We tested the Hyundai Bayon: buying guide and keys to choosing well

After our first impressions during the hands-on test drive of the Hyundai Bayon, we have now been able to live with the Hyundai SUV in segment B for several days, confirming the good impressions it left us with at its first press presentation. A car with solid arguments to compete with the Renault Captur, Citroën C3 Aircross, Seat Arona, Skoda Kamiq, Peugeot 2008 or Volkswagen T-Cross, among others.

Compared with its main rivals, some may miss a more SUV image in the Bayon. Or a more distinctive one, like that of the Hyundai Kona, to name just one. And the truth is that, in many respects, it can simply look like an Hyundai i20 with a slightly taller body, a bit more ground clearance and a specific front design. But with a tape measure in hand -and without one- the Bayon sets itself apart from the i20 in interior space and boot capacity.

While we’re at it, an important note: with the same engine and equipment, choosing the 1.0 mild hybrid engine and the Tecno trim, the Bayon costs around 2,500 euros more than the i20… and about 3,000 euros less than the Kona.

Range, prices and discounts for the Hyundai Bayon

The Hyundai Bayon range offers three engines and four trim levels: Essence, Maxx, Tecno and Style. The entry-level engine is a naturally aspirated 1.2 four-cylinder with 84 CV, which is only combined with the two lower trims. Its price starts at 14,390 euros, including all possible discounts, both commercial and for financing the purchase.

At the “heart” of the range we find the well-known three-cylinder 1.0 with turbocharger, which delivers 100 CV and features an efficient 48-volt mild hybrid system. Hyundai calls it “hybrid”, and even displays the badge on the bodywork, but it is still a Mild Hybrid. That said, it works very well, and it allows the car to carry the ECO environmental label from the DGT.

The price of the 100 CV 1.0 Bayon starts at 15,690 euros, again including all discounts. And you can choose between the Essence, Maxx and Tecno trims. Until recently, Hyundai offered a version of this engine without hybridisation, but it no longer appears in the configurator; the price difference was so small that the Mild-Hybrid was the obvious choice.

At the top of the range is the 120 CV version of the three-cylinder engine, which has one small “problem”: it is only offered combined with the top-of-the-range Style trim and paired with the 7DCT dual-clutch gearbox, which already means an outlay of 23,070 euros.

Pay close attention, because all these prices, which represent a total discount of up to 5,700 euros compared with the list price, include both the brand’s promotional discount and the one corresponding to the Hyundai “Plan Renove” scheme, and to benefit you must finance the purchase and hand in a used car.

Which engine and transmission to choose?

When choosing the engine, one of the first questions may come to mind, but I wouldn’t have thought twice: the difference you have to pay for the “hybrid” is about 1,300 euros, and it offers noticeably better performance and driving pleasure than the naturally aspirated engine, which only has five gears, and it also uses less fuel. In short, even if you don’t need the ECO label or can’t benefit from its advantages, it’s worth it; plus, think about the added value in the future should you ever resell.

Compared with the 120 CV version… the truth is you won’t miss extra performance. The 100 CV 1.0 works wonderfully, with a good balance between performance and consumption if you drive smoothly and use the “ECO” mode of the three available, which even temporarily disconnects the engine from the transmission to take advantage of coasting when possible. This way, averaging around 6-6.5 l/100 km will not be difficult.

And if you want a bit more “punch”, you can opt for the “comfort” and “sport” modes. Especially in the latter, the throttle response is clearly more agile. Don’t worry, that doesn’t mean consumption will shoot up… unless you drive very sportily or demand from the small engine everything it is capable of, which is more than you’d imagine.

Our test unit was fitted with the six-speed manual gearbox, but for just 1,000 euros I think it’s a smart investment to stretch the budget to equip the magnificent 7DCT dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Not only does it not increase consumption, you can even achieve better figures than with the manual, forgetting entirely about the third pedal, you know.

As for equipment, the Essence, the first level at which the 100 CV 1.0 engine is available, already includes practically everything essential. Stepping up to the Maxx trim costs a little over 2,000 euros extra, because the Essence has a bigger discount. But it may be worth it, since the Maxx version adds many small things that make life on board more pleasant and everyday use easier: rear electric windows, rear-view camera, ambient lighting, digital instrumentation, voice control…

The Hyundai Bayon inside: practicality first

A pleasant surprise in the interior of the Hyundai Bayon, whatever its trim level, are seats that I find magnificent, even worthy of cars with sporting aspirations, something the Hyundai SUV completely avoids. I also liked the simplicity of the dashboard design and the organisation of all the controls, the placement of the pedals (with a handy footrest) and how well the wireless phone connectivity works.

By the way, the multimedia screen, 8 inches on the lower trims and 10.25 inches on the Style, positioned high for easy viewing and use, has physical buttons on the sides that greatly simplify menu navigation, something much appreciated.

Another of the Bayon’s virtues is the interior space available, very well used, both width-wise and length-wise. The rear seats are very good for a car of its size; let’s remember it barely reaches 4.2 metres in length.

And even more surprising is the boot, with 410 usable litres thanks to its regular shape and the access the tailgate provides. It is one of the best figures in its class, and it even puts many compact cars in trouble. As a practical touch, for transporting large items, the hidden luggage shelf can be placed against the backs of the rear seats.

Behind the wheel of the Hyundai Bayon 1.0 Turbo

After living with the Hyundai Bayon for a week, driving it in all kinds of situations, I would dare to place it as one of the SUVs in its category that best holds its own in urban settings without suffering when it comes to covering many kilometres with passengers and luggage.

Everything works very smoothly: pedals, steering, controls… The good visibility in every direction scores points, as does the fantastic engine performance already mentioned. And the suspension keeps up. With a setup clearly geared towards comfort, it controls body movements well, giving the steering a feeling that everything happens very easily.

This is one of those cars that serve as an example to show that you don’t need very soft suspension to offer comfort and good pothole absorption. The good sound insulation also helps, as does a very sensible tyre fitment (205/55 on 17-inch wheels on our test unit).

Image gallery Hyundai Bayon 1.0 T-GDI

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverHyundai BAYON6 versions · from 25,060 €