This could be Hyundai's first CNG-powered mid-size SUV
Hyundai Motor India has confirmed the name of its upcoming SUV as the Hyundai Bayon, which is expected to be launched around the festive season. Positioned between the Venue and Creta, the new SUV is likely to bring another significant first to Hyundai’s India portfolio, a factory-fitted CNG powertrain in a vehicle measuring more than four metres in length.
While Hyundai is yet to officially confirm the Bayon’s engine options, the upcoming SUV is expected to be offered with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, along with a factory-fitted CNG option. If introduced as expected, the Bayon could become the brand's first SUV above four metres in length to get a company-fitted CNG powertrain.
Factory-fitted CNG has traditionally been concentrated in smaller cars and SUVs, particularly models designed to remain within the four-metre length bracket. Hyundai itself currently offers CNG versions of models such as the Exter and Grand i10 Nios, while larger SUVs in its portfolio have so far remained petrol- or diesel-powered. However, Maruti Suzuki offers CNG in the Victoris and the Grand Vitara while Toyota offers CNG in the Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
The Bayon could change that equation by combining the practicality of a larger SUV with the lower running costs associated with CNG. The positioning could also give Hyundai a distinct proposition in the increasingly competitive space between sub-four-metre SUVs and mid-size SUVs.
The expected 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine currently produces 115bhp and 143.8Nm in the Creta. In the Bayon, it could be paired with a six-speed manual and CVT, although Hyundai is yet to confirm the transmission options. Details of the CNG powertrain, including its output, fuel-tank capacity and transmission availability, are also yet to be revealed.Hyundai Bayon name officially confirmed The Bayon name was officially announced by Hyundai Motor India on September 14, following weeks of testing and speculation around the new SUV. The name is inspired by Bayonne, a city in France’s Basque Country, and Hyundai says it reflects the vehicle’s global design philosophy and dynamic character.
The name reveal also explains the unusual camouflage seen on an earlier Bayon test mule. The prototype carried the prominent message ‘BRING IT ON’, along with words including Innovation, Transformation, Inspiration, Reflection, Expression, Selection and Evolution. The repeated emphasis on ‘ON’ now appears to have been part of Hyundai’s teaser campaign, with the official reveal film ending with the tagline ‘Intelligence ON’.SUV design inspired by Hyundai’s latest models
Previous spy shots suggest that the India-spec Bayon will have a conventional SUV silhouette, with an upright stance, relatively flat roof, pronounced wheel arches, roof rails and conventional pull-type door handles.
The front-end appears to feature a split-lighting arrangement, with a slim lighting signature positioned higher up and the primary lamps located lower on the fascia. The side profile gets a rising window line and a prominent kink around the C-pillar, while the rear appears to feature a horizontal light signature, upright windscreen and roof-mounted spoiler. The proportions of the India-spec model also suggest a more conventional SUV stance than the Bayon sold in international markets.Hyundai Bayon interior and features
The cabin is expected to get a modern dashboard with two integrated digital displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. The steering wheel gets Hyundai’s latest four-dot motif, which represents the letter ‘H’ in Morse code.
Other expected features include a 360-degree camera, sunroof, connected-car technology and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The final equipment list, however, is likely to vary across variants.
Hyundai has not yet announced the Bayon’s dimensions, specifications or pricing. It is expected to sit between the Venue and Creta in the company’s India line-up, with an estimated price range of around Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh.
If Hyundai goes ahead with the expected CNG powertrain, the Bayon could stand out as the first SUV above four metres in length in India to offer factory-fitted CNG, giving the upcoming model a unique position in the market.
