Spec battle: 2025 Hyundai Inster vs GWM Ora vs BYD Dolphin

Australia’s affordable electric vehicle (EV) market is heating up, and fast. At the pointy end of the sub-$40K segment, three models are squaring up with plenty to prove: the brand-new Hyundai Inster, the playful GWM Ora, and the sharply priced BYD Dolphin. All three bring different energy to the table, but which one stacks up best on paper? 

To find out, we’re comparing base, mid-spec and top trims — and digging into pricing, performance, charging, dimensions, and what you can expect when it comes to ownership.

Entry-level: Hyundai Inster Standard vs GWM Ora Standard vs BYD Dolphin Essential

The most affordable of the lot at the lower end of all three ranges is the BYD Dolphin Essential, arriving at just $29,990 before on-roads, and making it the cheapest EV currently on sale in Australia. The GWM Ora Standard bumps that figure up to $35,990, while the Hyundai Inster Standard lands at $39,000 before on-roads. All three offer a city-friendly five-door hatch format, though the Dolphin undercuts the others significantly on price — a major selling point for budget-conscious buyers. 

Performance and range

Under the bonnet, or rather beneath the cabin floor, the Dolphin Essential is powered by a 44.9kWh LFP battery paired with a 70kW motor delivering 180Nm of torque. It’s front-wheel drive, like its rivals, and offers a claimed WLTP range of 340km.  

The GWM Ora Standard ups the ante with a slightly larger 48kWh LFP pack and a more energetic 126kW motor, pumping out 250Nm and slashing the 0–100km/h time to just 8.4 seconds — a full four seconds quicker than the Dolphin’s more leisurely 12.3 seconds.  

The Inster Standard splits the difference somewhat, with a smaller 42kWh LFP battery, 71kW output and 147Nm of torque – the lowest figure of the three. Hyundai claims 327km of WLTP range and a 0–100km/h sprint of 11.7 seconds.

The Ora is the heaviest of the three, tipping the scales at 1540kg. The Inster is notably lighter at 1375kg, and the Dolphin sits in the middle at 1506kg.

Charging and practicality

When it comes to topping up, the Inster leads the charge with 11kW AC capability and 120kW DC fast charging. The Ora also supports 11kW on AC, but offers a lower 80kW peak on DC. The Dolphin Essential, meanwhile, is limited to 7kW AC and 60kW DC fast charging, which could mean longer wait times on public chargers. Though it’s less likely to be a deal-breaker at this price point, it can make a big difference when out on the open road. 

Boot space varies across the board. The Dolphin offers a respectable 345 litres of luggage room (1310l with the seats down, while the Ora’s boot is tighter at 228 litres (seats up) and 858l (seats down). The Hyunda measures 220 litres (seats up, though it has the ability to extend this space with a sliding  second row function) and 1059 litres (seats down). 

None of the trio feature a frunk, and none are rated for towing. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability is available on the Dolphin and the Inster, but the Ora does not currently offer this feature. 

Size

The Dolphin is the longest of the trio at 4,290mm, followed closely by the Ora at 4,235mm. The Inster is much more compact, measuring just 3,825mm long — and that could be a bonus for city dwellers looking for easier parking. All three cars have similar widths, ranging between 1,770mm and 1,825mm, and ride on short wheelbases, with the Ora’s 2,650mm slightly stretching ahead. The Dolphin sits lowest to the ground at 130mm of running clearance. 

Features

As base models go, the Dolphin Essential packs in more than you might expect. It gets a 360-degree camera, dashcam accessory, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It misses out on heated or ventilated seats and a sunroof, and wireless phone charging is absent. It aligns with the Inster by wearing 15-inch wheels. 

The Ora Standard includes a 360-degree camera and wireless phone charging but lacks a dashcam. As for phone connectivity, it has Apple CarPlay support only (no Android Auto confirmed for this variant), and it also skips heated seats and sunroof. 

The Inster Standard has no 360 camera, no dashcam, no sunroof, and no heated seating but does offer wireless phone charging and full smartphone mirroring.

Mid-tier: BYD Dolphin Premium vs GWM Ora Extended vs Hyundai Inster Extended Range

In the mid-spec showdown, the Dolphin Premium and the GWM Ora Extended Range (ER) both hold the price card at $36,990. Hyundai’s Inster Extended however spills over the $40,000 mark by $2500. But which is better value for money? 

Performance and range

This is where the Dolphin starts to stretch its legs. With a larger 60.48kWh LFP battery and a 150kW motor delivering 310Nm, the Dolphin Premium cuts its 0–100 time to a sharp 7 seconds while offering a decent 427km of range. The Ora Extended uses a 63kWh battery, keeps the same 126kW/250Nm motor as the Standard variant, and delivers a competitive 420km range. Its sprint time holds steady at 8.4 seconds. 

Hyundai’s Inster Extended comes with a 49kWh LFP battery, matching the 71kW motor of the base variant. With the smaller battery its WLTP range lands at 360km — a fair way behind its Chinese rivals. Weight-wise, the Dolphin is the heaviest at 1,658kg, followed by the Ora at 1,540kg and the Inster around 1,400kg due to the smaller battery. 

Charging and practicality

Charging speeds for two remain consistent: the Ora and Inster both support 11kW AC and 80–120kW DC respectively, while the Dolphin Premium is again limited to 7kW AC but gets a boost to 80kW for DC charging. The Dolphin also regains ground with the inclusion of V2L. None of the three are tow-rated, and frunks again remain off the menu. With cargo space the same across the range, the Dolphin again offers the best cargo space of the three.

Size

Dimensions remain consistent across variants. The Dolphin maintains its longer stance and wider body, while the Ora has the longest wheelbase. The Inster keeps its compact footprint, which may appeal to buyers who value nimble handling over outright size. 

Features

Again, this is where the Dolphin shines. The Dolphin Premium includes a panoramic sunroof with sunshade, heated front seats, wireless phone charging, and a 360-degree camera. It also supports both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.  

The Ora Extended gets wireless phone charging and a 360 camera but lacks seat heating and a sunroof. Again, smartphone mirroring is Apple-only at this stage. 

Hyundai’s Inster Extended mirrors the base model for features, but simply employs a larger battery.

Top-tier: GWM Ora GT vs Hyundai Inster Cross

At the top of the range, the GWM Ora GT brings a sporty flair to the table, and is priced just above $40,000 before on-roads. The Inster Cross is Hyundai’s most rugged take on the model, with cladding and roof rails giving it a compact SUV vibe. It’s priced at $45,000 before on-roads

Performance and range

Although not a true GT, the Ora GT is built for fun, packing the same 126kW/250Nm drivetrain as the Extended Range. It also retains the same 63kWh battery but offers around 400km of range, and oddly is a touch slower than its counterparts with a sprint from 0–100km/h in 8.5 seconds. Likewise, Hyundai’s Inster Cross continues with its 49kWh battery and 71kW motor, so while it looks the part, it may not offer performance to match. It also has an optional roof basket which brings a nominal 360km WLTP range down to 293km WLTP.

Charging and practicality

Charging and interior tech remain consistent with mid-spec variants. The key difference here is cargo space: the Inster Cross allows both seat rows to fold down, creating a flat interior from dash to rear. It’s not exactly cargo space, as you can't drive while its like this, but it does offer an intriguing point of difference perhaps for those who want to be able to chillax by the beach or park. V2L is unlikely in either, and towing remains off the table. 

Size

Both cars share the same underpinnings as their respective siblings, but the Inster Cross has a slightly raised ride height to suit its crossover look.  

Features

Both carmakers pull out all the goodies at their range-topping variants. The Ora GT of course gets sporty cosmetic upgrades, larger alloy wheels and sportier stitched seats and red seatbelts, while still offering wireless phone charging and a 360 camera. There's also a sunroof and ventilated/heated seats, plus a massage function. 

The Inster Cross introduces ventilated and heated seats, a sunroof and a 360 degree camera. 

Warranty and ownership costs

GWM offers the most generous coverage, with a seven-year unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year battery warranty also with no distance cap. BYD isn’t far behind, providing a six-year, 150,000km warranty for the vehicle and the same eight-year but with a 160,000km distance cap for battery coverage. Hyundai’s warranty sits a step lower on paper, with a five-year unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty, though it matches BYD's eight-year/160,000km promise for its battery systems. 

As for energy costs, BYD leads again on value – with the caveat that the Inster’s Extended Range and Cross are the cheapest to run, albeit the most expensive to buy. According to the Green Vehicle Guide, the Dolphin has an estimated annual running cost of $635 for the Dolphin Essential and $716 for the Premium. Hyundai's Inster sits in the same ballpark, at $655 per year for the Standard Range and $634 for Extended and Cross variants. The GWM Ora, however, is the most expensive to keep charged, with estimated yearly running costs of $842 for the Standard Range, $832 for the Extended Range, and $847 for the GT. These figures are based on lab-tested efficiency under ADR 81/02 and assume 14,000km of driving per year at $0.30 per kWh. 

* Source: Green Vehicle Guide. Assumptions include efficiency according to ADR 81/02 lab tests, driving 14,000km a year, with an average cost of $0.30c/kWh. Note: Only includes energy cost assumptions.

Verdict: Which one should you buy?

With three sharply different takes on what a small EV should be, buyers are genuinely spoiled for choice. The BYD Dolphin is the clear value leader across all three trims, combining the lowest entry price, the best range, and more features for less — particularly in the Premium variant, which delivers punchy performance, strong tech, and the longest WLTP range of the lot. However, its Essential trim is clearly that – essentials-only. 

The GWM Ora holds its own on acceleration and driving dynamics, especially in the Standard and GT trims, but is let down slightly by smaller boot space, higher running costs, and no Android Auto support. It does, however, offer a generous warranty and one of the more unique exterior designs. 

Hyundai’s Inster enters as the most expensive, but it carves out a niche for buyers who want compact proportions, solid AC/DC charging performance, and the peace of mind that comes with an established badge. While it doesn’t lead in power or range, the Extended and Cross variants are among the cheapest to run and deliver decent equipment in the higher trims, with features like V2L, wireless charging, and ventilated seats helping to sweeten the deal. 

Ultimately, if range and tech matter most, the Dolphin Premium is the one to beat. If you want the most spirited drive and don’t mind paying a little more to run it, the Ora GT delivers flair. But for inner-city dwellers who value compact size and functionality, the Inster Cross is a compelling pick.