Hyundai Bayon Review: A Stylish and Sensible Urban Crossover
In a market flooded with compact SUVs, the Hyundai Bayon stands out as a smart, stylish, and well-priced choice for those seeking practicality without compromising on design or tech. Originally launched in 2021, the Bayon has now received a thoughtful update that makes it more relevant than ever in the competitive small SUV segment.
A Compact Crossover with Big-Car Attitude
At first glance, the updated Bayon could be mistaken for a completely new model. Its refreshed front design takes cues from the Kona, featuring a striking full-width LED light bar, a more prominent grille, and a tough-looking bumper that together enhance its bold road presence. Despite being the brand’s smallest SUV, it’s 4.2 meters long, offering a surprisingly spacious feel both inside and out.
From the side, it sports sharp character lines and a wedge-shaped profile, with optional two-tone paint and 17-inch alloy wheels adding flair. The rear design remains one of the car’s best angles, with distinctive arrow-shaped LED taillights connected by a slim light bar and a smart roof spoiler on top.
Cabin Comfort and Tech That Surprises
Step inside, and the Bayon impresses with a cabin that’s simple but refined, offering more space and technology than you’d expect at this price point. The facelift brings dual 10.25-inch digital displays as standard, with the central screen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and Hyundai’s BlueLink connected services.
Quality materials are used sensibly — while some plastics feel a bit basic, the build quality is solid. Smart touches like multi-color ambient lighting, a deep center storage bin, USB-A ports, and physical climate controls ensure practicality doesn’t take a back seat.
Rear seat space is excellent for the class, with enough legroom and shoulder room for three passengers in a pinch. The 411-litre boot is among the largest in its segment, making it ideal for families, daily errands, or even weekend getaways.
Easy to Drive, Easy to Live With
On the road, the Bayon is light and easy to manoeuvre — perfect for city traffic and tight parking spots. The 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivers 100 PS of power and is available with a choice of either a 6-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT) or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT) gearbox. While some global markets offer a more powerful 120 PS version, this engine still provides enough punch for daily driving.
Hyundai has removed the mild-hybrid system in this update, but fuel efficiency remains strong at up to 51.4 mpg, with CO2 emissions around 125 g/km. Driving modes — Eco, Normal, and Sport — allow you to tailor the driving experience slightly, though the steering remains on the lighter side and lacks detailed feedback.
The ride quality is firm yet controlled, and the car feels nimble on twisty roads. However, rough urban roads and speed bumps can occasionally unsettle it — a reminder that it’s still a small crossover, not a full-blown SUV.
Safety and Features That Impress
Hyundai has packed the Bayon with safety tech. Standard features include:
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Lane Keeping Assist
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Driver Attention Warning
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Autonomous Emergency Braking
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Rear View Camera
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Cruise Control
Higher trims bring Blind Spot Monitoring, Smart Cruise Control, Front Parking Sensors, and Auto Climate Control.
There are three trims to choose from: Advance, Premium, and Ultimate, each well-equipped with modern conveniences. Even base models get LED headlights, roof rails, a digital driver display, and plenty of infotainment features.
Competitive Pricing and Hyundai’s Warranty Edge
Starting around £22,500, the Bayon is priced competitively against rivals like the Ford Puma, Volkswagen T-Cross, Renault Captur, and Kia Stonic. What really sets it apart is Hyundai’s 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, paired with annual vehicle health checks and breakdown cover — a real peace-of-mind package for cost-conscious buyers.
Servicing is required every 12 months or 10,000 miles, and Hyundai offers prepaid service plans to make long-term ownership even more manageable.
The Hyundai Bayon is anticipated to launch in India around mid-2026, with an expected on-road price ranging between ₹10 to ₹12 lakh.
Also Read: Top 10 Upcoming SUVs in India: Your 2025-2026 Guide to Next-Gen SUVs!
Verdict: The Bayon Makes a Strong Case for Itself
If you’re looking for an affordable, well-built, and stylish compact crossover, the 2024 Hyundai Bayon deserves serious consideration. It offers nearly everything the average urban driver could need: space, safety, efficiency, and tech — all wrapped in a distinctive package that doesn’t break the bank.
While it may not deliver the dynamic edge of a Ford Puma or the plush feel of a Volkswagen T-Cross, it balances value and practicality better than most. And with this recent facelift, the Bayon finally looks as good as it functions.
In a segment where form and function matter more than ever, the Bayon gets both right.