Hyundai Motor revealed Hyundai BAYON today – an all-new crossover SUV designed specifically for Europe.
As a B-segment SUV, BAYON will be the latest and smallest member of Hyundai’s expanding SUV family.
The all-new BAYON features a compact exterior, a roomy interior, and a long list of intelligent safety and connectivity features which make it stand out in its segment. With this, the all-new BAYON democratises technology, making high-tech safety and connectivity features accessible for all.
In line with Hyundai’s existing SUV naming strategy, BAYON’s name was inspired by a vacation hotspot: Bayonne, the capital of the French Basque Country and one of the most beautiful destinations in the south-west of France. As BAYON is designed to meet the demands of the European market, the company decided to give it a European name.
BAYON is the latest design statement within the Hyundai SUV family, distinctive through unexpected and eye-catching proportions and strong graphic features. Furthermore, it encompasses the Hyundai design identity Sensuous Sportiness, defined by the harmony between proportion, architecture, styling and technology. This latest interpretation of Sensuous Sportiness combines emotional values with innovative solutions.
“With its sharp look and integration of Hyundai’s SUV key design elements, BAYON solidifies Hyundai’s SUV design direction,” says Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer at Hyundai Motor Group. “BAYON’s unique and confident look, embodied in its strong lines and arrow-shaped lights, is expected to establish it as the most unique, outstanding entry in the thriving European B-segment SUV.”
BAYON is characterised by a distinctive exterior design that separates it clearly from its competition. Unique design solutions, high-tech looking details and a clean look elevate it from the crowd.
At the front, a wide grille opens at the bottom, creating a solid stance. Three-part main lights combined with air intakes establish a unique look and architecture. A horizontal air intake band and DRLs establish width, and a lower skid plate confirms its SUV identity.
On the side, a dynamic shoulder provides a wedge-shaped appearance. The arrow-shaped C-pillar provides dynamic and unexpected architecture. This, in combination with fender feature and cladding, defines its unique character.
To the rear, arrow-shaped lights underline the pillar dynamics. Their far-out position creates a wide stance. In addition, a thin horizontal line connecting the taillights further emphasises width and connects the rear and the side in one gesture. Angular lines above the rear arch emphasise volume, creating a vivid section. The strong rear section and visually extended rear window initiate a unique and expressive rear design. Full LED lights and indicators complete its modern look.
BAYON is available with 15-inch steel wheels or 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels.
A total of nine exterior colours are available, including a new launch colour, Mangrove Green. An optional two-tone roof in Phantom Black is also available with several exterior colours.
BAYON features a clean, roomy, well-lit interior. There is a strong focus on maximising front and rear passenger comfort and increasing boot space. The interior is defined by a range of connectivity equipment, including a 10.25-inch digital cluster and a 10.25-inch AVN or 8-inch Display Audio. Occupants can benefit from LED ambient lighting technology integrated into the front passenger foot areas, door wells, and front door pull handle areas, as well as the storage area below the centre console.
A carefully-selected neutral range of interior colours and materials provides maximum compatibility with the exterior colour range. A calm colour and trim concept with small and subtle accents creates a serene atmosphere which allows the driver to focus. BAYON comes standard with a Full Black cloth interior, with two optional colour combinations available.
As with other Hyundai models, BAYON offers advanced connectivity technology rarely found in its segment. It offers a best-in-class digital cockpit and top-line infotainment features.
Passengers can choose between a 10.25-inch AVN screen or an 8-inch Display Audio. The 8-inch Display Audio is available with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making Hyundai the first car manufacturer to introduce wireless phone mirroring into a car of this size.
Two USB ports for the front passengers and one for the rear make it possible for up to three devices to charge simultaneously. One of the front ports also allows data transfer, enabling occupants to connect their phone to the vehicle’s infotainment system. A premium Bose sound system completes the package, promising occupants a high-quality listening experience.
BAYON boasts excellent fuel efficiency and highly competitive CO2 emissions ranking thanks to an updated Kappa engine family. The T-GDi is a downsized turbo-charged engine with direct injection for optimum efficiency. When combined with Hyundai’s unique 48-volt mild hybrid technology (48V) with intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT), this results in even more enhanced fuel savings and efficiency.
iMT disengages the engine from the transmission when the driver releases the accelerator. This allows the vehicle to start coasting, reducing emissions and saving fuel. There are two different coasting levels associated with iMT: first, when the engine is idle, and second, when the engine is turned completely off. The engine is restarted again as soon as the driver presses either the brake or the accelerator pedal, and starts running again in the same gear as when it was switched off. This results in better fuel efficiency with no compromises on performance.
BAYON also features Hyundai’s unique Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology, which regulates the duration of the valve opening and closing according to driving conditions. This optimises engine performance while also improving fuel efficiency, resulting in reduced emissions and saving fuel.
At the top of the line-up is a 1.0-litre T-GDi engine with 48V and 120 or 100 PS. This can be coupled with the 6-speed intelligent Manual Transmission (6iMT) or a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (7DCT).
The 1.0-litre T-GDi engine with 48V also comes with three drive modes to optimise the engine response and steering performance based on driving conditions. These are Eco, Normal and Sport.
BAYON is the first Hyundai SUV to come equipped with Rev Matching, a feature usually reserved for Hyundai’s high-performance models. Rev matching synchronises the engine to the output shaft, allowing for smoother or sportier downshifts. It will be available for the 1.0-litre T-GDi engine with 48V when paired with the 6iMT in Sport mode.
