Hyundai expands electric lineup with Inster Lounge SUV and new Elantra 2027

Hyundai introduced the Inster Lounge, a premium‑styled trim for its compact electric Inster SUV. The version adds a Glow Mint paint option, 17‑inch alloy wheels, a re‑shaped grille, silver side protectors and an interior that mixes fabric, leather and a knitted roof panel. Powertrain choices remain unchanged: a 42 kWh battery with a 97 hp motor or a 49 kWh pack delivering 115 hp, offering up to 360 km WLTP range and a 30‑minute DC charge from 10 % to 80 %. Production is set to start in June 2026 at Hyundai’s Gwangsan plant in South Korea, with European sales to follow later in the year.

At the 2026 Busan Motor Show, Hyundai also unveiled the eighth‑generation Elantra (marketed as the Avante). The new model is longer, wider and higher, featuring a sharp “Art of Steel” exterior, H‑shaped headlights, a duck‑tail rear and 18‑inch five‑spoke wheels. Inside, a 12.9‑inch (optional 14.6‑inch) infotainment screen, digital instrument cluster and ambient lighting are standard. Engine options include a 2.0‑litre gasoline unit rated at 147 hp and a 1.6‑litre hybrid producing 155 hp, equipped with regenerative braking and a “Stay Mode” that draws battery power for climate and infotainment systems.