Hyundai Bayon | Test Drive

19 February 2022 Redazione News, Tested

HYUNDAI BAYON

Words Carlo Brema / Photos Ian Waltteri

Sometimes small cars forget their real dimensions. This trend is raging for years now, especially in that range of cars that aspire to play the role of practical compact for the life in the city and also an ideal means of transport for when it is necessary to carry the whole family and luggage with you. In the specific case of Hyundai, the brand that more than any other is experiencing a golden period thanks to a wide offer that includes electric and hybrid models and that does not forget the driving fun offered by petrol and chili sports cars, this segment it is mainly represented by the Kona crossover, available with the various engines able to respond to the most diverse needs of its wide customers slice. So what is the reason that led to the arrival of the Bayon?

The answer does not seem so obvious, especially when we consider that this second Hyundai crossover is based on the compact i20, with which it shares more than just the front doors. Do not call it a clone though, since the Bayon – named after a French town located in the Pyrenees – is not an elongated version of one and at the same time not even a shortened alter-ego of the other, but a model on its own that with a very personal design intends to carve out the interest of those customers who are looking for something less predictable on the outside, but still easy to park in the streets right at your door.

So let’s start with dimensions, in such a way as to go to check what is the footprint of the Bayon. 418 centimeters in length, 178 in width and 150 in height, with a 258 cm wheelbase that allows up to five people to be accommodated on board, without particular sacrifice in terms of space regarding the two on the sides. The trunk is also quite roomy (321 l), while those sitting in the front do not have the perception of a raised driving position like the one offered by the Kona, but rather the sensation of being behind the wheel of a pure sedan. The Bayon is a mature project and this can be seen thanks to the choice that Hyundai has reserved on the stylistic bit, with a front boasting a futuristic image and thin optical groups combined with the boomerang signature incorporated in the bumper contrasting with a rear to say the least a bit heavy as far as design concerns.

But it is inside that the Bayon provides driver and passengers with a refined environment equipped with a high-level infotelematic system, with an optional 10.3-inch display (standard is 8″) through which to keep under control the excellent satellite navigator, radio and connectivity with your smartphone, without neglecting the fun interface that simulates the sound of a lit fireplace or a storm outside the door. The climate controls are suitably physical, while the model of our test is fitted with the excellent 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, an alternative to the traditional manual. In our case, the 1-liter 3-cylinder is also equipped with micro-hybrid technology, useful for sailing or to optimize and reduce fuel consumption, especially in the city. Sticking on this argument, the 48-volt battery also proves to be fast in recovering energy, but keep in mind that the 100 horses available are lively in traffic, therefore without having any kind of performance ambitions like those you get with the i10 N-Line.

Having said that, it is useful to underline that the Bayon is not a car simply designed for the city, but has proved to have excellent behaviors even on b-roads, where the automatic gearbox and front-wheel drive make it pleasant to drive in complete relax, a bit like on the motorway by choosing the preferred driving mode from the three at your disposal (Eco, Comfort and Sport), which also vary the fully digital display located in front of the driver’s eyes. Speaking of safety, we find blind spot sensors and lane keeping system, very effective and easy to turn off. The average consumption that we measured without paying too much attention on saving fuel is about 15 km/l, including urban and motorway sections, a very respectable value for a small engine that if used with better parsimony does not make it impossible to get even 17/18 kilometers per liter.

The Bayon, at least for the moment, is only available with two different engines. The entry level is a 1.2 with 4-cylinder and 84 horsepower (petrol only) with prices starting at € 19,400, while for the mild-hybrid you need to spend at least € 21,800. The X-Class set-up with automatic transmission costs € 25,500 and represents the top of the range for a crossover compact on the outside and spacious inside, which has proven to represent a valid alternative for those who prefer a more traditional driving setting, a different line from almost everything else you see on the roads and a cockpit and equipment that have nothing to envy to higher-end cars. Risky move then? Yes, but also effective where really needed.

HYUNDAI BAYON 1.0 T-GDI DCT

Engine 3 cylinder Mild-Hybrid, 998 cc Power 100 hp @ 4.500 rpm Torque 175 Nm @ 1.500 rpm

Traction Front-Wheel-Drive Transmission 7-Speed Automatic Gearbox Weight 1.220 kg

0-100 kph 11,7 sec Top Speed 180 kph Price from €25.850