Hyundai Bayon Spotted Testing on Indian Roads
The Bayon will sit between the Venue and Creta in Hyundai's India SUV lineup, measuring 4.18 metres in length.
Two petrol engine options are on offer, including a 1.0-litre turbo and a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated unit.
India's SUV segment is already crowded, yet Hyundai seems convinced there is a gap worth filling. A wrapped test mule of the Bayon has been spotted on Indian roads, suggesting the company is taking its evaluation of the model seriously.
At 4.18 metres long, the Bayon occupies a sweet spot that is a little beyond the compact bracket, placing it comfortably above the Venue and below the Creta. It is exactly the kind of vehicle that could appeal to buyers who find the Venue a touch too small and the Creta a stretch too far.
Even under full wrap, the test mule gives away a fair bit. The front end carries a DRL signature that bears a resemblance to the one seen on the current Venue, while the overall shape is distinctly boxy.
Roof rails are visible, which will make a strong case for its SUV credentials, and a high-mounted stop light can be spotted through the camouflage at the rear. It is a no-nonsense silhouette that prioritises practicality over flash.
Based on what the Bayon offers in global markets, the interior story is a promising one. It gets dual 10.25-inch displays, with wireless connectivity for the infotainment system, a wireless charging pad, OTA map updates, ventilated front seats, and both USB-A and USB-C ports.
That is a fairly generous feature set for a car in this segment, and if a significant portion of it carries over to the India-spec version, the Bayon could make a compelling case for itself against some well-established rivals.
Mechanically, the Bayon comes with a choice of two petrol units in its international guise. The 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine produces 78bhp and 112.7Nm, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox.
The more spirited option is the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, which pushes out 99bhp and 171.6Nm, available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Safety is not an afterthought either. The Bayon's international specification includes an ADAS suite with lead vehicle departure alert and rear parking collision avoidance assist. A rear occupant alert, driver monitoring camera, and cruise control are also part of the package, ensuring the car is well-equipped on the active safety front.
Hyundai has not made any official announcement regarding the Bayon's India launch timeline or pricing.
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