Hyundai Insteroid: a limited edition we like to see

Hyundai Insteroid

The name Insteroid is a contraction of “Inster” and “steroid” and reflects the funky, youthful and highly muscular nature of the concept car. It was based on the regular Hyundai Inster, which has been sold in both Europe and Korea since June 2024.

The Insteroid is mainly about the look and feel, as technical details are not known. This concept car was designed by Hyundai’s European design team. The mission was to challenge conventions, stimulate creativity and redefine what a sporty EV can be. “The Insteroid is more than a car, it is a groundbreaking vision of innovation and imagination,” the manufacturer said.

Pushing boundaries

“The Insteroid is a beacon of innovation that challenges us to reinvent the boundaries of automotive design,” said Simon Loasby, Senior Vice President and Head of the Hyundai Design Center. “By combining the worlds of video games and sporty styling, we are not only imagining the future of mobility, we are shaping it. We are inviting a new generation of car drivers to dream bigger and go further.”

“A modern interpretation of a dream car, that is the Insteroid. The study model was designed to inspire and generate enthusiasm,” said Eduardo Ramírez, Chief Designer at Hyundai Design Europe. “This project allowed us to fully embrace uninhibited creativity and take inspiration from video games to create an emotional and engaging vision of Hyundai as a brand.”

Features Hyundai Insteroid

The brilliance of the Insteroid radiates off the Inster thanks to its sporty, racing-inspired features. These include a built-out body, track-optimized 21-inch wheels, a prominent rear spoiler, a diffuser, powerful brakes and air vents in the wheel arches for improved aerodynamics.

Inside, the cockpit offers a minimalist, gaming-oriented layout with bucket seats, a roll cage and a dedicated steering wheel. Every control element – from the control buttons to the instrument panel design – is fully customizable, as in a race car. To enhance the sporty driving experience, the Insteroid produces a sound profile.

Drift Mode

The Insteroid builds on the user-friendly design of the Inster, but adds playful elements. That includes, for example, a Drift Mode. The integrated Beat House sound system and Message Grid allow for personalized interactions. In the design, the Boost icon represents multiple unique characters to create a close emotional bond between car and driver.

Environmentally friendly materials

The concept car also embodies Hyundai’s commitment to sustainability through the use of innovative, eco-friendly materials. That includes the 3D fabric used in the interior, made from recycled yarn.

Reflective racing suit

To optimize performance and reduce overall weight, lightweight grille structures are seamlessly integrated. The striking exterior, finished in bright white with a single defiant orange line, is an unmistakable visual statement. A reflective racing suit has been developed for the driver, with prominent Insteroid lettering that conveys the interplay of motorsport and youthful expression.

Also to Europe

The Insteroid will be on display at major car shows in Korea and Europe during this year. Hyundai also announced a partnership with KartRider, the online multiplayer game that enhances the INSTEROID’s game-like features in a virtual world. This collaboration is part of Hyundai’s growing number of partnerships in the gaming industry. Successful collaborations have previously been launched with Roblox and Zepeto. The goal is to reach younger audiences in an authentic way.