This Junior Hyundai Finally Remembered It’s Supposed To Be An SUV

Hyundai’s smallest combustion SUV in Europe has been spotted braving the cold, and this time it is not hiding under a giant black duvet. The next generation Bayon is out winter testing in fairly light camouflage, giving us a clear look at a baby SUV that is trying very hard to look less baby-like.

The Bayon sits below the Kona in Hyundai’s lineup and normally plays in the same sandbox as the VW T-Cross, Ford Puma and Nissan Juke, but it’s easy to forget that it even exists. The current version arrived in 2021 and got a facelift in 2024, so a full redesign landing later this year lines up nicely.

Related: Hyundai’s Next SUV Play Looks Nothing Like The One It’s Replacing

Even through the wrap, the design shift is obvious. The current Bayon is fairly bland and easily confused with a regular subcompact hatch, but the new one has a squarer roofline, chunkier proportions and a more upright stance. Front and rear light bars stretch across the width, while a sharp kick in the waistline adds some visual muscle. Hyundai clearly wants this to read as an SUV first, hatchback never.

More Hybrid Focus

Under the skin, things could get also more interesting than before. Today’s Bayon uses two tunes of a 1.0 litre three cylinder turbo with either 99 hp (100 PS) or 118 hp (120 PS), allied to mild hybrid assistance in some markets. But intel from The Korean Car Blog suggests the next one may add a proper hybrid powertrain for the first time, not just a 48-volt starter generator.

That would be a big deal in this class, especially for buyers chasing low running costs without going fully electric. The same reports also mention an N Line version, complete with sportier bumpers and chassis tweaks. A warm Bayon was not on many bingo cards, but we’d still be interested to see one.

Closer to Kona

The new Bayon looks bigger, judging from these shots, and that tallies with info from Korean media. Reports suggest at a longer wheelbase than the current 2,580 mm (101.6 in) stretch, and a wider track, which should free up cabin and cargo space. Inside, expect a big digital enhancement inside with a larger infotainment screen and more advanced safety tech to keep pace with rivals.

But all of that raises an awkward question for Hyundai. If the Bayon gets bigger, fancier and electrified, does it start nibbling at the Kona’s lunch? For budget minded buyers, a roomier hybrid Bayon might suddenly look like the sweet spot, and the T-Roc and Puma might have some serious competition.

Baldauf