Renault 5 E-Tech vs Hyundai Inster: funky electric cars compared

There are loads of small, affordable electric cars on the market in 2025, but the Renault 5 and Hyundai Inster are two which are attracting quite a lot of attention.

They both look great, albeit for different reasons, and they both offer fantastic value for money. If you’re in the market for an entry-level EV, either of these cars would be great – but we’ve been comparing both to figure out which is the best buy.

Hyundai Inster design and interior

If you’re looking for sci-fi styling, the Inster is the car to go for. It stands out thanks to its modern, boxy design, and those angular proportions offer an advantage once you step inside.

For such a small car, the Inster has an insanely practical cabin. The rear seats slide back to give back-seat passengers almost limousine-like legroom, and the boot is a really good size as well. Go for the range-topping version and you can fold those seats flat into the floor, transforming your little Inster into a van. It’s miles more practical than the Renault.

Renault 5 design and interior

It may be on the back foot in terms of practicality, but the Renault 5 makes up for this with an interior design which is much more funky-looking than the Hyundai’s. There are loads of different personalisation options for the brightly-coloured fabrics, and it feels slightly more premium than the Inster as well.

Throw in the excellent Google-based infotainment system in the 5, which is both quicker and easier to use than the Hyundai’s, and you have a cabin which is just a nicer place to spend time.

On the outside Renault has taken a different approach to the styling, because the 5 is designed to hark back to the classic hatchback of the 1980s with a modern twist. This retro charm helps it stand out from the crowd.

Hyundai Inster vs. Renault 5 E-Tech: The Vital Stats

Range and charging: which goes further?

If you’re all about range, the Renault 5 E-Tech wins – but not by a huge margin. Its bigger battery can manage 252 miles on a charge, while the Inster tops out at 229 miles. Both can fast charge at up to 100 kW, getting from 15-80% in about 30 minutes – just enough time to scroll through Instagram and regret that dodgy sandwich from the service station.

Price and value: which is the smart buy?

There’s not a huge difference in price between these two cars. The Inster is around £500 more expensive than the Renault, so deciding which is the best value comes down to standard equipment.

Both come with a heat pump, which is more efficient than traditional heating systems and helps boost range in cold weather, but the Inster is slightly better-equipped overall. It gets twin 10.3-inch screens and adaptive cruise control, while the Renault makes do with a standard cruise control setup which won’t automatically keep you a safe distance from the car in front.

That said, the Inster gets 15-inch wheels as standard compared to the Renault’s 18-inch rims. So if style is important to you, the Renault 5 may be the better choice.

Renault 5 vs Hyundai Inster: which is best?

If you’re after maximum practicality and value for money, the Hyundai Inster is a clear winner here. It offers a cavernous interior and loads of standard kit, and it’s a cute-looking thing as well.

However, the Renault 5 is arguably even more stylish, and the interior is a nicer place to spend time as well. If you’ve got your sensible hat on you’d buy the Hyundai, but the Renault is much more desirable and it’s still a great car.

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