Right then, let’s talk about the Hyundai Inster, a cheeky little A-segment electric car that’s just rolled onto the scene, and I’ve been lucky enough to spend a few days with it. Now, if you’re picturing some tiny, boring city runabout, think again. The Inster is like that mate who’s small in stature but packs a proper punch — all wrapped up in a smart, nippy package.

First off, the size. At just under 3.9 metres long and a whisker over 1.6 metres wide, it’s the kind of car that laughs in the face of tight village lanes and tricky town centre parking. The turning circle of just 10.6 metres will impress too, not quite London taxi standard, but not as far away as you’d think.

With regards to charging, this little gem comes with two battery options: a standard 42 kWh and a long-range 49 kWh variant. The latter promises up to 229 miles on a single charge, which means longer journeys can be tackled without breaking a sweat or hunting for a socket. Not bad for a car that looks like it’s ready to dart about the cobbled streets rather than tackle the motorway. It’s quiet too at high speeds.

Inside, the Inster is surprisingly roomy and clever. It seats four comfortably, with sliding and reclining rear seats that let you fiddle about with legroom or boot space as you fancy. The boot itself can stretch from a modest 280 litres to a generous 351 litres if you slide the rear seats forward. Handy for the weekly shopping.

Now, here’s where Hyundai’s gone full tech wizardry. The Inster boasts a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a matching touchscreen infotainment system that’s as slick as we’ve come to expect from the Koreans. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, and even 64-colour ambient lighting — yes, you read that right, sixty-four colours! You can set the mood to match your Sunday roast or your Friday night takeaway. Fancy driving in a haze of mellow blue or a fiery red?

Safety? Hyundai’s not mucking about. Seven airbags come as standard, plus clever tech like Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance, and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist. The Inster even has a rear-view camera with dynamic parking guidance, making those tight spots less of a headache.

And if you’re worried about the usual city hazards, the Lane Following Assist keeps you centred in your lane, even on motorways, at speeds up to 86 mph. It’s like having a co-pilot who never complains.

Performance-wise, the Inster’s single electric motor offers a sprightly 97 to 115 PS depending on your battery choice. It’s not going to win any drag races against a Tesla, but it’s perfectly peppy for urban jaunts and country lanes alike. The ride is smooth, with power-assisted steering that’s light and responsive — ideal for threading through traffic or tackling those narrow byways.

Comfort is surprisingly good for a car of this size. The driver’s seat is manually adjustable for height, and the heated seats and steering wheel on the higher spec models make those chilly mornings more bearable.

If you’re wondering about the price, the Inster starts at around £23,500 for the 42 kWh model, with the long-range 49 kWh version nudging closer to £27,000. Considering the kit you get — from smart keyless entry to climate control and LED lights — it’s a pretty decent deal in the burgeoning EV market.

In short, the Hyundai Inster is a delightful little EV that ticks all the right boxes for city dwellers and small families alike. It’s practical without being dull, tech-savvy without being overwhelming, and it’s got a cheeky charm that makes you smile every time you hop in. Whether you’re commuting to work, popping to the shops, or just having a blast on a sunny Sunday, the Inster feels like a trusty companion rather than just a car.

So, if you’re after an electric car that’s as nimble as a terrier and as sensible as your mum’s Sunday dinner, the Hyundai Inster deserves a proper look. It’s a breath of fresh air in the small EV segment — and with that 64-colour ambient lighting, you can even make your daily drive feel like a party on wheels. Cheers, Hyundai, for giving us a little spark of joy on four wheels.

That’s the Inster in a nutshell — small but perfectly formed, and ready to brighten up the roads in my home county of Yorkshire and beyond. Especially if you choose the Sienna Orange paint that adorned my test car.