Automobile Desk – Hyundai Bayon: Car manufacturer Hyundai is fully prepared to expand its SUV portfolio in the Indian automobile market. The company's much-awaited new SUV Hyundai Bayon can soon be seen running on Indian roads. Keeping in mind the upcoming festive season, the company has started accepting unofficial bookings for it. Auto enthusiasts and customers can now book it through Hyundai's authorized dealership or online platform by paying a token amount of Rs 11,000.
Talking about positioning in the market, the company will launch this new car in the segment between Venue and Creta. In terms of size, it will be slightly smaller than Creta but more spacious than Venue. In view of the increasing demand for compact and mid-size SUVs among Indian customers, this step of Hyundai is being considered very strategic.
Talking about the design and exterior, it is clear from the pictures revealed during testing that the look of Hyundai Bayon is quite different from the traditional boxy SUV. Modern crossover styling is seen in it. The front profile features attractive H-shaped LED DRLs at the top, while the main headlamp unit is placed at the bottom of the bumper. Apart from this, the muscular skid plates at the front and rear of the car give it a bold and rough-and-tough look.
In terms of interior and cabin, this new SUV seems to be largely inspired by the company's premium hatchback new generation i20. A dual-screen setup is likely to be found on the dashboard, which includes infotainment and driver displays. To keep the cabin practical, physical buttons have been provided for climate control (HVAC). Apart from this, the design of the steering wheel, vertically styled AC vents and door trims are also reminiscent of the i20. Many modern features related to the comfort and safety of passengers have been included in the car.
On the performance front, Bayon is expected to be provided with a 1.5-litre capacity 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine. This is the same reliable engine that is also used in the Creta, although there may be changes in its power tuning depending on the weight and size of the Bayon. For transmission, it can have the option of 5-speed manual and CVT automatic gearbox. The most important thing is that the company can also launch it in the market with company-fitted CNG option. If this happens, it will become Hyundai's first factory-fitted CNG car in the segment with a length of more than 4 meters.
Talking about the price, industry experts estimate that the ex-showroom price of Hyundai Bayon can start from Rs 9 lakh and go up to around Rs 14 lakh. With the arrival of this new model, Hyundai is going to further strengthen its hold in the mid-size SUV segment.
