Hyundai launched the Bayon, priced from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom), as its second midsize SUV, positioning it below the segment bestseller Creta. Like other Hyundai models, it is decently equipped with features but still misses out on a few compared to its rivals.
1. Powered co-driver’s seat and boss mode
The Hyundai Bayon comes with an 8-way powered driver’s seat, but the co-driver’s seat is only manually adjustable. In contrast, models such as the Creta, Kia Seltos, Renault Duster, Nissan Tekton, Honda Elevate, Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq offer electrical adjustment for the co-driver’s seat. The Creta goes a step further with boss mode, which helps rear-seat passengers slide and tilt the front passenger seat for more legroom and knee room. Interestingly, the Sierra gets a manually adjustable co-driver’s seat like the Bayon but offers manual boss mode.
2. Powered tailgate
At 505 litres, the Bayon boasts the largest boot in the segment, but the tailgate is operated manually. Rivals such as Maruti Victoris, Tata Sierra, Renault Duster and Nissan Tekton offer a powered tailgate – a feature that would have made the Bayon’s generous boot space easier to access, enhancing its practicality.
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3. Dual-zone climate control
The Bayon offers automatic climate control, albeit from mid-spec trims. A major miss, however, is dual-zone climate control, which has become very common in the segment. In fact, its sibling Creta and the relatively newer Seltos offer it, even with variants priced under Rs 16 lakh. Rivals such as the Tata Sierra, Renault Duster and Nissan Tekton are other midsize SUVs offering dual-zone climate control.
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4. Rear sunshades
Rear sunshades, although niche in the segment, elevate passenger comfort, especially in the hot and humid Indian climate. This feature is not available on the Bayon, but its rivals such as the Creta, Seltos and Sierra offer it.
5. Wireless phone charger for rear seat passengers
The Bayon comes with a wireless phone charger from the mid-spec HX5 trim. However, the Creta features an additional wireless phone charger for rear-seat passengers, placed near the rear AC vents. The Bayon makes do with a Type-C port and a 12V socket for those seated at the rear.
6. Head-up display (HUD)
A head-up display enhances safety by projecting important driving information onto the driver’s line of sight. The Seltos, Sierra, Victoris, Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder offer it, but not the Bayon.
Uday Singh
Dhruv Dhaka
Viraaj Bhatnagar
