The Hyundai Bayon has been launched at Rs 10 lakh, ex-showroom, in India. Hyundai will position the new Bayon below the Creta in the mid-size SUV segment, and its deliveries start from today. Hyundai is manufacturing the Bayon at its Chennai facility in both right and left hand drive configurations, as it will be exported as well.
- LED projector headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels and pull-type door handles on offer
- Panoramic sunroof, dual 12.3-inch displays and front ventilated seats also available
- It gets a 115hp 1.5-litre petrol engine with 6MT/ CVT
- Bayon CNG to launch in January next year
Hyundai Bayon exterior design
The Bayon is underpinned by Hyundai's Global K enhanced platform, engineered for 5-star Indian crash test safety standards, as per Hyundai. The Bayon's Bharat NCAP crash test results are expected by the end of this year. It gets the carmaker's latest 'Art of Steel' design language. From some angles, it even looks like a smaller version of the new Tucson, which was revealed earlier for North America. It measures 4.2 metres in length, slightly less than the 4.3-metre-long Creta.
At the front, it gets LED projector headlights and L-shaped DRLs that also work as turn indicators. Unlike many newer Hyundai models, it does not get a full-width light bar at the front or rear.
The side profile is perhaps the most distinctive, with flared wheel arches and sharp character lines giving it a muscular look. There is also plenty of black cladding around the wheel arches, while the petal-style 17-inch alloy wheels add some style. Hyundai has used traditional pull-type door handles instead of flush-fitting units.
At the rear, a slim black band houses the sleek LED tail-lamps, while 'BAYON' lettering sits on the tailgate. A prominent roof spoiler with an integrated stop lamp sits above the rear windscreen, and the bumper gets a dual-tone black-and-silver finish.
Hyundai Bayon interior and features
The interior of the Bayon looks very similar to the Brazil-spec i20 that was revealed a few months ago. Digital appointments include a 12.3-inch driver's display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and the HVAC controls are housed in a vertical panel just beneath. There is good use of physical buttons and dials - there is a band of shortcut buttons below the touchscreen, more buttons on the steering wheel; haptic buttons are present on the centre console panel. Notably, the steering wheel, which is similar to the one on the new Venue, even houses a standalone pod for the drive mode selector. Three drive modes will be available - Eco, Normal and Sport.
Other features include ventilated front seats, powered adjustment for the driver's seat, Bose sound system, Type-C USB ports, wireless charger, ambient lights, two-step reclining rear seats and AC vents and panoramic sunroof, among others. It also has a Generative AI voice assistant. The brand claims that instead of relying solely on predefined commands, it can understand conversational requests and respond with relevant information. It also gets Bluelink connected car tech, OTA updates and more.
Speaking about safety features, they include Level 2 ADAS, six airbags, 360-degree camera, all four disc brakes, hill-start assist control, electronic stability control, tyre-pressure monitoring system and electronic parking brake with auto hold.
Hyundai Bayon powertrain details
A 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine is currently on offer, which makes 115hp and 144Nm. Gearbox options include a 6-speed manual and a CVT. The Bayon petrol CVT has a claimed mileage figure of 18.6kpl (ARAI). There is a Dash Boost mode, which gives instantaneous power boost while overtaking, as per Hyundai.
While the Creta is also offered with these engine and gearbox pairings, the Bayon is set to add a CNG choice in January next year, making it Hyundai's first CNG mid-size SUV in India. Turbo-petrol and diesel engine options are not available with the Bayon.
The Bayon gives Hyundai a two-pronged approach to tackle the midsize SUV market, much like Maruti does with the Victoris and Grand Vitara. In addition to the Maruti SUVs, the Bayon will be up against the Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun and MG Astor.
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Viraaj Bhatnagar
Suraj Viswanathan
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