Hyundai has recently unveiled the Bayon, a new crossover SUV that aims to compete in the crowded and popular small SUV segment in Europe. The Bayon is based on the Hyundai i20 supermini but offers a more spacious interior, a higher driving position, and a distinctive design. It also comes with a range of advanced safety and connectivity features and a mild hybrid powertrain option. I will look closer at the Bayon and see how it compares to its rivals, such as the Ford Puma, the Peugeot 2008, and the Renault Captur.
Design and Styling
The Hyundai Bayon is the latest addition to Hyundai’s SUV family, which includes the Hyundai Kona, the Tucson, the Nexo, and the Hyundai Santa Fe. The Bayon follows Hyundai’s design philosophy of “Sensuous Sportiness”, which combines emotional values with innovative solutions.
The Bayon features a sharp and distinctive design, with angular lines, triangular shapes, and horizontal elements that emphasize its width and stance. The front end is dominated by a wide grille that opens at the bottom, creating a solid impression. The LED daytime running lights are integrated into the grille, forming a seamless horizon. The headlights are placed on the sides of the bumper, giving the Bayon a unique and eye-catching look. The side profile is characterized by a dynamic shoulder line that provides a wedge-shaped appearance. The rear end features arrow-shaped taillights that wrap around the pillars, creating a wide and stable impression.
The Bayon is available in nine exterior colors, including four new ones: Lumen Grey Pearl, Meta Blue Pearl, Lucid Lime Metallic, and Vibrant Blue Pearl. An optional two-tone roof in Phantom Black is also available with several exterior colors.
The Bayon measures 4,180 mm in length, 1,775 mm in width, and 1,490 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,580 mm. It offers a generous ground clearance of 183 mm, which enhances its SUV character and enables it to tackle rough roads. The Bayon also boasts a spacious interior, with a class-leading boot space of 411 liters, which can be expanded to 1,205 liters by folding the rear seats.
The Hyundai Bayon offers a comfortable and ergonomic cabin with a modern and minimalist design. The dashboard is dominated by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which are aligned horizontally for a seamless and futuristic look. The Bayon also offers a wireless smartphone charger, two USB-C ports, and a premium Bose sound system with eight speakers. The Bayon is equipped with Hyundai’s Bluelink-connected car services, which allow the driver to access various features via a smartphone app, such as remote lock/unlock, vehicle status, parking location, and maintenance information. The Bayon also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and over-the-air (OTA) map updates.
Safety and Technology
The Hyundai Bayon is not only stylish and practical but also safe and smart. It has a comprehensive list of intelligent safety and driver assistance features, making it stand out in its segment. The Bayon features Hyundai’s SmartSense technology, which includes:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, which warns the driver of a potential collision and applies the brakes if necessary.
- Lane Following Assist (LFA), which keeps the Bayon centered in its lane by following the road markings and the vehicle in front.
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), which prevents the Bayon from drifting out of its lane by applying corrective steering torque.
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), which alerts the driver of vehicles in the blind spot area by displaying a warning symbol in the side mirror.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW), which warns the driver of approaching vehicles when reversing out of a parking spot or a driveway.
- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), which recognizes speed limit signs and displays them on the instrument cluster.
- Driver Attention Warning (DAW), which monitors the driver’s fatigue and distraction levels and suggests a break if needed.
- High Beam Assist (HBA), which automatically switches between high and low beams depending on the traffic and lighting conditions.
- Rear Occupant Alert (ROA), which reminds the driver to check the rear seats before exiting the vehicle.
- Safe Exit Warning (SEW), which warns the driver and passengers of approaching vehicles when opening the doors.
The Hyundai Bayon also features a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, front and rear parking sensors, a hill start assist, downhill brake control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Bayon is fitted with six airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, and a front center airbag that prevents the driver and front passenger from colliding in the event of a side impact. The Bayon also features an eCall system, which automatically contacts emergency services in case of a serious accident.
Performance and Efficiency
The Hyundai Bayon is powered by a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, which is available in two power outputs: 100 PS and 120 PS. The engine is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, depending on the trim level. The Bayon also offers a 48-volt mild hybrid system, which reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by recovering energy during braking and coasting and assisting the engine during acceleration. The mild hybrid system is available with both transmission options. The Bayon also features three drive modes: Normal, Eco, and Sport, which adjust the engine response, transmission shift points, and steering feel according to the driver’s preference. The Bayon has a fuel consumption of 5.1-5.4 liters/100 km (46-44 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 116-123 g/km, depending on the powertrain and transmission combination.
Pricing and Availability
The Hyundai Bayon is expected to go on sale in Europe with prices starting from around $21,000. The Bayon will be offered in four trim levels: Base, Comfort, Style, and Premium.
The Base trim will include standard features such as 16-inch steel wheels, LED daytime running lights, manual air conditioning, cloth seats, and an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Comfort trim will add 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, automatic climate control, leather steering wheel and gear knob, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
The Style trim will further add 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, privacy glass, heated front seats and steering wheel, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and Bluelink. The Premium trim will top the range with 18-inch alloy wheels, a two-tone roof, leather seats, ambient lighting, a wireless smartphone charger, and a Bose sound system.
