Hyundai Inster Cross, how the electric city car with an off-road look goes

It is called the Inster Cross and according to Hyundai is the answer to those looking for an electric city-van with plenty of space on board and small exterior dimensions. Derived from the Inster, the Cross differs in a series of details such as raised wheel arches, dedicated bumpers, roof rails and full LED headlights as standard. All this combined with the 49 kWh battery and 115 horsepower engine, a combination that ensures a homologated range of 360 kilometres and up to 491 km in the Wltp urban cycle.

But how long is the new Hyundai Inster Cross? The measurements remain extremely compact as on the standard version, starting with a width of just 1,610 mm. Length increases by two centimetres by virtue of the new bumpers, from 3,825 mm to 3,845 mm. Under the height heading we find 1,610 mm with the bars mounted and 1,715 mm if instead you opt for the large roof rack (optional from 600 euros) christened Top Basket.

Climb aboard and you'll find the ambience already appreciated on the Inster, in a more complete version with dual 10.25-inch screens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluelink connectivity with Ota updates and remote vehicle control, as well as wireless charger, rear view camera, front and rear parking sensors, automatic climate control, shift-by-wire transmission, Drive Mode Select, steering wheel paddles for regenerative braking management (including one-pedal driving) and Smart Key with Start Button. New colour combinations arrive, with a mix of grey fabric and lime yellow details, such as the stitching on the seats and various dashboard details. The maximum flexibility is unchanged, with the rear seats sliding and being able to be individually adjusted and folded down as in the case of the front ones. Opening the boot we find a compartment with a capacity of 351 litres (with the seats all forward) and expandable up to 1059 litres.

On the road, the Inster Cross confirms the qualities of the more powerful standard version, from good steering responsiveness to a set-up that combines comfort and driving pleasure when you decide to pick up the pace. Consumption is moderate, with an average of around 16 kWh/100 km indicated by the on-board instrumentation. Chapter recharging, it accepts up to 120 kW in direct current and 11 in alternating current. As on the standard version, what is surprising is the amount of space on board in the face of 1960s garage-proof dimensions. Full marks also go to the Adas equipment, which is among the most comprehensive in the segment. We are not entirely convinced, however, by the decision not to give it a few extra centimetres in height, thus emphasising its urban connotation.

But how much does the Hyundai Inster Cross cost? Promotions excluded, the list for the only available trim (practically full optional) starts at 29,950 euro. The optional list is short, with the Plus Pack at 2,050 euro adding the Digital Key, panoramic roof, ambient light with LED interior lighting, LED lights on the steering wheel, heat pump and battery pre-conditioning. The Safety Pack, offered at 1,200 euro, adds Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Surround View Monitor, Blind Spot View Monitor and Parking Collision Avoidance Assist - Reverse. Doors open on 7 and 8 June.