These days, it seems like small electric vehicles are increasingly becoming popular. As a result, companies like Jetour and Wuling now have offerings to satisfy this demand. But political tensions in the West Philippine Sea are at an all-time high right now, so Filipinos might be reluctant to purchase big-ticket items from China.

That’s why we think that the Hyundai Inster has the potential to win the hearts of many buyers. Recently unveiled at the Busan International Mobility Show, it’s essentially the battery-powered twin of the Casper. We quite like that car, so we feel like the Inster would be loved in the Philippines just as much.

And speaking about things to love, the small Inster has a lot of it. Its charming face is dominated by large round headlights that make it look like a cartoon character. The tall and narrow profile is complemented by wheels that sit near the corners of the car. The Inster’s diminutive size makes it look adorable as it quietly glides through tight city roads.

Hyundai’s cute runabout doesn’t skimp on features as well. Two 10.25-inch displays provide instrumentation and entertainment, and a wireless charger is standard. There might not be lots of interior space, but all seats fold flat to make the cabin very flexible. The eco-friendly upholstery has bits of sugarcane and recycled plastic bottles in it.

The Inster is offered with two powertrain/battery options. The more powerful electric motor puts out a respectable 113hp. The larger battery pack is good for a range of 355km, which is impressive for such a vehicle. The Inster also has vehicle-to-load capabilities, so it can be used for camping or remote working.

It’s easy to assume that the Inster would be priced prohibitively as it’s not made by a Chinese company. But Hyundai wants to attract buyers with tight budgets by offering a variant with steel wheels. And with the Asia-Pacific region identified as one of the car’s key markets, we might see the Inster on our shores soon.