2025 Hyundai Inster Cross coming to Oz

If you thought the Suzuki Jimny had the adventurous micro SUV segment sewn up, think again.

The 2025 Hyundai Inster Cross was unveiled today, spruiking a mini mud-slinger appearance.

Although it doesn’t feature a lift kit, all-terrain tyres or even a 4x4 driveline, the new model is based on the road-going Inster but is touted as a “more adventurous” vehicle.

The Hyundai Inster has already undergone Aussie testing in dusty and remote conditions in western New South Wales and will roll into Australian Hyundai showrooms in early 2025.

The compact five-door Inster Cross electric SUV brandishes a different look compared to its donor car via new bumpers front and rear, underbody skid plates and unique 17-inch alloy wheels.

Black wheel arch cladding is designed to take hits from foliage before the metal body work does, while roof racks are part of the package as well.

An optional roof basket will be made available to carry camping gear (among other things) and an exclusive exterior paint job will be offered on the 2025 Hyundai Inster Cross, dubbed Amazonas Green Matte.

Inside, the nuggety little EV gets green accents across the grey cloth seats and also around the dashboard area.

The tiny Hyundai packs the same powertrain as the urban-based Inster Long Range model-grade, which means it gets a 49kWh battery pack feeding an efficient electric motor (85kW/147Nm), allowing for a cruising range of around almost 360km (WLTP).

Detailed specifications and pricing has not yet been confirmed but a ballpark figure of less than $40,000 is expected to ensure it competes with a growing number of small – and increasingly affordable – EVs from rival Chinese car-brands.

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