Abarth 500e vs Hyundai Inster
Two electric Hatchbacks go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Abarth 500e starts from $60,500 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Inster opens at $33,000. That makes the Hyundai Inster the more affordable entry point by $27,500.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $66,550 and $36,300 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
The Hyundai Inster holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Abarth 500e.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai Inster packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Abarth 500e.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Abarth 500e stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and JBL audio that you will not find on the Hyundai Inster. The Hyundai Inster counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Abarth 500e uses a Electric producing 113kW and 235Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7 seconds.
The Hyundai Inster responds with a Electric making 74kW and 147Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.6 seconds.
The Abarth 500e has the clear power advantage at 113kW vs 74kW. In the real-world sprint, the Abarth 500e is 3.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 42kWh (Abarth 500e) vs 42kWh (Hyundai Inster), giving WLTP ranges of 253km and 327km. DC fast charging peaks at 85kW (Abarth 500e) vs 73kW (Hyundai Inster).
Space & Comfort
The Abarth 500e measures 3,673mm long on a 2,322mm wheelbase, 152mm shorter than the Hyundai Inster at 3,825mm (2,580mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Inster generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 185L in the Abarth 500e and 280L in the Hyundai Inster, giving the Hyundai Inster a 95L advantage. The Hyundai Inster seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m diameter
Excellent
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 3 years / 150,000km (Abarth 500e) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Inster). The Hyundai Inster has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Abarth 500e if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Abarth's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Inster if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai Inster takes 6 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Inster has a clear edge. The Hyundai Inster adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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