The Hyundai Bayon rounds off the Koreans’ SUV range downwards. The tough brother of the i20 should make it difficult for the Ford Puma, Skoda Kamiq and other compact SUVs.
Long live modular chassis technology. No matter how small the niche is, the manufacturers are bound to come up with a model to meet every customer need. In the case of the i20-based Hyundai Bayon, there are likely to be quite a few customers. A limited size in combination with a generous interior space, that is the recipe for success of the mini-SUV. The Bayon is also designed according to the latest design language of the brand, which can be called absolutely daring. Even an Audi could get complex from the large grille. And although the Hyundai looks somewhat Swedish from certain perspectives, especially at the front, the relationship with its big brother Tucson is obvious.
We could talk endlessly about the many design elements, but when it comes to the engines, we are quickly done. The entry-level power source is an 84 hp four-cylinder. A step higher in the engine range, we find the three-cylinder turbo engine with 100 or 120 hp. The 100 hp version can be equipped with mild hybrid technology at an additional cost, the 120 hp Bayon always includes 48 volt technology. Whether the variant with 120 hp will also come to the Netherlands is not yet known. With us, the i20 with a maximum of 100 hp is available, in other countries the stronger version of the 1.0 T-GDI is in the price list.
Dashboard i20
We already know the dashboard with the digital instruments and the large central display on the center console from the i20. Although the Bayon is only four centimeters higher than the i20, the entry in the front and rear is much more comfortable. In the rear seat, there is just a hand’s breadth more space between the knee and the front seat – it is doable, even for adults taller than six feet. Apart from the stylish seat cover, the good overview is also a strong point.
Drivetrain
Our test car has the strongest powertrain with a six-speed manual gearbox. A seven-speed dual clutch transmission is available at an additional cost. The manual variant is the most interesting from a technical point of view, because the clutch is not only operated by the left foot, but also by a motor. As soon as the driver takes off the throttle, the powertrain is automatically disconnected, provided the energy level in the lithium-ion battery is high enough. Then the car sails quietly through the city at idle speed or even with the engine switched off. Then the reasonably silent power source starts again automatically when the clutch pedal is depressed again, which runs smoothly.
We have nothing to complain about the pulling power and the forward thrust of the light-footed Bayon. The only flaw is the somewhat slow response when you shift quickly. A pity, because in other respects the punishment is springy, yet harmoniously feeling Bayon a harmonious overall picture. As we said before, today’s modular technology is not that bad.
Plus and minus
+ Particularly spacious despite compact outer dimensions + Nice mild hybrid powertrain – Version with manual gearbox lazy at the bottom – A bit punishment