Hyundai Bayon Review 2024

Hyundai Bayon At A Glance

3/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Hyundai Bayon is one of the cheapest small SUVs you can buy. It's not the worst, either, with an impressive infotainment system and efficient mild-hybrid engines. There are more practical and more exciting rivals but there's a lot going for the little Bayon.

+Represents good value for money. Easy to drive. Inoffensive in every way.

-Not as practical as some alternatives. Fairly limited engine line-up. It's just a bit bland.

New prices start from £20,520

The Hyundai Bayon is the small SUV no one really asked for. It sits beneath the Kona in the brand's line-up, offering yet another alternative to the Skoda Kamiq, Nissan Juke and Renault Captur.

If anything, the Hyundai Bayon is refreshingly normal. You can't get an electric version (48-volt mild-hybrid tech is standard, though), while its design is smart and stylish without being particularly abstract. In typical Hyundai fashion, it comes well-equipped, while competitive list prices and a generous warranty add to its appeal.

There are three core trim levels available: SE Connect, Premium and Ultimate. Standard equipment on the Hyundai Bayon SE Connect includes 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and a reversing camera as well as an eight-inch media system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

We'd look for a mid-spec Hyundai Bayon Premium, though, for desirable features like climate control, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a bigger 10.25-inch infotainment display complete with built-in navigation. You also get flashier 17-inch alloy wheels.

The top-spec Bayon SE Connect, meanwhile, adds a Bose sound system, black gloss exterior highlights and some handy driver-assist tech in the form of a Blind Spot Collision Warning and Lane Follow Assist.

Based on the Hyundai i20, the Bayon is spacious enough for a small crossover, but it's not as versatile as a Volkswagen T-Cross. You don't sit particularly high, either – a lot of buyers expect a high seating position in a car like this, but it's barely any loftier than in a regular hatchback.

Even though you don't get a commanding driving position, the Hyundai Bayon is easy to drive with light steering and an eager little 1.0-litre petrol engine. Mild-hybrid power gives it a useful boost in torque while its official 53.3mpg fuel economy figure means it'll be pretty cheap to run. Don't expect it to drive under electric power alone, though – if that's what you're after, look at the Renault Captur E-Tech plug-in hybrid instead.

Prices for the Hyundai Bayon start from just over £20,000, while the most desirable variants edge over £25,000. That's pretty good value for money in today's market, especially when you factor in the generous standard equipment levels.

Ask Honest John

What's the best small SUV auto?

"I would be grateful for your up to date guidance on my next car, a small automatic, probably an SUV. I want a new car at a discount, at a price that I hope will not exceed £20k by too much. Apart from a good auto 'box, my basic requirements are park assist (which on my current Ford C-Max works brilliantly), an up to date range of safety and driver aids, plus electric folding door mirrors. A comfortable and quiet ride would be nice., too. I know little about electric cars and am not interested in them. My current front runner is the Ford Puma, which for me is a bit more interesting than other possibilities which include the Skoda Kamiq, Mazda CX30 and Volkswagen T-Cross. What do you recommend?"
Your shortlist is very strong. The Ford Puma is our favourite small SUV – closely rivalled by the likes of the Volkswagen T-Cross and Skoda Kamiq. As an alternative, also take a look at the very comfortable Hyundai Bayon. Discounts on new cars are few and far between at the moment but, if you shop around, you might find a good deal on a pre-registered model.
Answered by Andrew Brady
More Questions

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