Insteroid: Hyundai's latest concept EV looks straight out of a video game

Hyundai reimagines Inster EV as a pocket rocket

The Hyundai Design Center seems to be a really fun place to work in, considering how bold and daring Hyundai vehicles look nowadays. The Korean auto giant looks to embrace a lot of creative freedom, especially with their EVs, as evidenced by the likes of the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and their high-performance N versions.

Just before the Seoul Mobility Show opens in Korea, Hyundai has shown another exciting concept. This time, in the form of an aggressive-looking pocket rocket with the Insteroid Concept EV.

Yes, as the name suggests, the Insteroid is Hyundai’s idea of the Inster EV on steroids – turning the sub-compact EV into a machine that won’t look out of place in the Group B era of rallying.

Hyundai says the Insteroid’s design is inspired by video games, and engineers clearly had fun in putting the widebody kit, the track-optimized wheels, plus the enormous rear wing and diffuser to boost the car’s downforce.

Inside, the Insteroid EV has a stripped-down interior with bucket seats, a rollcage, and a specialized instrument cluster for that full race car experience. The upholstery is even made from 3D knit fabric from recycled yarns, showing Hyundai’s commitment to sustainability by using eco-conscious materials.

The Korean auto giant did not get into specifics when it comes to performance and power figures of the Insteroid, but it features the Ioniq 5 N’s party tricks like a Drift Mode and a special sound signature.

Hyundai says the Insteroid reflects the brand’s growing partnerships in the gaming industry, as a special website was created to play the Inster in a time attack challenge and collect items in-game to turn it into the Insteroid. Following successful tie-ups with Roblox and Zepeto, the brand aims to use the Insteroid to connect with younger audiences.

The Insteroid Concept EV will also be showcased at the Seoul Mobility Show, which will run from April 3 to 13, 2025.