JOHN MURDOCH'S DRIVE TIME: We take a look at new versions of Hyundai Inster and Subaru Forester

Hyundai's first small EV for the UK and European markets will cost from just £23,495.

In this instalment of John Murdoch's Drive Time, John takes a look at new versions ofthe Hyundai Inster and the Subaru Forester SUV.

The all-new Hyundai Inster will be one of the cheapest battery electric cars you can buy when it goes on sale next year and it is currently on tour.

The Korean company’s first small EV for the UK and European markets will cost from just £23,495 and for that you’ll get a fully equipped mini-SUV-styled city car with a 42kWh battery and 96bhp which will give you just over 200 miles on a single charge.

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Two versions will be available and even the entry level Inster 01 comes with an impressive array of kit including 15” alloy wheels, a 10.25” digital instrument cluster plus a further 10.25” touchscreen display with navigation, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Bluelink connected car services with over-the-air updates, rear parking sensors with rear view camera and dynamic parking control, smart cruise control with stop/go, automatic headlights, smart key with keyless entry and a start/stop button.

Comfort features include air conditioning with climate control, leather steering wheel with height and reach adjustment, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors.

For an extra £1,050 the 01 is also available with a 49kWh battery, increasing power to 113bhp and range to 220 miles.

Costing from £26,745, the Inster 02 comes with the 49kWh 115PS power pack as standard and builds on the 01’s specification with the addition of 17” alloy wheels, front parking sensors, LED projection headlamps and LED rear lights, privacy glass and roof rails.

Interior enhancements include LED multifunction steering wheel lights, ambient lighting with a choice of 64 colours, fold flat front seats and sliding rear bench, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, automatically dimming rear view mirror and a wireless charging pad.

Both versions come equipped with an 11kW on-board charger, battery heating system and high-efficiency heat pump as standard, optimising both range and charging times.

Hyundai isn’t saying when UK sales will start but the Inster already can be seen in the metal at a series of dealer roadshow events which runs until December, taking in 86 Hyundai retailers during its journey.

Customers wanting to enjoy a sneak preview ahead of the first official UK arrivals can visit here and find their nearest participating retailer.

And Japanese manufacturer Subaru has released details of its new Forester SUV, which is set to be launched in the UK next Spring.

The Forester has been a key model in the Subaru line-up since it was first launched back in February 1997.

With more than five million units sold globally over the past 27 years, and currently the third-biggest-selling Subaru model in Europe, the new Forester preserves the heritage of the go-anywhere SUV, that has been redesigned in a more sophisticated and refined package.

The sixth generation Subaru Forester’s exterior has been significantly remodelled from its predecessors.

The vehicle features a wider and sharper-looking front design, complimented by a bold-shaped grille, connecting to signature headlamps. A strong side profile further emphasises the vehicle's rugged off-road presence.

The new Forester features improved on-road driving dynamics and off-road capability and will be powered by Subaru’s e-Boxer mild-hybrid powertrain.

An optimised direct-injection 2.0-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder normally aspirated petrol engine, that is paired with a Lineartronic transmission.

For any off-road use, the Forester is equipped with a dual-function X-Mode, with the motor assist now also applied when reversing.

The all-terrain system is also complete with hill descent control, maximising control and traction on slippery surfaces or steep inclines.

Additionally, the new Forester will benefit from a class-leading ground clearance of 220mm and maintain ample clearance angles and a towing capacity of 1,870 kg.

Subaru’s EyeSight Assist Technology and Driver Monitoring System have both been upgraded with newly added functionality.

This will also now include an emergency driving stop system, which can bring the vehicle to a complete stop if needed and in a safe way, if the driver can no longer control the vehicle in an emergency situation.

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