Hyundai globally unveiled the Bayon crossover. The design is based on the ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language, and its name is inspired by the place called Bayonne, a beautiful vacation destination in South-West of France.
The Bayon can be had with either the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol (from the Venue and i20) or Hyundai’s staple 1.2-litre nat-asp petrol engine. The turbo-petrol engine is paired to a 48V mild hybrid unit, and together the system produces 118bhp with the hybrid and 99bhp without it. While the turbo-petrol engine is mated to either a six-speed iMT or seven-speed DCT ’box, the 1.2-petrol engine makes 83bhp and comes mated to only a five-speed manual transmission. Also, the turbo-petrol variants of the Bayon get a rev-matching feature, synchronising the engine to the output shafts for a smoother downshift. This feature is reserved only for the iMT variant in Sport mode and with DCT variant in all modes. Mind you, the Bayon is the first Hyundai SUV to get this feature.
On the outside, the Bayon gets three-part headlamps with air intakes placed below them, a wide blacked-out grille and DRLs up front. At the rear, the Bayon gets arrow-shaped LED taillamps with a thin line connecting them. The turn indicators are placed far below the taillamps on the rear bumpers, complementing its modern look.
The Bayon will be available in nine colours with an optional dual-tone colour scheme and there will be three wheel sizes: 15-inch steelies and 16- or 17-inch alloys.
Stepping inside the cabin, you will find the interiors similar to the Hyundai i20. The Bayon can be had in two different colour schemes, either a complete black layout or a mixture of dark and light grey shades. Also on offer is a fully digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster, an option to choose between either a 10.25- or 8-inch infotainment system, LED ambient lighting, illuminated foot areas for the front passengers, illuminated door pockets and storage area in the centre console. It also gets wireless charging, a Bose sound system and Hyundai’s Bluelink connected car feature.
On the safety front, the Bayon gets a complete smart safety package comprising airbags and features like Lane Following Assist (LFA), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), High Beam Assist (HBA), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian and cyclist detection and Junction Turning, Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA), Rear Occupant Alert (ROA), Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Warning (RCCW).
Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, VP, Marketing and Product, Hyundai Motor Europe said “As the SUV body type continues growing in popularity throughout the world, Hyundai saw a demand for a model capable of navigating European cities while at the same time providing enough space to meet customers’ needs. Class-leading connectivity and safety features, a sharp and distinctive design, and the integration of Hyundai’s signature 48-volt mild hybrid technology make Bayon stand out in its segment.”
There’s no word on whether the Bayon will make it to our shores. But as far as India plans are concerned, the next big launch from Hyundai will be the Alcazar seven-seater mid-size SUV, which is based on the popular Creta.