Hyundai Bayon Crossover Spied: India Launch in 2026 with i20 DNA

Hyundai Bayon Crossover Spied: India Launch in 2026 with i20 DNA

Upcoming sub-4 meter SUV to feature new turbo engine, advanced tech, and take on Maruti Fronx

Spied: What Do We Know About the India-Spec Bayon?
Recent spy shots have fueled speculation that Hyundai is preparing a localized version of the Bayon, its smallest global SUV, for Indian roads. The crossover will be built on the i20’s K2 platform and is likely to resemble the European Bayon in both design and features, with adaptations to suit local preferences and compliance standards.

Launch Timeline and Positioning
Hyundai has announced its intention to launch the Bayon in India by mid-2026. The new model will be slotted above the Exter and below the Venue in Hyundai’s lineup, targeting the highly competitive sub-4 meter SUV segment. Expected pricing is in the ₹10–12 lakh range (ex-showroom), putting it squarely against the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Toyota Taisor, and Tata Nexon.

Engine and Powertrain: Turbocharged and Hybrid-Ready
A highlight of the India-spec Bayon will be its all-new, locally-developed 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. This engine promises better torque and drivability than Hyundai’s existing 1.0L turbo unit, while being more efficient and compact than the 1.5L turbo. The new engine is also hybrid-ready, aligning with upcoming emission norms (CAFE 3 and BS7) and future hybrid offerings.
Transmission options are likely to include a dual-clutch automatic (DCT) and an e-CVT, depending on the variant. The Bayon may also offer a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine as an alternative, and all versions will be front-wheel drive, consistent with segment norms.

Design and Dimensions
The Bayon sports a distinctive crossover look inspired by the Hyundai Verna, with features like:
• Sleek LED headlamps and DRLs
• LED strip across the bonnet
• Honeycomb-patterned air dam with silver accents
• Boomerang-style LED rear lights linked by an illuminated light strip
• Black body cladding and decorative skid plates to enhance the SUV’s tough look
• 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
In terms of size, the Bayon is expected to be under 4 meters in length, with a wheelbase of 2,580 mm, offering ample cabin space and a boot capacity of 411 liters (expandable to 1,205 liters).

Interior and Features: Premium and Connected
Hyundai will pack the Bayon with a host of premium features, including:
• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
• 10.25-inch digital driver’s display
• Wireless phone charger and high-speed USB Type-C outlets
• Connected car technology with OTA updates
• 8-speaker Bose sound system
• Ambient lighting and HVAC control panel
• Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), likely Level 2
• Dual-layer headlamp setup and a four-spoke multifunction steering wheel
The focus will be on comfort, practicality, and tech-driven convenience, making the Bayon a strong contender in its class.

Market Impact and Competition
With the Bayon, Hyundai aims to further strengthen its presence in the compact SUV space, a segment witnessing high demand and fierce competition. The Bayon’s modern design, new turbo engine, and feature-rich cabin will directly challenge the Maruti Fronx, Toyota Taisor, and Tata Nexon, among others.

Conclusion
The upcoming Hyundai Bayon is set to shake up the sub-4 meter SUV segment in India with its i20-based platform, new turbocharged engine, premium features, and hybrid-ready tech. Slated for a mid-2026 debut, the Bayon will provide Indian consumers with a modern, attractive, and functional option in one of the nation’s fastest-growing vehicle segments.

The image added is for representation purposes only