Hyundai Bayon

The Bayon introduces Hyundai's ‘Art of Steel’ design language, with a split-headlamp layout and slim LED daytime running lamps integrated into a black strip along the bonnet's leading edge. The main headlamps sit lower in the front bumper, which features chunky black and silver cladding. Its flared wheel arches, sharp character lines and petal-style 17-inch alloy wheels give it a crossover-like appearance, while blacked-out pillars create a floating-roof effect. At the rear, slim LED tail-lamps, bold Bayon lettering on the tailgate, a roof spoiler and dual-tone bumper cladding complete the design.

The Bayon's cabin resembles that of the Brazil-spec Hyundai i20, with a black-and-white colour scheme, leatherette seat upholstery and vertical AC vents. The dashboard is dominated by two connected 12.3-inch displays for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. Physical shortcut buttons below the touchscreen, steering-mounted controls and haptic switches for the climate control system provide alternatives to touchscreen operation. The three-spoke steering wheel is similar to the Venue's, while the drive mode selector is housed in a separate pod. Hyundai has not yet provided the Bayon's exact dimensions, so its cabin space cannot be assessed against rivals on a like-for-like basis.

The Bayon's key technology highlight is its generative AI voice assistant, a first for a Hyundai model in India. Hyundai says it can understand conversational requests rather than relying exclusively on predefined voice commands. Other features include Bluelink connected-car technology with more than 70 functions, over-the-air updates, onboard navigation, split-screen functionality and support for multiple languages.

The equipment list also includes a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, a powered driver's seat, a Bose sound system, an auto-dimming inside rear-view mirror, a wireless phone charger and a rear centre armrest.

Hyundai says the Bayon will have more than 35 safety features as standard, including six airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system, rear parking sensors and ISOFIX mounts. Higher variants get the Smart Sense Level 2 Pro ADAS suite, with features including navigation-based smart cruise control and highway driving assist. A 360-degree camera, dashcam, blind-spot detection and all-wheel disc brakes are also part of the reported equipment package. Hyundai says the Bayon is being engineered for a five-star Bharat NCAP crash safety rating; this should not be confused with an achieved crash-test result.

Official fuel-efficiency figures for the Bayon are yet to be available in the supplied reports. The SUV uses the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine as the Creta, with manual and CVT gearbox options. Hyundai is positioning the Bayon around economical motoring and everyday usability, but its actual fuel efficiency will need to be established through certified figures and real-world testing.

At launch, the Bayon will be offered with a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 115hp and 144Nm. Shared with the Creta, this engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a CVT. CVT variants also get paddle shifters and Eco, Normal and Sport drive modes, along with Hyundai's Dash Boost Mode and Sporty Drive Tech functions. A CNG option is planned for a later stage, although its specifications and launch timeline have not been confirmed in the source reports. The Bayon will not get the Creta's turbo-petrol or diesel engines, according to the available reports.

The Bayon is based on Hyundai's Global K Enhanced platform. Its confirmed powertrain comprises a naturally aspirated petrol engine driving the front wheels, with a manual or CVT gearbox. We are yet to drive the car, so ride comfort, handling and high-speed stability cannot yet be assessed. These aspects will need to be evaluated in a road test.