Hyundai Bayon Enters India: Specs and Rivals Compared

Hyundai has launched the new Bayon in India with a price range stretching from Rs 9.99 lakh to Rs 17.99 lakh. Sized with a compact footprint in the 4.2m to 4.5m SUV segment, the Bayon measures 4,245 mm in length, making it the smallest in its group, while offering a width of 1,810 mm, a height of 1,605 mm, and a wheelbase of 2,600 mm. For comparison, the Seltos is the longest at 4,460 mm, followed by the Hyryder at 4,365 mm and Victoris at 4,360 mm. The Sierra and Seltos take the lead in width at 1,841 mm and 1,830 mm respectively, while the Sierra is the tallest at 1,715 mm alongside the Aircross at 1,665 mm.

Sierra and Seltos also boast the longest wheelbases at 2,730 mm and 2,690 mm. Ground clearance for the Bayon sits at a respectable 205 mm, while the Honda Elevate leads the class at 220 mm. Despite its compact exterior, the Bayon delivers a class-leading boot space of 505 litres, outperforming the Honda Elevate at 458 litres and the Sierra at 450 litres. Under the hood, the Bayon runs on a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder MPi petrol engine that churns out 115 PS of power and 143.8 Nm of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual or an Intelligent Variable Transmission (iVT).

This is the same powerplant found in the Creta and Seltos. Highlighting performance peaks, the Renault Duster stands out with 163 PS and 280 Nm paired with a wet dual-clutch DCT. The Bayon features a front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup, whereas competitors like Victoris, Grand Vitara, and Hyryder offer both FWD and AWD options. A CNG variant for the Bayon is slated to arrive next year featuring a setup designed to minimize impact on boot space, joining current CNG contenders like Grand Vitara, Victoris, and Hyryder.

Unlike rivals such as Duster, Grand Vitara, Hyryder, and Victoris, the Bayon does not currently offer a hybrid powertrain. Pricing-wise, the Bayon starts as the most affordable entry at Rs 9.99 lakh. Its top-tier trim, equipped with features like an AI assistant and ADAS Level 2 Pro featuring 23 functions, costs Rs 17.99 lakh. At the higher end of the segment, the Seltos is the most expensive topping out at Rs 21.82 lakh, followed by the Sierra, and the Creta top variant priced at Rs 20.46 lakh.