
The last question comes from a fan who feels that the rock n’ roll feel, that cars and truck once imparted, is vanishing.
Q: (RE: I’m not feeling the rock n’ roll anymore)
Nathan! There was a time when you could feel the rock n’ roll from a car. I don’t mean the way it drove but the way it made you feel. I know that you’re the resident rocker at TF L and that you constantly reference music with your reviews. I appreciate it! Only cars like the Mustang and trucks like the Raptor R make me feel that there’s some gritty music in their DNA.
Am I wrong to feel that way?
– Curious. Jon.
A: Hi Jon!
Thanks for the message.
I usually equate music to cars and trucks that make me feel good. If I’m happy, it’s often because the vehicle I’m reviewing has personality; thus, it makes me happy. The same can be said about the music I listen to. As such, I try to find the best music to fit the car I’m evaluating. That’s not to say that only one genre fits one vehicle, but it makes it easier for me to clarify the emotions I’m feeling when I drive it.
Oddly, even some EVs have a tiny bit of personality. Yup, I couldn’t stop listening to 80’s music when I was bopping around in the Nissan Aryia. It just seemed to fit. As for beefy vehicles with swagger, you’re absolutely right.
Even the new Mini, which I loved to blast early ’60s British rock in, had a bit of soul. I’m hoping the upcoming Charger is heavy-metal, or punk-rock – but that’ll take time to figure out. For now, I would have to say you’re right about the Mustang, and Raptor R. In addition, many sports cars have a musical feel to them. Even the urgent feel of the Lotus Emira I tested felt a bit like prog-rock – to me.
Yup, I would agree. The feel and personality of many vehicles doesn’t empart an overall need for rock n’ roll in my book either.
- N
Look: the painfully expensive toy in this video BEGGED for a rockin’ soundtrack. It was a badass!
