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Pros: good space, well-equipped, light controls
Cons: odd styling, narrow range of options
Hyundai has just launched the Bayon, the smallest crossover in its quite expansive range, sitting below the Kona in the line-up, though there is overlap in the pricing. The Bayon shares a lot of its components with the i20, though, which indicates its positioning, and it’s offered solely with petrol power.
Hyundai Bayon Design
Be careful how you specify your Bayon. All the marketing images show the new car in daring colours with large alloy wheels and two-tone paintwork. However, our test model sat on more demure 16-inch wheels, with grey paint all over, and it did the design no favour. It’s well worth considering the two-tone finish, too.
In terms of size, the Bayon sits on the same wheelbase as the i20, and is the same width. However, it is 140mm longer and 40mm higher. All versions come with roof rails as standard, too.
Hyundai Bayon Interior
If you’re familiar with the new Hyundai i20 that went on sale at the start of 2021, then you’ll know your way around the interior of the Bayon, as they’re remarkably similar. A pleasant four-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel is standard and the hard-wearing plastic materials used elsewhere are at least shaped in an interesting fashion. The Bayon also gets new high-quality climate control switchgear.
The seats are less impressive, with thin padding, though the fabric at least has been designed to look different. And don’t go expecting an elevated driving position due to the crossover design, as it feels no taller inside than the i20.
The higher-spec Executive versions of the Bayon come with digital instruments and a good touchscreen system, plus wireless charging for smartphones, which can also be mirrored in the infotainment. There’s even a USB port for the rear passengers.
The increased exterior dimensions result is a usefully larger boot, too. The Bayon’s holds 411 litres with the rear seats in place, or 1,205 litres with them folded down. Those figures compare with 352-1,165 litres for the i20.
Hyundai Bayon Performance & Drive
The only engine available in the Bayon in Ireland is a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre unit putting out a modest 84hp to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. It’s adequate rather than in any way sparkling. The controls are light and the car is simple to drive and park. It’s reasonably comfortable, too, well able to soak up poor urban road surfaces, for example.
Hyundai Bayon Pricing
There are just three models in the range. The entry-level version, the Comfort Plus, costs €21,645, while the Executive version starts at €23,645. Add the two-tone finish and the price rises to €24,245. Overall, it’s a little more than the i20, though it also steps on the toes of the Kona.
Carzone Verdict: 3/5
We’re not convinced there’s room in the Hyundai range for the Bayon, as it’s priced too close to the better Kona for comfort. Nonetheless, at the entry-level, it makes for an interesting looking and more spacious alternative to the i20 hatchback it shares so much with.