Hyundai Bayon review: supremely well-priced and perfectly practical

Hyundai should be applauded for not only refreshing its Bayon, but by sticking with its 98bhp, 998cc turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine it has ensured the range starts at £22,475.

There’s actually a welcoming “back-to-basics” philosophy with the Bayon, especially in that it specifically isn’t a tech-and-touchscreen-heavy EV which we all now so commonly associate with modern day motoring.

But at a time when the Korean car giant is extending its car range with numerous electric models brimming with the latest futuristic technology, just why has it updated the Bayon?

The answer is commercially simple: there’s a growing demand for small, compact crossovers. Since 2017, the segment has more than doubled in size. Every leading car maker and their dog has a compact crossover on its model list. Yes they’re essentially jacked-up hatchbacks — the Bayon is based on the Hyundai i20 — but it’s what people want. And if there’s a demand for it — especially at this awkward time when companies are restructuring their short-term model-build to ease away from an over-reliance on EVs, which prospective buyers are becoming more hesitant about committing to for various reasons — manufacturers will build it. Hence we have the likes of the significant compact crossover class-leaders, including the Ford Puma, Volkswagen T-Cross, Skoda Kamiq, Seat Arona, Peugeot 2008 and the Renault Captur.

Is the Hyundai Bayon any good?

Unquestionably, in its class,yes. First, size matters. Following on from the fact Hyundai has also introduced a second-generation of its Kona small SUV, which in turn has increased in size, the latest Bayon now sits mote comfortably between it and the i20 hatchback.

Worth mentioning here that the Bayon still sits on the Hyundai-Kia developed ‘K2’ supermini platform as before, meaning the Kia Stonic is a very close relation. The designers of the Bayon have ensured it retains a pretty inoffensive look in terms of styling. The latest version boasts sharper styling, most noticeably there’s a new grille, plus revised headlights and more distinctive LED daytime running lights which, perhaps not surprisingly, have a familiar Hyundai Kona look to them. Overall the external lines remain sharp and retain a number of triangular shapes.

As I mentioned previously, there’s now only one engine option, the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol. Hyundai ditched the 118bhp mild-hybrid engine from the first-gen Bayon. Buyers though can still choose from a six-speed manual gearbox, or a seven-speed automatic.

Significantly, the range has also been streamlined. The new Black Line replaces the Advance trim, with the new Tech Line trim introduced as the range-topping option.

Prices?

The entry-level Black Line starts at £22,475, with the Tech Line priced from £23,975. There’s a £1250 premium to upgrade to the auto’ box.

What about performance and economy?

The Hyundai Bayon, as you would expect, isn’t a car you buy if you’re focusing on outright performance. While the 90bhp, 998cc turbocharged three-cylinder engine is quiet and unobtrusive, it covers the 0-62mpg benchmark in 11.9-seconds. Perfectly adequate for everyday driving. That’s in the manual version. Opt for the dual-clutch auto and the time increases to 13.3s.

The engine, which has a nice throaty note to it, is also actually quite punchy from low revs and you don’t need to rev it hard to get decent performance. Depending on which model you pick, top speed is up to 108mph. Overall there’s enough power and torque in supply for urban journeys, as well as for overtaking on the motorway.

As for economy, Hyundai quotes an official figure of 47.9mpg on the WLTP combined cycle (48.7mpg for the auto’). CO2 emissions range from 132g/km to 134g/km.

On the road, drive comfort?

The Hyundai Bayon fits neatly into the typical trends associated with the small crossover segments, in that it’s easy to drive and certainly comfortable. Plus in making the ride firmer than you might expect, it would appear the Hyundai boffins have tried to set the Bayon apart from its nearest rivals by being a more engaging drive.

Take the little Hyundai into a series of corners and it remains pleasantly and reassuringly planted. Body control remains positively consistent and in town driving there’s a reasonable amount of firmness

In terms of the overall ride quality, the Bayon is both relaxed and smooth. Combined with its quiet engine, the cabin is a nice place to be.

As you would expect, the steering, gearbox and pedals are all very light to operate, which again contribute to the car’s relaxed air. The manual gearbox uses Hyundai’s clutch-by-wire set-up. That means the clutch pedal isn’t mechanically connected to the gearbox. The benefit of this is felt in terms of efficiency and smoothness. The actual physical gear change is slick, while also being nice and easy to use. Personally I would stick with the manual, rather than splash out the extra money for the auto ‘box.

How big is it …

Comfortably cute. It’s 4180mm in length,1775mm wide, and 1500mm tall.

… and how practical is it?

For a small crossover, it’s actually pretty practical thanks to clever designing. There’s a good amount of legroom in the back seats, so you should be able to fit two adults in on the back row. That said, I would suspect in most families the rear seats are going to be used by the kids, who will have plenty of space. The middle seat is ok for a third child. The seat backs fold down in a 60/40 split so you can mix and match with load space and passenger seating.

Elsewhere there’s a good amount of interior storage, including a big glovebox and deep door bins. The front of the cabin does feel a tad narrow, but there’s absolutely no issues with head- or legroom for both the driver and front passenger.

Bootspace? It’ll swallow 411-litres of family detritus with the rear seats in place, which is probably more than suitable for the Bayon’s needs. Fold the rear seats flat and stowage increases to 1205-litres.

Interior style, infotainment and tech

There’s something comforting to slip behind the wheel of a car nowadays and not be surrounded by endless touchscreens and instead see actual buttons.

So the simple vibe of the Bayon, thankfully remains. Yes there’s a lot of rock hard plastics in the cabin — think specifically the doors and centre console — but first, this adds a comforting robustness to the interior, and second, just remember the list price. And importantly, the seats offer good lumbar and lateral support.

There’s a 10.25in digital instrument cluster plus, of course, there’s also a touchscreen. Again measuring 10.25in, it sits comfortably in the cabin rather than dominating it. Thankfully there are also physical buttons sitting below it which, in addition to being easy to use have been configured logically. You want to adjust the temperature or fan speed? Just toggle a switch. I know. Who would have thought it could be so simple? And safe? You never know; it might just catch on.

The inbuilt, graphically-strong technology in the Bayon remains as easy to use as in its predecessor. Wag your finger around the navigation map and the feedback is reasonably responsive. And if you need to function-hop while on the move, the haptic buttons below the screen continue to help. As you would expect, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard kit, as is Bluetooth, DAB and full smartphone connectivity.

What trim levels are available?

The range starts with the Black Line. Priced from £22,475, the new entry-level Bayon sits on 16in black alloys, and adds black door mirrors, black belt line finish and privacy glass. Inside there are two 10.25in screens (one for the digital driver’s display, the other for the touch-operated infotainment), plus heated front seats and heated steering wheel. Smartphone mirroring and USB ports are also standard.

Step up to the £23,975 Tech Line and not only do you add more USB-C ports, but you get 17in silver alloys, chrome belt line finish, keyless entry with engine start/stop button, wireless phone charging for compatible devices, automatic air-conditioning, automatic wipers with rain sensor, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, front parking sensors and front armrest. The Tech Line trim can also be specified with the Tech Pack, a £1000 option that includes the Bose premium sound system with tweeters, external amplifier and centre speaker, plus windscreen acoustic film and an electric tilt & slide glass sunroof.

Safety

The latest Bayon benefits from a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance technologies, all fitted as standard. These include Lane Keep Assist, Lane Follow Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (car/pedestrian/cyclist), High Beam Assist, automatic headlights with dusk sensor, and cruise control with speed limiter. Rear parking sensors and rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines are also standard, while Tech Line adds front parking sensors, automatic wipers, automatic air-conditioning, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and windscreen auto-defog function.

Warranty & Servicing

All new Hyundai cars come with an excellent unlimited-mileage five-year warranty. A year’s worth of breakdown cover and an anti-rust warranty that covers the car for 12 years are both also standard.

As for servicing, Hyundai offers fixed-price servicing, which will likely cost from £299 for a major service, to £199 for a core service. Over a three-year ownership from new, you’ll have a core service in years one and three, with a major in year two.

Verdict

This latest Hyundai Bayion retains many of its predecessor’s positive features. It remains supremely well-priced, is perfectly practical and on the road delivers more than enough to satisfy the bulk of drivers. It’s equally comfortable skipping through town, nipping cross-country or cruising up the motorway. If you’re in the market for a small crossover, then the Bayon is certainly worth checking out.

The facts

Hyundai Bayon

Price: From £22,475

Engine: 998cc turbocharged petrol three-cylinder

Power: 90bhp

Transmission: 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic

Top speed / 0-62mph: 108mph / 11.9s (Man) 13.3s (Auto)

Fuel economy 47.9mpg (WLTP combined cycle)

CO2: 133g/km (Man) to 131g/km (Auto)

Dimensions (L / W / H in mm): 4180 / 1775 / 1500mm

On sale: Now