Peugeot e-208 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 Peugeot e-208 starts from $63,000 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Inster opens at $39,000. That makes the Hyundai Inster the more affordable entry point by $24,000.
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 $69,300 and $42,900 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
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 Peugeot e-208 features a 10-inch touchscreen paired with a 10-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 Peugeot e-208 stands out with head-up display that you will not find on the Hyundai Inster. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Peugeot e-208 uses a Electric Motor producing 115kW and 260Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 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 Peugeot e-208 has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 74kW. In the real-world sprint, the Peugeot e-208 is 2.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 54kWh (Peugeot e-208) vs 42kWh (Hyundai Inster), giving WLTP ranges of 400km and 327km. DC fast charging peaks at 100kW (Peugeot e-208) vs 73kW (Hyundai Inster).
Space & Comfort
The Peugeot e-208 measures 4,055mm long on a 2,540mm wheelbase, 230mm 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 311L in the Peugeot e-208 and 280L in the Hyundai Inster, giving the Peugeot e-208 a 31L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m diameter
Good
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 / 999,999km (Peugeot e-208) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Inster). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Peugeot e-208 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Peugeot's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Inster if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Peugeot e-208 takes 7 of 8 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Peugeot e-208 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, Peugeot e-208 and Hyundai Inster?
The Hyundai Inster is the cheapest at $39,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Peugeot e-208 by $24,000.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Peugeot e-208 has the most range at 400km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Peugeot e-208 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 100kW.
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 Peugeot e-208 has the largest boot at 311L.
Which is the most powerful?
The Peugeot e-208 makes the most power at 115kW. The Peugeot e-208 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.2s.
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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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