Hyundai Inster vs MINI Cooper
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.
Hyundai Inster
From $39,000
Hatchback
Electric
Electric
71kW
—
4★ ANCAP
280L
MINI Cooper
From $41,990
Hatchback
Petrol
Petrol Turbo
115kW
6.2 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
210L
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Inster starts from $39,000 before on-road costs, while the MINI Cooper opens at $41,990. That makes the Hyundai Inster the more affordable entry point by $2,990.
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 $46,189 respectively.
The Hyundai Inster qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The MINI Cooper, 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.
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 that you will not find on 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 71kW 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 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 71kW. In the real-world sprint, the MINI Cooper is 2.7s 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, 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
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
The Hyundai Inster takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai Inster and MINI Cooper?
The Hyundai Inster is the cheapest at $39,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MINI Cooper by $2,990.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MINI Cooper uses the least fuel at 6.2L/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 Hyundai Inster has the largest boot at 280L.
Which is the most powerful?
The MINI Cooper makes the most power at 115kW. The MINI Cooper is quickest to 100km/h in 7.9s.
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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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