BAYWATCH (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_hyundaibayon_2021

By Jonathan Crouch

The improved version of Hyundai's Bayon offers yet another option at the more affordable end of the small SUV segment. Jonathan Crouch takes a look

Ten Second Reviewword count: 75

Hyundai's entry-level crossover model is this car, the Bayon, here usefully updated. It takes established engineering from the brand's i20 supermini and delivers it with the trendier crossover vibe that customers for small cars increasingly want. Plus there's also the advantage of a more sophisticated and more spacious cabin than you'd get with a conventional small hatch. This is a much-copied formula of course, but this Hyundai delivers it with value and a class-leading warranty.

Backgroundword count: 103

You'd be forgiven for not knowing that Hyundai has an entry-level SUV, the Bayon. Most of the headlines get taken by the brand's only slightly larger Kona crossover model, but if you don't need that car's Hybrid or EV drivetrains, then the Bayon offers most of what you want at a significant price saving. It's basically a crossover version of the company's i20 supermini, which used to offer an SUV-style iX20 derivative. Launched in 2021, the Bayon more credibly succeeded that rarely-purchased variant but has been quite a rarely seen sight on our roads since. Perhaps that will change with this facelifted model.

Engines and Tech Specword count: 193

All the mechanicals here are borrowed from the i20 supermini, which means that unlike the brand's only slightly-larger Kona crossover, there are no full-Hybrid or full-EV drivetrains available. Instead, the range continues to be primarily built around a 1.0-litre turbocharged T-GDi petrol turbo three cylinder engine offering 100PS. This powerplant can be matched either with the brand's clever 6-speed 'iMT' Intelligent Manual Transmission (with 172Nm of torque) or a 7-speed dual clutch DCT automatic gearbox (200Nm). As usual with mild hybrid technology, the difference this makes out on the road is difficult to feel; there's a fraction more mid-range throttle response; and the start/stop system cuts in a little earlier at urban speeds. That's about it. Whatever your choice of engine, you get three selectable driving modes - 'Eco', 'Normal' or 'Sport' - with the latter offering a rev matching function for the iMT manual gearbox. That iMT set-up allows the car to enter into two possible levels of coasting depending on the conditions, the first leaving the engine idling and the second turning it off completely, though it will of course spring to life again the moment your foot touches the throttle.

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