It’s perhaps relatively simple to forget that the Bayon exists, a minimum of if you’re thinking of Hyundai’s large series of international SUVs. Besides, this is tiny and mainly marketed in Türkiye where it’s constructed, along with across Europe. Yet also after plenty of years of production, the little five-door model is going solid.
During the initial 3 quarters of 2026, some 12, 000 instances of this crossover– it’s not really an SUV– were marketed in its home market, and an additional nearly 14, 000 (source: ACEA) in the greater European region. Not bad for a version which isn’t available as an EV, not even as a crossbreed. But a lot more on the last factor momentarily.
Hyundai launched the BC 3 CUV series Bayon in 2021 and facelifted it in 2024 though mechanically not a whole lot has transformed over the years. There are still six-speed manual and seven-speed DCT transmission options for the sole engine (in the UK market at the very least), a 1.0-litre with 3 cyndrical tubes.
Analogue = admirable
For a cars and truck which is near completion of its life, this little crossover– Hyundai calls it an SUV however it’s just 1, 490 mm high– is the extremely contrary of dated. In fact, I wouldn’t mind betting that its abundance of physical controls, fairly tiny touchscreen and generation absence of over-digitalisation if that’s word, give it additional appeal. Absolutely, such points, as well as the all-too-rare manual transmission, produced a wondrous week of driving for me.
The test car’s 90 PS (66 kW) 998 cc turbocharged engine returned near 60 mpg, while having ordinary CO 2 of 134 g/km. No to 62 miles per hour takes 9 6 secs, full throttle is 108 miles per hour and optimum torque is 172 Nm.
End to end, the Bayon steps 4, 180 mm and the wheelbase is 2, 580 There is space aplenty for two grownups in the back, 3 at a pinch, and its maker has actually defined great deals of soft-touch materials though door trims feature more challenging, darker plastics. That’s possibly my only primary criticism as Hyundai prices the version over much of its contemporaries and several of those really feel little much more on the costs side.
Noteworthy style from all angles
What no opponent has is anything like the Bayon’s appearances. Both front and back it stands out and much of that comes from sharp angles and great deals of gloss-black plastics. The increasing belt-line emphasizes what is a distinct wedge profile, the total position being almost advanced, even now, 5 years after its introduction.
Hyundai has actually positioned a lengthy yet not too expensive touchscreen atop the dashboard yet in some way it doesn’t dominate things, particularly as a/c functions are actual, physical controls.
There are likewise lots of switches in other areas such as the guiding wheel, and the big circular instrumentation evaluates are another benefit. Oh, and HMG’s terrific one-press disabling of Lane Centring is present in this automobile. It as well is a real button which makes a great clicking audio and feels pleasurable to the touch: no awful haptic rubbish right here thanks.
Recap
Anybody that likes to be laid off to drive their vehicle rather than be regularly accosted by way too intrusive ADAS and various other supposed ‘help’ will enjoy the Bayon. I certainly did. It can be thought about even more as a taller i 20 instead of as a real SUV. It likewise states a whole lot about the top qualities of the powertrain that the successor version brings these over. Me, I would take the 90 PS engine and guidebook shift, an excellent mix.
What’s next?
A brand-new generation design has simply been disclosed at the Paris Mondial de l’Automobile yet it will not be in Hyundai dealers for a little while yet. One major modification is the accessibility of a crossbreed powertrain, to be added at a later date in 2027, the company claims.
Roominess is asserted to be boosted by means of a 440 -litre boot (HEV: only 397 and a 2, 600 mm wheelbase is said to create better legroom for those in the back seats. Total length is 4, 245 mm. The car itself also looks even more SUV-like than today’s Bayon. Release engines will be 90 PS and 115 PS versions of HMG’s well-known 1.0-litre turbo while a 138 PS 1 6 HEV will follow. India’s model will certainly rather have the exact same 115 PS and 144 Nm 1 5 -litre non-turbo I 4 that attributes in the Creta.
There is yet no official on-sale date but particular details of the future model (codename: BC 4 CUV) can be watched right here Along with being manufactured by HMTR (Hyundai Motor Türkyie) there need to be extra integrate in India starting in 2027
The present Hyundai Bayon is valued from GBP 23, 795 Trim degrees are Black Line and Technology Line (from GBP 25,295 The replacement model isn’t due in the UK for another five to 6 months.
