Hyundai has officially commenced bookings for the upcoming Bayon midsize SUV that’s expected to launch next month. Prospective buyers can register an interest online or at their nearest Hyundai dealership. The Bayon will be positioned between the Venue and Creta in the brand’s SUV line-up when it hits the market this festive season.
- Upcoming midsize SUV could be just over four metres long
- Expected to come with 1.5-litre petrol and CNG powertrain options
- Bayon to get new-gen i20-like interior with twin connected screens
Hyundai Bayon exterior and interior
The Bayon has been spied testing on multiple occasions and Hyundai themselves have released several teasers hinting at the new design, so we have a fair idea of what it’s going to look like. The Bayon’s overall stance is of a crossover rather than a boxy, upright SUV. It will sport a split-headlamp setup with half split H-shaped LED DRLs opositioned at the top. The main headlamp is positioned on the bumper, which also houses a rugged-looking skid plate. The fascia also looks well sculpted with sharp character lines and contours.
In profile, the Bayon has a rising window line with a distinct kink at the C-pillar. It will get regular pull-type door handles, functional roof rails and prominently flared wheel arches, much like the Exter. At the back, there’s a slim LED light band mimicking the front LED signature and a pronounced roof spoiler. Overall, the Bayon is expected to measure a little more than 4 metres in length.
On the inside, the Bayon in India will have a lot in common with the fourth-gen i20 that was recently revealed for Brazil. It will come with twin connected screens and a central dropdown panel housing the physical HVAC controls. The steering wheel with Hyundai’s four-dot motif, the vertical AC vents flanking the centre panel and even the door pads will be very similar to those on the new i20.Like all Hyundais, expect it to be properly kitted out with convenience and safety features.
Hyundai Bayon powertrain options
The Bayon is expected to use the 1.5-litre, four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, which will be offered with manual and CVT gearbox options. This is the same engine that does duty on the Creta, but the exact state-of-tune remains to be seen. Notably, this engine will also be offered with a factory-fitted CNG kit, likely with an underbody tank, making the Bayon the first Hyundai model over four metres long to be powered by CNG.
The Bayon is expected to priced between Rs 9 lakh and 14 lakh (ex-showroom) when it goes on sale this festive season, giving Hyundai a two-pronged approach to tackle the midsize SUV market, much like Maruti does with the Victoris and Grand Vitara.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Dipan Sur
Dhruv Dhaka
