Hyundai’s lineup in India is set to get a little more crowded—and a lot more interesting—with the arrival of the Bayon, a compact crossover expected to launch around mid-2026. Positioned between the Exter and Venue, the Bayon is poised to take on established rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Toyota Taisor, and Tata Nexon in the hotly contested sub-four-meter crossover segment
Design
If the India-spec Bayon stays true to its European roots, buyers can expect a car with plenty of visual flair. The exterior is likely to feature distinctive LED daytime running lights, sleek headlamps, and LED tail lamps with arrow-inspired motifs. Thick side cladding, a gently sloping roofline, and faux skid plates at both ends add to its rugged, crossover appeal—though, as with most cars in this segment, it’s more about style than off-road prowess
Inside, the Bayon borrows heavily from the Hyundai i20, which is no bad thing. The dashboard, steering wheel, and a large 10.25-inch touchscreen are familiar and well-liked features. Practicality is a strong suit here, the cabin offers generous legroom for front passengers and a spacious feel overall, with a boot that expands to over 1,200 litres when the rear seats are folded.
Under The Hood
Under the hood, the Bayon is expected to bring something new to the table. While the European model offers a choice of 1.2-liter naturally aspirated or 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engines, the India-spec version might debut a newly developed 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine. Hyundai could also offer the familiar 1.2-liter naturally aspirated unit from the outgoing i20. Mild-hybrid technology is a possibility, but don’t expect all-wheel drive—like its rivals, the Bayon will be strictly front-wheel drive
Transmission options are likely to mirror those seen elsewhere: a 5-speed manual and Hyundai’s 6-speed iMT (intelligent manual transmission) gearbox. The powertrain choices suggest Hyundai is aiming for a balance between performance and efficiency, though how the new turbo engine performs in real-world Indian conditions remains to be seen
Competition And Expectations
The compact crossover segment is packed with strong contenders, and the Bayon will need to bring its A-game to stand out. On paper, it ticks many of the right boxes: eye-catching design, a practical and well-equipped cabin, and a new engine option. However, the segment is unforgiving, and buyers are notoriously picky about value, features, and after-sales support.
While it’s too early to say whether the Bayon will be a segment leader, it certainly has the potential to be a strong contender—assuming Hyundai gets the pricing and feature mix right. If you’re in the market for a stylish, practical crossover, the Bayon is one to watch as we get closer to its mid-2026 launch
