Highlights
The Hyundai Bayon Premium is a small SUV that's big on practicality, fun to drive, and attractive to look at.
- Highly practical
- Modern looks
- Plenty of tech
- Good performance
Introduction
SUV fever is showing no sign of letting up and the latest newcomer to the bustling sector is the Hyundai Bayon, a compact car that's very competitively priced.
It will be taking on the likes of the Nissan Juke and Ford Puma, so needs to stand out, and it does just that with its modern, stylish design and plenty of scope for owners to fully personalise their vehicle.
We opted for the Bayon Premium with the lower 99bhp power level and 127lb ft of torque with a manual transmission.
Engines and Performance
The Bayon can reach 62mph from a standing start in 10.7 seconds, maxing out at 111mph. According to official WLTP figures, the car can deliver a combined 47.5mpg with carbon emissions of 121g/km.
When it comes to performance, the Bayon is pleasant to drive, with decent acceleration out the blocks. It fizzes through the country lanes with plenty of grip and is composed on motorways too.
Maxine Ashford
The ride and handling impressed with drive modes called Eco, Normal, and Sport to alter the driving mannerisms of the car.
Design and Practicality
The Bayon is a modern-looking compact crossover featuring a wide grille with sleek air intakes, arrow-shaped headlights and slim daytime running lights. It has a powerful profile with additional arrow-shaped tail lights that are joined by a red accent bar.
Moving inside, the interior is modern and spacious. The upholstery is upmarket and there's a wealth of on-board tech to get stuck into.
Comfort levels are good, and you sit slightly lower than some rival models, but the visibility is decent.
Although the Bayon is described as a compact SUV, there's enough room in the back for a couple of adults to sit comfortably or three youngsters, and there are ISOFIX fittings to the two outer rear seats.
The boot can hold 401 litres of luggage, a limit that increases to 1,205 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat. Elsewhere, there's a central cubby, glovebox, door bins, a seat back pocket, front cup holders, along with front and rear USB ports to stay fully connected on the move.
Equipment and Technology
Features include a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen which is the main focal point and offers access to a premium sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus the navigation set-up.
Heated seats and a heated steering wheel will help to fend off the winter chill, and there's a separate panel to control the air con functions. In addition, the 10.25-inch digital display cluster offers all the vital driving stats in a clear, sharp manner.
The car was awarded four out of five stars when it was tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating and features the likes of autonomous emergency braking, intelligent speed limit warning, tyre pressure monitoring, forward collision avoidance assist with car, pedestrian and bicycle detection, plus lane keep assist and eCall emergency assist.
Summary
All in all, the Hyundai Bayon is a very decent newcomer that offers economical pricing and running costs, while still delivering in the performance department too. The mid-spec Premium model is everything but basic, with a host of impressive technology for any occasion.
