Table of Contents
Design and Styling
The latest Bayon arrives with a noticeable facelift that focuses on a cleaner front fascia. Full LED headlamps, a prominent light bar, and a tasteful lattice grill give the vehicle a modern look, while the rest of the styling remains conservative. The rear, however, feels less cohesive; the angular light clusters and dark paintwork create a slightly awkward visual balance. Overall, the exterior updates are modest but give the Bayon a more contemporary presence.
Trim Levels and Interior
Hyundai has streamlined the Bayon’s lineup to just two trims: the base Black Line and the higher‑spec Tech Line. The Black Line offers 17‑inch alloy wheels, chrome accents, and manual climate controls, while the Tech Line adds automatic air conditioning, a wireless Qi charger, and a more advanced infotainment system. Inside, the cabin feels solid and well‑appointed for its price, with a mix of fabric and grey inserts that give a subtle sculpted feel. Practical touches such as a sliding parcel shelf, multiple storage cubbies, and a removable false floor enhance usability.
Seat comfort is decent, with a cushioned armrest and manual adjustments for height, distance, and steering column reach. The rear seats accommodate three passengers in a pinch, though the narrow body can feel tight for taller occupants. ISOFIX points are conveniently located behind the seat zips, making child seat installation straightforward.
Powertrain and Performance
The facelifted Bayon is powered by a single 1.0‑liter, 3‑cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 90 PS and 172 Nm of torque. This output is lower than the pre‑facelift model’s 100 PS, resulting in a 0‑62 mph time of 9.6 seconds. While the engine provides adequate low‑end grunt, it may feel underpowered when carrying a full load of passengers and luggage. The car is offered with a six‑speed manual gearbox as standard, and a seven‑speed dual‑clutch option for those who prefer an automatic.
Handling is respectable for a small crossover; the Bayon manages bumps well and maintains stability in corners, thanks to its shared platform with the Hyundai i20. The suspension is slightly jacked‑up, which helps keep the ride comfortable on uneven roads.
Driving Experience and Technology
Inside the cockpit, two digital displays—one for the driver’s cluster and one in the centre console—provide clear information. However, the infotainment system can feel sluggish, especially when navigating menus or switching between Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A physical touch bar and dedicated steering‑wheel buttons offer quick access to key functions, mitigating some of the interface lag.
The Bayon’s driver assistance suite includes speed‑limit recognition, lane‑keep assist, and a full set of parking sensors with a reversing camera. While the lane‑keep feature is helpful, it can be overly aggressive on unmarked roads, occasionally counter‑steering when the driver is already within the lane. Users can silence the system by holding the mute button for three seconds.
Practicality and Value
Boot space is generous for a vehicle of its size: 411 litres with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,205 litres when the seats fold flat. The false floor and tie‑down points add versatility for larger items. The vehicle’s running costs are acceptable, with WLTP figures suggesting 47–48 miles per gallon, though real‑world consumption tends to fall in the low‑forties range.
Pricing places the Bayon competitively in the small‑crossover segment. The base trim starts around £23,500, while the Tech Line reaches just under £26,000. With a 5‑year warranty, the Bayon offers solid value for families seeking a practical, well‑equipped vehicle without a premium price tag.
Takeaway
The facelifted Bayon remains a sensible choice for budget‑conscious buyers. Its refreshed styling, simplified trim structure, and practical interior make it a strong contender in the compact crossover market. The main drawback is the modest power output, which may leave some drivers wanting more punch, especially when fully loaded. Nevertheless, for those prioritising affordability, practicality, and a decent feature set, the Bayon still delivers a compelling package.