Hyundai Bayon review: what the critics say

The Bayon is Hyundai’s second compact SUV, sitting just below the Kona at the base of the South Korean company’s high-riding range, said Car Magazine. However, this mild hybrid isn’t some “sparsely equipped bargain-basement special”: in many ways, it is “more practical” than its pricier, flashier sibling. Admittedly, the interior is a bit dour, but looked at dispassionately, the Bayon “makes a lot of sense”. Prices start from £20,295.

Power in the Bayon comes from Hyundai’s “fizzing” three-cylinder turbo petrol unit, “displacing 998cc and delivering a choice of 98 or 118bhp”, with a 48-volt mild hybrid assistance system, said The Daily Telegraph. The engine starts with a “characteristic thrum” and the drivetrain “feels as eager as a Labrador pup on a leash”. The top speed is 115mph, 0-62mph in 10.4sec and CO2 emissions are 121g/km. 

There’s plenty of space in the Bayon and visibility is a strong suit. If you opt for the top “Ultimate” trim, it also comes with lots of driver aids and safety gadgetry. It may be a “painfully worthy, sensible car”, said Top Gear, but it is feature-packed and well put together, “if a bit shiny grey in places”. This is a well-priced small SUV that “ticks a lot of boxes”, even if it “doesn’t especially try to think outside of one”.