Sometimes a car doesn’t need to scream to make a statement. It just needs to show up with a cheeky grin, a bit of charm, and enough clever thinking to stand out in a sea of lookalike electric boxes.

That’s precisely what the new Inster does. It’s small, appealing, practical, and actually feels like it was designed by people who still believe cars should have a bit of personality – even if they’re battery-powered.

Hyundai’s on a bit of a roll with their EVs. The Ioniq 5 brought a handsome square-off style with a touch of 70s graphics, the Ioniq 6 went a different direction with swoopy style that would fool bystanders into thinking it was a Porsche. Eschewing any notion of family resemblance, the Inster again chooses an entirely different attitude. And a playful one at that.

Where many electric city cars are anonymous, the Inster leans into its cutesy silhouette and pixelated retro design language with a kind of joyful defiance. The more you look, the more you appreciate the clever details. This is a car that doesn’t just try to blend in – it wants to start its own conversation.

At the SMMT Media Test Day held at Millbrook Proving Ground, I had the chance to poke around it, climb in, and take it for a quick drive. First impressions? There’s an urban explorer vibe to it, and within some 60s chic from its chequer-print upholstery, bakerlite-style panels and front ‘bench’ seat. Hyundai’s done well to balance character and credibility.

Prices start at just under twenty-four grand, which in today’s EV market is practically bargain basement territory. For that, you get a choice of two battery options. There’s a 42kWh unit delivering 97PS and up to 203 miles of range, or a larger 49kWh pack pushing out 115PS with a claimed 229 miles.

While neither setup is going to thrill performance junkies – the 0-62mph time hovers around 11.7 seconds — the Inster never pretends to be anything it’s not. What it does instead is offer city-friendly pace that feels lively enough, with light, easy controls and good visibility.

And that ease-of-use is where the Inster really shines. Jumping into the driver’s seat, you immediately notice how open and airy it feels. It’s compact on the outside, but clever packaging gives it a roomy, inviting cabin.

Headroom is properly generous — I could wear a top hat in here. Rear legroom is surprisingly decent too, even with the front seat set to my driving position (and I’m over six foot). The boot, while not cavernous, is smartly laid out. At 280 litres with the seats up and over 1,000 litres with them folded flat, it’s practical enough for most everyday tasks. There’s a handy double floor setup too, allowing you to tuck away charging cables and other kit out of sight.

The cabin design is a particular highlight. It’s playful without being silly. There are bright accents, cool fabrics, plus 10.25-inch screens, one for the instruments and the other for infotainment, both easy to navigate and thankfully complemented by physical buttons. Yes — actual buttons! It’s refreshing.

Out on the road, the Inster feels surprisingly composed. I chucked it around a simulated tight and twisty city route, came away smiling. Steering is light but accurate, and while you’re never encouraged to push it hard, the car feels nimble and planted enough to chuck about confidently. Ride quality is impressive for something this size. You can tell Hyundai has prioritised comfort and control for the urban jungle.

Acceleration is adequate rather than brisk, but in real-world terms, the Inster has enough get-up-and-go to handle stop-start traffic, roundabouts, and quick merges without drama. It’s exactly what you want from a car built for the school run, supermarket dash, or commuter crawl.

What sets it apart, though, is that sense of identity. The Inster isn’t just another appliance on wheels. It has charm. It has a face. It has the kind of design that might actually make you smile when you walk up to it in the morning. And in an EV market that’s at risk of becoming soulless, that’s something to be celebrated.