The upcoming Hyundai Bayon-based midsize SUV has been spied testing on our roads once again ahead of its launch this festive season. This latest sighting gives us the clearest look yet at the upcoming model, which will sit below the Creta in Hyundai’s line-up but still measure over four metres in length. Although it’s based on the international-spec Bayon, the India-spec model gets a completely different top hat.
- Upcoming midsize SUV could be just over four metres long
- To sit below Creta; 1.5-litre petrol and CNG powertrain options likely
- Expected to launch this festive season
New Hyundai midsize SUV: Exterior details
The spied test mule was heavily camouflaged, but the overall stance appears to be that of a crossover rather than a boxy, upright SUV. The front end seems to have a split headlamp setup with a full-width LED light bar positioned at the top. The main headlamp unit on the bumper appears to be very Verna-like, and there’s a two-part air intake with the registration plate holder positioned in the centre.
In profile, the midsize SUV has a rising window line with a distinct kink at the C-pillar. It also gets regular pull-type door handles, functional roof rails and prominently flared wheel arches, much like the Exter, but seems devoid of heavy body cladding. At the back, there’s a slim LED light band mimicking the front LED signature and a pronounced roof spoiler. The boot lid handle can be seen positioned at the centre of the tailgate. Lastly, the SUV seems to ride on rather stylish dual-tone petal-style alloy wheels.
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New Hyundai midsize SUV: Interior details
A couple of days ago, we also got our first sighting of the interior of this upcoming midsize SUV. Like most modern Hyundais, it was spotted with a twin-screen setup spanning the dashboard. These could be the latest 12.3-inch units seen on top-spec variants of the Venue. A dual-tone steering wheel with the four-dot motif signifying ‘H’ in Morse code could also be observed. The cabin is likely to have a dual-tone black-and-white colour scheme, and as with most Hyundais, expect it to be loaded to the gills with features.
New Hyundai midsize SUV: Powertrain details
The Bayon-based SUV will differ from the Creta in powertrain offerings. We exclusively reported in July that the upcoming Hyundai SUV is expected to get the Creta’s 115hp 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine with 6-speed manual and CVT options. However, this engine will also be offered with a CNG option, likely with an underbody tank, making the Bayon-based SUV the first Hyundai model over four metres long to be powered by CNG.
Much like Maruti, this upcoming SUV will give Hyundai a two-pronged approach to tackle the burgeoning midsize SUV market. In terms of price, it will be more affordable than the Creta, likely ranging from Rs 9 lakh to Rs 14 lakh (ex-showroom).
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
