Hyundai Bayon (i20-Based Crossover) India Launch Details Confirmed
Hyundai India seems to have a promising product plan for the coming years. Bayon, the i20-based crossover available in many European markets, is expected to be part of the planned launches. Autocar India, in an exclusive, revealed the possible launch timelines for the model...
Hyundai Bayon: Expected Launch Timeline
The report says that Hyundai will launch the Bayon in India, in mid-2026. It will likely have its ex-showroom price in the Rs 10-12 lakh bracket and compete directly with the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Toyota Taisor and Tata Nexon. In the carmaker's India lineup, it will likely sit above the Exter and below the Venue.
The compact crossover segment witnesses high footfalls and has high competition. The Bayon, if packaged well, could make for a strong contender.
This crossover is internally codenamed BC4i, and the actual name- Bayon- is derived from that of the French town of Bayonne which sits in the Basque region. It emphasises the vehicle's focus on European markets.
The Design
The Bayon will likely have a distinctive design. If the India-spec stands close to the European spec in terms of design, we'll get to see unique LED DRLs, sleek headlamps, arrow-like design cues at the rear, LED tail lamps, striking bumper design and good-looking alloy wheels.
The side profile could be marked by the presence of a strong shoulder line, thick side claddings, and a roof design that tends to slope down gently. To further enhance its crossover appeal, the vehicle could also come with faux skid plates at the front and rear.
Inside the Bayon
Inside, the Euro-spec Bayon shares much with the Hyundai i20. The similarity between the two is evident. You'll particularly feel this in areas like the dashboard, steering wheel, and the 10.25-inch touchscreen. The design has a strong focus on practicality and occupant comfort.
The European Bayon has a wheelbase of 2,580 mm. It is 4,180 mm long, 1,775 mm wide, and 1,490-1,500 mm tall. There is thus ample room inside. Front passengers enjoy 1,072mm of legroom, while those at the rear enjoy 882mm. The boot capacity of the global spec is 411 litres. Folding down the rear row will expand this to 1,205 litres.
Engine Options and Transmission
The Hyundai Bayon is based on the same platform as the latest-generation i20. In Europe, the Bayon has two engine options- a 1.2-litre petrol engine that delivers 84 horsepower and a 1.0 TGDi turbocharged petrol engine.
The TGDi unit comes in two states of tune- producing 100hp and 120hp each. In some markets, this engine is also offered with a mild hybrid technology. Currently, the crossover is offered with a 5-speed manual and Hyundai’s 6-speed iMT (intelligent manual transmission) gearboxes.
As per the report, the India-spec could come with a newly developed 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine. More details of this will emerge closer to the launch. It could also get mild-hybrid technology. Along with the new engine, it could also offer the familiar 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine that does duty on the outgoing i20.
Hyundai has kept the Bayon a strict front-wheel-drive vehicle. No all wheel drive (AWD) is offered even in international markets. This is likely to remain the same in India as well. There is no room for complaint as all its rivals are FWD products as well. The general sentiments in the segment demand a good design, handsome kit levels, and a strong, reliable powertrain. The Bayon could tick all these boxes.