Launched last year in the UK was Hyundai’s Inster, a distinctive little A-segment electric car. At a recent drive day, I had the opportunity to sample the range-topping ‘Cross’ model.

There’s an off-road vibe, but be aware the Cross is just front-wheel drive, so perhaps it’s best not to venture too far off the beaten track. The keen observer will note the chunkier front and rear bumpers, some additional cladding and a skid plate. Seventeen-inch black alloy wheels complete the look.

The price is perhaps a little too close to £30,000 for my liking (£29,330 as driven), but until the end of March, there is a £3,750 grant available. Incidentally, the Inster range starts at £23,755 before discount.

The Inster Cross comes equipped with the larger of the two batteries available, a 49kWh unit. There’s the promise of up to 229 miles on a single charge, and Hyundai’s predicted range figures are usually quite accurate. So, longer journeys can be tackled without breaking a sweat or hunting for a socket. Not bad for a car that looks like it’s ready to dart about urban streets rather than tackle the motorway.

All Inster models boast a surprisingly roomy and clever interior. It seats four comfortably, with sliding and reclining rear seats that let you fiddle about with the legroom or boot space as you fancy. The boot itself can stretch from a modest 280 litres to a generous 351 litres if you slide the rear seats fully forward.

As if to demonstrate the space in the rear seats, a fellow journalist and I were served lunch in an Inster. A mighty fine experience it was too, with some delicious Korean food and space aplenty.

As is the modern way, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and matching touchscreen infotainment system provide most of the car’s functionality, and all works as slickly as we have come to expect from Hyundai. There’s mood lighting, perhaps a gimmick, but more useful are the wireless phone charging and Apple CarPlay systems.

The Inster Cross is surprisingly brisk to pilot. 115PS doesn’t sound like a lot, but it happily whizzed around the Warwickshire lanes that made up the varied test route. The ride will impress, and the power steering is light and responsive, ideal for threading through traffic or tackling narrow byways.

The manually adjustable seats are heated and major on comfort, though I would prefer a little more side support. The steering wheel is heated too, something I very much appreciate.

Equipment count is high, with keyless entry, climate control and LED lighting amongst the highlights. Oh, and let’s not forget the sunroof too.

The Inster is a delightful little EV that ticks all the right boxes for city dwellers and smaller families alike. It’s practical without being dull, tech-savvy without being overwhelming, and there’s a certain charm that makes you smile once behind the wheel.

I question whether you need to buy the ‘Cross’ variant, unless its looks dramatically appeal. The mid-range 02 model (£27,005 before discount) would be my pick.