Hyundai will introduce the new Bayon entry-level compact crossover for the European markets on March 2, 2021. The Hyundai Bayon name is based on Bayonne city in southwest France, which is known for outdoor sporting activities such as sailing and rock climbing.
To be sold in Europe, the Hyundai Bayon will measure around 4 meters in length and will slot below the Kona. The new model is based on the new-gen i20 and will replace the i20 Active. This crossover feature the brand’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design language and will share the funky design of the Kona. It gets the signature cascading grille and split headlamp setup, which is common in new Hyundai SUVs.
The Hyundai Bayon gets a large grille, which is complemented by an upper horizontal slat between the LED DRLs. At the back, the crossover has new tail-lamps with an LED signature designed to look like an arrow. There is a light bar at the rear end, which will connect the two tail-lights.
The cabin of the Hyundai Bayon is likely to be inspired by the new i20. It could share the large touchscreen infotainment system and instrument console from the hatchback sibling. The crossover is likely to receive Bluelink connected car tech, wireless charging, adaptive cruise control, lane follow assist, front collision avoidance, blind spot detection and others.
Based on the new i20 hatchback, the Hyundai Bayon will rival the Ford EcoSport and the VW T-Cross in Europe. It is likely to be powered by a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that offers two states of tunes – 100bhp/172Nm and 120bhp/172Nm. Transmission options are likely to include a 6MT and a 7-speed DCT. Like the i20, the new Bayon could also get a new 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine that produces 82bhp and 113Nm of torque.
European media speculates that the new entry-level Hyundai Bayon could also receive a performance variant at a later stage. Expected to be positioned against the Ford Puma ST and the Toyota Yaris Cross GT, the Bayon performance model could receive a 204bhp, 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
