Hyundai Debuts INSTEROID Concept Car: A Gamified Twist on the INSTER EV

Hyundai reveals INSTEROID, a sporty, gaming-inspired concept car based on the INSTER EV. Explore its Seoul debut and interactive digital features.

Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled INSTEROID, a bold and playful reinterpretation of its INSTER electric subcompact SUV, aiming to spark new interest and connect with younger audiences through design, interactivity, and immersive storytelling.

The European-designed concept made its first appearance at the Night Garage Party held at Peaches D8NE in Seoul on April 1 and will be showcased to the public during the Seoul Mobility Show from April 3 to 13, 2025.

Based on the globally successful INSTER EV, INSTEROID blends gaming culture with a striking, muscular look. Its name merges "INSTER" with "steroid" to convey energy, personalization, and amplified style. While INSTER is known for its urban-friendly compactness and up to 370 km of range, INSTEROID pushes boundaries with widened bodywork, advanced aerodynamics, and features like Drift Mode for dynamic driving thrills.

Inside, bucket seats, a roll cage, and stripped-down instrumentation create a raw, motorsport-inspired atmosphere. Enhanced by the Beat House sound system and the interactive Message Grid, INSTEROID delivers a multisensory experience. The Boost icon appears throughout the design, emphasizing its expressive, character-driven identity.

Adding a digital twist, Hyundai developed a browser-based game where users collect 'steroids' to evolve an INSTER into an INSTEROID. The concept car will also be featured in Kartrider Rush+ as a new in-game kart. This project builds on Hyundai’s previous digital collaborations with platforms like ZEPETO and Roblox, showcasing a long-term commitment to immersive engagement strategies.

During the Seoul Mobility Show, Hyundai will also present its hydrogen-powered NEXO update, the electric IONIQ 9 SUV, and futuristic technologies from Hyundai Mobis, including holographic HUD displays. These presentations align with the show’s theme, “Mobility, Everywhere.”

Originally launched in 2024, the INSTER has been a major success, especially in Europe where its starting price is around €23,900. Hyundai plans to leverage its popularity to double EV sales across the region in 2025.

INSTEROID is not intended for production. Instead, it serves as a dynamic design exercise—an emotional, gamified vision of mobility’s future that brings a fresh, energetic voice to Hyundai’s electric journey.

Source: hyundainews.com