Hyundai Inster EV Cross Revealed: To Rival Tata Punch.EV In India
Hyundai has taken wraps off an off-road focussed iteration of the Inster EV, targeting the global markets. The vehicle is dubbed ‘Inster Cross’ and comes with features like 17-inch alloy wheels and body claddings that pump up the visual appeal. It looks significantly more butch than the Inster EV unveiled previously.
Inster EV Cross: What It Looks Like?
Unlike the Inster EV which looks clean and minimal, the Cross has an air of seriousness to its design. The standard car has a design that looks more circular and curvy. The Cross, on the other hand, tries to be edgy and boxy with its panels and lines while still staying curvy. It gets new wide rectangular front and rear bumpers, faux skid plates, Black cladding that enhances the overall presence, and a roof rack (which we are not sure is functional or not). An optional roof basket is also available.
Another unique aspect is the new “Amazonas Green Matte” colourway. Along with it, five other colours from the Inster’s palette will also be available. Some of these will offer the choice of dual-tones- Atlas White, Unbleached Ivory, Aero Silver Matte, Abyss Black Pearl and Tomboy Khaki.
Interior Changes
The outdoor-oriented electric SUV gets unique bits inside the cabin as well. It will have a distinctive trim with Grey cloth upholstery. These feature exclusive Lime Yellow accents. The dashboard also sees the presence of Lime Yellow. Similar to the vehicle it is based on, the Cross version also hosts several tech and creature comforts.
There is a strong focus on practicality and usability. The vehicle comes with 50:50 folding seats at the back. These also offer slide and recline functions. Additionally, all seats can fold flat, realising what feels like a walk-through access into the front row. Another notable feature is the inclusion of a full-blown ADAS suite comprising features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5, Highway Driving Assist 1.5, and Smart Cruise Control. The EV also comes with a multifunctional steering wheel and two 10.25-inch screens- one for the infotainment and the other for instrumentation.
Mechanical Specifications
Like its hatchback sibling, the crossover is also based on Hyundai’s E-GMP (K) skateboard platform. The powertrain specifications remain unchanged. It will come with two battery pack options: a 42 kWh unit providing a range of 300 km paired with a 96 BHP motor, and a larger 49 kWh battery pack offering 355 km of range mated to a 113 BHP motor.
Both versions of the Inster EV Cross also support fast charging through a 120 kW DC charger, allowing the battery to go from 10% to 80% charge in just 30 minutes. The cross-SUV is thus as practical and useable as stylish it is.
Launch Timeline: India Launch Likely?
The manufacturer is expected to begin the production of the Inster Cross later this year, and the prices would be out closer to the launch date. This electric micro-SUV will go on sale in markets like Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific. You hear that right. The Inster Cross could soon come to India! Hyundai already has plans to launch the Inster here, and the Cross could soon join.
If launched in India, the Inster EV will put up a strong fight against the Tata Punch.EV which currently sells quite well. The Punch is admired for its SUV-like proportions, and capable electric powertrain, two traits which the Inster Cross would have as well.