Alfa Romeo Junior vs Hyundai Inster
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
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 Alfa Romeo Junior starts from $45,900 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Inster opens at $33,000. That makes the Hyundai Inster the more affordable entry point by $12,900.
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 $50,490 and $36,300 respectively.
The Hyundai Inster qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Alfa Romeo Junior, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
The Alfa Romeo Junior holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Hyundai Inster.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Alfa Romeo Junior packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Hyundai Inster.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
The Alfa Romeo Junior features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Hyundai Inster gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Alfa Romeo Junior stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Hyundai Inster. The Hyundai Inster counters with Apple CarPlay and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Alfa Romeo Junior uses a Petrol MHEV producing 107kW and 230Nm of torque, sent through a dct to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.9 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 Alfa Romeo Junior has the clear power advantage at 107kW vs 74kW. In the real-world sprint, the Alfa Romeo Junior is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Alfa Romeo Junior measures 4,170mm long on a 2,560mm wheelbase, 345mm longer 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 270L in the Alfa Romeo Junior and 280L in the Hyundai Inster, giving the Hyundai Inster a 10L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.8m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m 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: 5 years / 150,000km (Alfa Romeo Junior) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Inster). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Alfa Romeo Junior if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Alfa Romeo's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Inster if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Alfa Romeo Junior and Hyundai Inster trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Alfa Romeo Junior and Hyundai Inster?
The Hyundai Inster is the cheapest at $33,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Alfa Romeo Junior by $12,900.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Alfa Romeo Junior uses the least fuel at 4.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Alfa Romeo Junior has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Inster has the largest boot at 280L.
Which can tow the most?
The Alfa Romeo Junior has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Alfa Romeo Junior makes the most power at 107kW. The Alfa Romeo Junior is quickest to 100km/h in 8.9s.
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.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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