Hyundai India has added a new nameplate to its lineup with the launch of the Bayon. The Bayon competes in the heavily contested mid-size SUV space and isn’t positioned as a Creta replacement, but is placed below it. It brings a fresh crossover-esque design with a tech-laden interior and a familiar powertrain. Based on our experience behind the wheel, we list below reasons why it's the one to go for and reasons why you should look elsewhere.
Reasons to buy the Hyundai Bayon
Remarkable interior quality
The interior of the Hyundai Bayon blends modern-age tech and ease of use in an impressive fashion. Depending on the exterior colour chosen, you get a black-and-white interior theme or an all-black interior with red accents. Irrespective of the theme, you’re welcomed into a well-built interior with excellent fit and finish across the board, even better than what you see with the more expensive Creta.
Vertically oriented air vents and the climate control console give it an upmarket feel, and the chunky three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel feels expensive to hold. Additionally, the curved dual-screen display adds to its modern appeal, while the gear lever in manual variants feels well-made and is tactile. At the same time, the plethora of physical buttons, knobs, and easy-to-use touch-based HVAC controls ensures you aren’t overwhelmed with screen-only access to core functions. Ergonomics, too, are spot on, with ample adjustment for the driving position and a high-positioned seat.
Loaded with features
It doesn’t come as a surprise that Hyundai has equipped the Bayon with features to the brim. Equipment includes dual 12.3-inch infotainment and digital driver’s display that's easy to navigate, a powered driver seat, front seat ventilation, panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charger, drive modes, Bose audio system, and ambient lighting.
On the safety front, it gets Level 2 ADAS with navigation-based lane-keeping, speed control, and stop-and-go functionality. Additionally, you also get front and rear parking sensors, a tyre pressure monitoring system, six airbags, hill-start assist, ESP, ABS with EBD, speed-sensing door locks, ISOFIX child-seat anchors, and a burglar alarm.
Responsive, smooth, and refined petrol engine
Under the bonnet of the Bayon is the tried-and-tested 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that also does duty in the Creta. It produces 115hp and 144Nm and is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT gearbox. The latter version also adds drive modes and a Dash Boost mode that claims to provide responsive acceleration.
Pulling power feels adequate for city and highway use, and throttle response is crisp, and the power delivery is linear as well. Paired with the manual gearbox, the unit is among the slickest in the segment. Operation is effortless with a light clutch, short and precise shifts, and a tactile gear lever. Opt for the CVT gearbox, and you’re in for a smooth and seamless experience behind the wheel, along with drive modes to further enhance overall involvement.
Reasons not to buy the Hyundai Bayon
Tight rear headroom for tall occupants
Though space in the Bayon’s back seat is plenty with good knee room and footroom, taller passengers may find headroom lacking. This is mainly due to the low roofline of the Bayon, and it also affects the overall sense of space, which isn’t as good as the Creta with its boxier proportions.
Expensive top-end variants
At Rs 10 lakh, the Bayon is among the affordable options in its segment. Go higher in the lineup, though, and you’ll notice the evident overlap of its price in comparison to larger rivals. Top-end versions especially demand more than what they ask for. In fact, at Rs 18 lakh, the Bayon finds itself priced quite close to the higher-positioned Creta with the same powertrain in top-end guise.
Lack of powertrain options
The Hyundai Bayon is offered solely with a naturally aspirated petrol engine, and a CNG option is slated to arrive later. But as things stand, the Bayon may not be for you if you’re looking to go for an efficient diesel or a spruced-up turbo-petrol engine, as Hyundai intends to reserve these engines only for the Creta.