Hyundai Bayon launched at Rs 9.99 lakh, becomes brand's second mid-size SUV

Hyundai Motor India has launched the Bayon SUV at a starting price of Rs 9.99 lakh which is introductory (ex-showroom), expanding its presence in the mid-size SUV segment. The Bayon becomes the carmaker’s second offering in the segment alongside the Creta.Bookings for the India-spec Bayon are open through Hyundai’s official website and authorised dealerships for Rs 11,000.The Bayon will compete with models such as the Maruti Suzuki Victoris in the mid-size SUV segment.Hyundai Bayon: Design and exteriorThe Hyundai Bayon measures 4,245mm in length, 1,810mm in width and has a 2,600mm wheelbase, along with 205mm of ground clearance. The Hyundai Bayon features a layered front fascia with a split headlamp arrangement. Slim LED daytime running lights run along the leading edge of the bonnet, while the main headlamp units are positioned lower down in the bumper. Black and silver cladding adds contrast to the front-end design. The side profile gets pronounced wheel arches, sharp character lines and petal-style alloy wheels. Blacked-out pillars create a floating-roof effect, while conventional pull-type door handles retain a familiar design.At the rear, slim tail-lamp elements are visually connected by a black trim section, with prominent Bayon lettering on the tailgate. A roof spoiler and dual-tone bumper complete the exterior. The Bayon offers 505 litres of boot space.Hyundai Bayon: Interior and featuresInside, the Bayon gets a panoramic dashboard layout with two 12.3-inch displays, one for the instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment system. The SUV features Hyundai’s Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC), accelerated by NVIDIA, with online navigation, split-screen functionality, personalised controls and quick-access menus.The centre console follows a vertically oriented layout, while a dedicated dashboard panel houses the climate controls. The rear seats get a two-step reclining function for added comfort.A key feature is Hyundai Motor India’s first-ever Generative AI Voice Assistant, which incorporates intelligence from Perplexity and voice AI technology from SoundHound AI. The system is designed to respond to conversational requests related to weather, travel itineraries, hotels, restaurants and nearby attractions.The SUV also gets Hyundai Bluelink with more than 70 connected functions, including remote vehicle controls, vehicle information, location-based services and smartphone and smartwatch connectivity. Over-the-air updates are supported for up to 19 vehicle controllers, allowing software enhancements without requiring a dealership visit for every update.Hyundai has incorporated multilingual support, with the infotainment system and instrument cluster interfaces supporting 10 regional languages and two international languages. More than 500 embedded voice commands are available in English, Hindi, Hinglish, Tamil, Bengali and Telugu, allowing occupants to access several functions without an internet connection.Hyundai Bayon: Engine and transmissionPowering the Bayon is a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated MPi petrol engine producing 115bhp and 144Nm of torque. Transmission options include a six-speed manual gearbox and Hyundai’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (iVT), a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Hyundai will introduce a CNG option by 2027.The iVT features a Dash Boost Mode designed to improve responsiveness during overtaking. The SUV also gets paddle shifters and Eco, Normal and Sport drive modes, allowing drivers to adjust the powertrain’s response to different driving conditions.The claimed fuel efficiency of the Bayon with the CVT is 18.6kmpl.The engine’s output is on par with that of the naturally aspirated petrol version of the Hyundai Creta. Hyundai has not announced a CNG variant for the Bayon.Hyundai Bayon: Safety features and ADASThe Bayon is built on Hyundai’s Global K enhanced platform and comes with more than 80 advanced safety features, of which over 35 are available as standard across all variants, according to the company.The safety package includes six airbags, electronic stability control and Hyundai SmartSense Level 2 Pro ADAS. The driver assistance suite comprises 23 functions supported by three radars and 12 parking sensors.These include Forward Collision Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-spot Collision Warning, Blind-spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Warning and Safe Exit Warning. The collision avoidance systems are designed to detect vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, with additional assistance for junction-turning situations and encounters with directly oncoming traffic.For reversing and parking, the Bayon gets Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. A Surround View Monitor provides a view of the area around the vehicle, while the Blind-spot View Monitor displays areas that may not be visible through the conventional mirrors. Front and rear parking sensors are also included.Highway assistance features comprise Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Lane Following Assist and Highway Driving Assist. The SUV additionally gets High Beam Assist, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert and navigation-based Smart Cruise Control functions for curves and designated zones.Hyundai says the Bayon’s body structure uses 69% advanced multi-grade high-strength steel, including hot-stamped, ultra-high-strength, advanced high-strength and high-strength steel. The structure incorporates multiple load paths and a ring-type construction designed to distribute crash forces and limit cabin intrusion.Hot-stamped components are used in critical areas, including the front apron, dashboard, rear floor and side reinforcements. According to Hyundai, these measures are intended to improve crash-energy management and occupant protection.Hyundai Bayon: Price and rivalsThe Hyundai Bayon has been launched at a starting price of Rs xx lakh (ex-showroom). It joins the Creta in Hyundai’s mid-size SUV portfolio and competes with models such as the Maruti Suzuki Victoris.Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine - Ends