Hyundai Inster vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class
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 Hyundai Inster starts from $39,000 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz A-Class opens at $48,900. That makes the Hyundai Inster the more affordable entry point by $9,900.
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 $42,900 and $53,790 respectively.
The Hyundai Inster qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Inster features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz A-Class gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Inster stands out with V2L that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class counters with ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai Inster gets cloth upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz A-Class offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Hyundai Inster and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Inster uses a Electric producing 74kW and 147Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.6 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class responds with a Petrol making 100kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has the clear power advantage at 100kW vs 74kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is 1.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Inster measures 3,825mm long on a 2,580mm wheelbase, 594mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz A-Class at 4,419mm (2,729mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 280L in the Hyundai Inster and 370L in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz A-Class a 90L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.0m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 / 999,999km (Hyundai Inster) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz A-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Inster if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz A-Class if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai Inster and Mercedes-Benz A-Class?
The Hyundai Inster is the cheapest at $39,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz A-Class by $9,900.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Inster all hold a 4-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has the largest boot at 370L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class makes the most power at 100kW. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is quickest to 100km/h in 9.5s.
Get ahead of your next car
Join free for new-car launches, news, reviews and buying guides. The independent take on what's new in Australia and what's actually worth buying, no dealer spin. Plus early access and founding-member pricing on the upcoming CarSorted Pro Report. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
