The covers have been removed from Hyundai’s latest crossover, the Bayon. Based on the i20 hatchback, this crossover was very specifically designed for the European market. Even the name was inspired by the city, Bayonne in the Basque Country region of southwest France.
While the design changes quite significantly to match the brands other SUVs, it’s certainly is a looker. Interestingly, it fits into the same market that their own Kona does.
Hyundai leaves the i20 look behind on the Bayon crossover.
The Bayon is just about the same size as the Kona. It’s slightly longer but it has a shorter wheelbase. It carries a very wide grille and split headlights as many other Hyundai SUVs do. At the rear, there are boomerang-shaped LED taillights that are like stretched versions of the i20. There are 17-inch alloy wheels available that will raise the ground clearance to 183 mm.
Very similar to the i20, the dashboard design has almost been completely carried over with the same sized digital cluster and central infotainment display. They both measure in at 10,25-inches. Despite the shorter wheelbase, Hyundai still promises ample legroom, but we wonder how true that will stand for our taller friends. The luggage space is still an impressive size, Hyundai claims it to be 411 litres.
Two engines with an intelligent transmission.
The mechanics from the i20 have been carried over to the Bayona with an option of a turbocharged 1,0-litre or a naturally aspirated 1.2-lire petrol engine. They both come with a 48 C mild-hybrid technology and only drive the don’t wheels.
The 1.2-litre will have 74 kW and a six-speed manual gearbox while the other engine produces 88 kW with the choice of the manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Manual transmissions have been made intelligent and will disengage the engine from the transmission when the driver releases the accelerator. There is also a rev-matching function and multiple semi-autonomous driving features as standard.
Source: Hyundai