It’s Bayon belief
All-new Hyundai will offer sophisticated technology and hybrid engineering in a small crossover, reports GILES BLAIR
HYUNDAI has unveiled its new Bayon small crossover, which features a raft of on-board tech and mildhybrid powertrains.
The SUV styling also means the Korean marque’s newcomer offers a roomier interior than a traditional supermini but will still be able to negotiate busy cities with ease.
A distinctive exterior design includes a wide grille that swoops open towards the bottom, framed by unusual light clusters, air intakes and a lower skid plate.
Side on, the Bayon’s wedge shape is enhanced by sharp creases, a dynamic arrowshaped C-pillar and a choice of 15in steel or 16 and 17in alloy wheels.
The arrow theme continues with the tail lights and a connecting horizontal line adds to the impression of width, while a protruding lower section gives a sense of sturdiness.
A total of nine exterior colours are available, including a new launch colour, Mangrove Green. An optional two-tone roof in Phantom Black is also offered with several exterior colours.
Hyundai describes the interior as clean, spacious and well-lit, with a strong focus on passenger comfort and boot space.
Black or optional grey cloth interiors feature subtle accents to allow the driver to concentrate, with LED ambient lighting enhancing things further. The highlights come in the form of the range of connectivity equipment.
These include a 10.25in digital cluster for the driver and either a 10.25in central screen with sat nav or an eight-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity – the latter claimed as a first for the segment.
Three USB ports and a premium Bose sound system are also part of the offering, as is an app that can even use smartphone calendar appointment details to navigate users to their meeting destinations.
At 4180mm long, 1775mm wide and 1490mm tall, the marque says its size and excellent on-board visibility make it easy to enter and handle, the high seating position helping to boost driver confidence.
A 411-litre boot space also gives it a practical advantage over many of its rivals – as do the numerous driver aids and safety systems available.
The list includes lane keep assist, forward collision avoidance – including when turning at junctions, vehicle in front moving off alert, rear cross-traffic warning and rear occupant alert – in case you forget the pet or kids in the back.
Meanwhile, updated 48V mild-hybrid powerplants with coasting functions and clever valve technology are set to ensure decent fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.
At the top of the line-up is a 1.0-litre T-GDi engine developing 120 or 100PS. This can be coupled with a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox.
This unit also comes with three drive modes – eco, normal and sport – to optimise the engine response and steering performance based on driving conditions.
UK specifications, prices and availability have still to be announced but the Bayon, set to arrive early in the summer, will make the latest automotive tech and engineering more widely available.
Hyundai European marketing boss Andreas-Christoph Hofmann said: “Class-leading connectivity and safety features, a sharp and distinctive design, and the integration of Hyundai’s signature 48-volt mild hybrid technology make the Bayon stand out in its segment.”