Quick Take: Why This SUV Deserves Your Attention
- Brand-New Turbo Engine, Made in India
Hyundai is launching a locally-developed 1.2L turbo-petrol engine — powerful, refined, and fuel-efficient. It’ll sit between the existing 1.0L and 1.5L turbo engines and could be a game-changer for daily drivers. - Modern Design That Turns Heads
Think of the Bayon as a baby Verna — bold front-end, split LED lights, sharp cuts, and those gorgeous boomerang-style LED tail-lamps. It looks futuristic without trying too hard. - Loaded Interior with All the Goodies
Step inside and you’ll find dual 10.25-inch screens, an 8-speaker Bose sound system, ambient lighting, and even ADAS tech. It’s premium, it’s digital, and it’s totally driver-focused. - Tailored for India’s Future
This new engine isn’t just for the Bayon — it’s going to show up in future Hyundais like the i20, Venue, and more. It’s hybrid-ready, too, which means it’s built for today and tomorrow.
Introduction: A Global Star, Finally Headed to Indian Roads
If you’ve ever thought, “Why don’t we get those cool Hyundai models sold overseas?”, well — your wish is about to come true. Meet the Hyundai Bayon, a compact SUV that’s already making waves globally and is now gearing up for its big Indian debut in mid-2026 to compete head to head with the Maruti Suzuki fronx.
But there’s more to it than just stylish looks. The Bayon will be the first Hyundai in India to come with a brand-new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine — designed and built right here in India. This isn’t just a new SUV. It’s a new direction for Hyundai’s petrol game.
Exterior Design: Style That Stands Out
The Bayon is anything but boring. It carries a sharp, edgy design language that feels more like a European crossover than a typical compact SUV.
- Front: A split-headlamp setup dominates the face — a slim LED DRL strip on top, and bold, angular projector lights below. The wide air dam and silver accents give it a dynamic, sporty character.
- Side: Chunky 17-inch diamond-cut alloys, deep creases, and contrast-black cladding make it look rugged yet urban.
- Rear: You’ll spot boomerang-shaped LED tail-lamps, joined by a full-width LED strip. There’s black plastic trim on the bumper with silver detailing — finishing it with a premium touch.
Interior & Features: Premium Cabin Vibes
Step inside the Bayon and you’ll feel like you’re in a car that’s a segment above. The all-black cabin feels mature yet youthful, and it’s loaded with tech.
- Dual 10.25-inch displays (Infotainment + Digital Driver’s Display)
- Bose 8-speaker sound system for crisp, immersive audio
- Wireless charging, connected car features, and fast-charging USB-C ports
- Ambient lighting, OTA updates, and ADAS tech (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)
- HVAC touch panel, four-spoke steering wheel, and premium soft-touch materials
- Boot space: 411 litres — pretty spacious for a compact SUV
Feature Table: What You Can Expect
| Feature Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2L 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (hybrid-ready) |
| Expected Power | ~125-130 hp (estimated) |
| Transmission | DCT or e-CVT (likely), 6MT & 7DCT for 1.0L variants |
| Infotainment | Dual 10.25-inch displays (touchscreen + digital cluster) |
| Audio | Bose 8-speaker premium sound system |
| Boot Space | 411 litres |
| Safety/Extras | ADAS, ambient lighting, OTA updates, wireless charging |
| Wheels | 17-inch diamond-cut alloys |
| Expected Price | ₹10 – ₹13 lakh (ex-showroom) |
| India Launch | Mid-2026 |
Engine Talk: Why This 1.2L Turbo Is a Big Deal
Hyundai’s new 1.2-litre turbo engine is their answer to India’s need for performance without killing your fuel budget. It’s:
- More powerful than the current 1.0L turbo (120hp/172Nm)
- Smaller and more efficient than the 1.5L turbo (160hp/253Nm)
- Designed for real-world Indian roads, fuel, and conditions
- Ready for future hybrid applications
And yes — it’s being built right here in India, which means better pricing and localization benefits too.
Final Thoughts: Bayon Feels Like the Right Car at the Right Time
Let’s be honest — compact SUVs in India are either too basic or too expensive. The Hyundai Bayon seems to hit that sweet spot. It brings fresh styling, premium features, and a smart new engine that’s both powerful and efficient.
And with Hyundai setting the stage for its future petrol-hybrid lineup with this engine, the Bayon is not just another SUV — it’s the start of something bigger.
If you’ve been waiting for a compact SUV that doesn’t feel compact on features, the Bayon could be the SUV to watch in 2026.