India-Bound Hyundai Bayon Spied Again
Hyundai’s product roadmap for the near future leans heavily towards SUVs. Several models are known to be in the pipeline, one of which is the second-generation Bayon. In the past few months, we have come across several spy shots of the new Bayon. The latest set has surfaced from Korea, revealing a new alloy wheel design.
The newest spy shots show the SUV parked in what looks like a basement. Front and rear three-quarter angles are visible. These images give us a clear perspective of the actual size. When launched, the Bayon will be positioned in between the Venue and the Creta. From these images, it seems to be around four metres in length- marginally longer than the i20 that we all know.
The Bayon has always had the (global) i20 as its base. A lot of components used to be shared between the two. The upcoming Bayon may also take a similar approach and share parts and technologies with the next-generation i20. The second-generation Bayon, internally called ‘BC4i’, is expected to launch in India by the end of this calendar year.
Even in the latest set of images, we can clearly see how the overall design has drifted more towards the ‘SUV’ form factor from the ‘crossover-like’ cues of the previous generation. It has a boxy design and a strong road presence. Visual connections to the second-generation Venue can be found in some areas of the design.
This time around, the Bayon is seen with a new set of alloy wheels. Previous sightings had the car running on different wheels. The new ones have a modern appeal to them. Portions of lighting elements at the front and rear are also visible. The rear will likely have connected LED tail lamps. These will be clear-lens units.
Using the same, we have digitally imagined how the final form would look like. Though concealed completely by the camouflage, the front grille could get a styling inspired by bigger SUVs from the brand. Front parking sensors and 360-degree camera will also be offered on the India-spec Bayon.
From what is seen in these images, the window line rises gradually as it moves towards the rear. The vehicle also appears to have body cladding, bold wheel arches, roof rails and a shark fin antenna. The rear bumper is expected to have a bold design.
No images of the Bayon’s interior have surfaced yet. It is expected to be well-packaged like other Hyundai models. The features will be shared with other models, including the next-generation i20. More details are expected to be out in the coming months.
Hyundai is known to be developing a new petrol engine. It is known to be a 1.2L turbocharged unit, which will be hybrid-ready as well. The exact power and torque figures of this powertrain aren’t known. In Hyundai’s engine lineup, it will slot in between the 1.0L turbo and 1.5L turbo petrol engines.
The new 1.2L turbo-petrol will be offered on the Bayon along with a smaller 1.0L turbocharged petrol engine. The turbo-petrol version of the new engine will be offered with manual and DCT transmissions. The strong hybrid version will, however, be offered with an e-CVT transmission.
When launched, the Bayon will compete with the likes of Maruti Fronx (and its Toyota version- Taisor), Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger. The upcoming Renault Bridger will also be a potential rival.