Hyundai Inster vs MINI Cooper
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Data checked: specs 28 Aug 2026, price 8 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Inster starts from $37,500 before on-road costs, while the MINI Cooper opens at $41,990. That makes the Hyundai Inster the more affordable entry point by $4,490.
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 $41,250 and $46,189 respectively.
The Hyundai Inster currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The MINI Cooper does not: only battery-electric vehicles 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.
Recalls on our record
Hyundai Inster
- REC-006635 · published 18 Jun 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the shaft in the three-way valve may break and lead to a coolant leak.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2026
- REC-006394 · published 30 Jul 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the retaining studs under the driver’s seat may not have a safety sealing cap installed during assembly.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
MINI Cooper
- REC-006442 · published 8 Oct 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the front passenger and/or driver seatbelts may not meet the required specifications.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-006091 · published 2 Oct 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, a component of the brake booster system may have been incorrectly welded and could break.Year range on the notice: 2024
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
42kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 120kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 120kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Inster features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the MINI Cooper gets a 9.4-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Inster stands out with Apple CarPlay and V2L — features our data doesn't list for the MINI Cooper. The MINI Cooper counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging and 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 MINI Cooper offers synthetic leather / cloth. Climate control is 1-zone in the Hyundai Inster and 2-zone in the MINI Cooper.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Inster uses a Electric producing 71.1kW and 147Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed to a FWD layout.
The MINI Cooper responds with a Petrol Turbo making 115kW and 230Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The MINI Cooper has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 71.1kW. 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, 51mm shorter than the MINI Cooper at 3,876mm (2,495mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Inster generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 280L in the Hyundai Inster and 210L in the MINI Cooper, giving the Hyundai Inster a 70L advantage. The Hyundai Inster seats 5 vs 4.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.7m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
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 (MINI Cooper). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
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.
Buy the MINI Cooper if: You prioritise performance, or prefer MINI's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
MINI Cooper: Top CarSorted Score, 65 vs 64, but the Hyundai Inster is $4,490 cheaper
The MINI Cooper comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (65 vs 64), taking 1 of 4 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: technology (MINI Cooper ahead by 28), fuel economy (Hyundai Inster ahead by 13), safety (MINI Cooper ahead by 11). If boot space matters, the Hyundai Inster has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai Inster and MINI Cooper?
The Hyundai Inster is the cheapest at $37,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MINI Cooper by $4,490.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MINI Cooper uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Hyundai Inster holds a 4-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for MINI Cooper, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Inster has the largest boot at 280L with the seats up.
Which is the most powerful?
The MINI Cooper makes the most power at 115kW.
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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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