New Hyundai Bayon SUV revealed

The Hyundai Bayon SUV has been revealed, and it will initially go on sale as a replacement for the i20 Active in multiple international markets. We tell you more about it.

• Hyundai Bayon sits below the Creta and above the Venue
• Gets unique exterior styling and higher ground clearance than the i20
• Will share a lot of interior bits from the i20

Hyundai Bayon: where does it stand?

The Bayon is Hyundai's answer to a long list of crossover-SUVs sold overseas, starting with the Volkswagen T-Cross, Nissan Juke and the Ford Puma, to name a few. The name of this Hyundai SUV is pronounced as ‘Bye-Onn’ and is inspired by the capital of France’s Basque Country, which also reveals that the model is primarily aimed at European customers.

Hyundai Bayon: platform, exterior and interior details

The Bayon shares its underpinnings with the latest i20 but gets unique exterior styling that is quite similar to the recently updated Kona. These include the thin DRLs and arrow-shaped headlamps. The arrow-shaped theme also continues at the back, which gets a similar design. 

The Bayon SUV gets strong shoulder lines at the side, but the tapering roofline gives it more of a crossover-like look. Strong cladding all around and faux skid plates at the front and back give it a more rugged appearance. The Bayon does not come with any four- or all-wheel-drive gear and remains a front-wheel-drive vehicle, just like the i20.

The Hyundai Bayon gets a very familiar looking interior, as most of it is a direct lift from the i20. This includes the all-black dashboard, switchgear, steering wheel and even the 10.25-inch display.

Hyundai says the Bayon is an Urban-focused vehicle and its interior has been designed keeping in mind utility, space and comfort. A 2,580mm wheelbase (identical to the i20’s) allows front-seat passengers 1,072mm of leg room, while the rear seats offer 882mm, and the 411-litre boot can be extended to 1,205 litres with the split rear bench folded flat.

Hyundai Bayon: engine and gearbox options

Two engine options are offered on the Bayon globally – a 1.2-litre petrol good for 84hp and a more powerful 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with mild-hybrid tech that is available in two states of tune, a 100hp or a 120hp. The 1.0 turbo-petrol will be on offer in countries like the UK, which will not get the 1.2-litre engine. Gearbox options will include a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed iMT, depending on the engine.

Hyundai Bayon: will it come to India?

There is no news on the Bayon making it to our shores. Hyundai is, however, readying a new micro-SUV that will be positioned below the Venue in India and will rival the upcoming Tata HBX (Timero). Additionally, the new Alcazar 6- and 7-seat SUV will hit the showrooms by June this year. Hyundai is also readying the i20 N-line for India, which could see a market launch sometime this year.