Hyundai Bayon Review 2023

If you want a small SUV with lots of impressive technology (such as the standard-fit digital dials, slick infotainment and an array of driver-assist features), the Hyundai Bayon should be on your small SUV shortlist. It's not quite as practical as a Skoda Kamiq or as sporty as the Ford Puma, but it strikes a good balance and represents good value for money.

The engine choice is limited. We'd go for the 1.0-litre mild-hybrid with the slightly more powerful 120PS output, unless you're on a strict budget (in which case, the 100PS variant ought to be more than sufficient). The six-speed manual gearbox is fine, although we're yet to try the seven-speed dual-clutch auto.

In terms of trim level, the mid-spec Hyundai Bayon Premium offers a good compromise between desirable equipment and affordability. It comes with the desirable 10.25-inch navigation system, as well as nice-to-have features like the wireless phone charger, LED headlamps, privacy glass and heated front seats/steering wheel.

If you're in the market for a small SUV, you might also want to consider the (very slightly) bigger Hyundai Kona, as well as the Kia Stonic. The Nissan Juke and Renault Captur are two very popular alternatives, while we also rate the Skoda Kamiq and Volkswagen T-Cross. The Ford Puma's a slightly more stylish choice, as is the Peugeot 2008, DS 3 Crossback and SEAT Arona. The Toyota Yaris Cross is an excellent small hybrid SUV, too.

Perceived quality is so-so. We doubt the Bayon's interior will fall apart within a few years, but would it have hurt Hyundai to fit a few more soft-touch finishes? There are quite a few hard slabs of plastic dotted around the cabin.

It's not all bad news, though. You do at least get a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob as standard across the range, and it's fair to say even the entry-level Hyundai Bayon SE Connect could hardly be described as downmarket.

The entry-level Hyundai Bayon SE Connect comes with an eight-inch central touchscreen display which we're yet to sample – but it's probably worth looking for a Premium or Ultimate model for the more impressive 10.25-inch navigation system. This is one of the best in the class, with sharp graphics and logical menu layouts. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, too, so you can access your Spotify playlists when you're sitting in traffic.

Both Hyundai Bayon Premium and Ultimate models also come with a wireless phone charging pad, which is a nice-to-have feature, while the top-spec Ultimate also gets a classy Bose sound system.

The Hyundai Bayon measures 4180mm long and 2023mm wide, while it's 1490mm tall. That means it's one of the smaller small SUVs, if that makes sense, sitting beneath the likes of the Hyundai Kona, Skoda Kamiq and Renault Captur in size.

It doesn't feel particularly cramped inside, though. Sure, a family might be better looking at a Hyundai Tucson instead, but it's a bit more versatile than the i20 hatchback. There's loads of headroom, while it's wide enough to ensure those in the front aren't awkwardly bashing elbows. You get plenty of interior storage, too, including a generous glovebox and fairly big door bins.

You can squeeze three into the back of a Bayon if you really must, while there are Isofix child seat mounting points fitted to the outer rear seats. Adults will find their knees touching the front seats, while there's no sliding rear bench like you'd get in a Volkswagen T-Cross.

In terms of boot space, the Hyundai Bayon can take 334 litres of luggage, which is pretty mediocre for this class. If you need a bigger boot, we'd recommend a Skoda Kamiq instead.

The Hyundai Bayon is offered with a 1.0-litre mild-hybrid engine available with a choice of two power outputs (100PS or 120PS) along with a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Don't get too excited about the word 'hybrid' – this isn't a proper ('self-charging') hybrid, rather a 48-volt system which uses a degree of electrical assistance to help out the petrol engine. As such, the car can't travel under electric power alone (aside from, perhaps, as you coast to a stop). It ought to be very efficient, though, and the mild-hybrid setup provides a small boost in performance.

Not that the Hyundai Bayon is particularly rapid. The 100PS model accelerates from a standstill to 62mph in 10.7 seconds (the auto takes an extra second), while the 120PS version takes 10.4 seconds (with either the manual or auto gearbox).

We've only sampled the 120PS Bayon so far with the manual transmission and it feels pretty sprightly, with enough get up and go for out-of-town driving. The gearbox is fine, as is the light clutch pedal, so there's not necessarily any need to splash the cash on an automatic model. 

Despite only having a little 1.0-litre petrol engine, the Hyundai Bayon's motor isn't as burbly as you'll find in alternatives like the Citroen C3 Aircross. The mild-hybrid setup is unobtrusive, too, while wind and road noise are relatively well hushed. It certainly seems calmer inside than the sportier Ford Puma.

The Hyundai Bayon failed to achieve the full five-star Euro NCAP rating when it was crash-tested in 2021. That doesn't mean it's fundamentally an unsafe car, though – it was awarded four stars out of five, with NCAP's criticisms including poor pedestrian protection and marginal protection of the driver's chest in a crash.

Standard safety kit includes an autonomous emergency braking system which can detect pedestrians and cyclists, while Ultimate models get a blind spot collision warning system and lane follow assist (which'll keep you central in your lane on the motorway).

While the Hyundai Bayon is too new for any scary reliability horror stories to emerge, the brand generally makes some exceptionally reliable cars. Indeed, Hyundai ranked third in the latest HonestJohn.co.uk Satisfaction Index, while we haven't heard of any common issues with cars such as the Hyundai i20 or Kona SUV. A five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty is a big selling point, too.

The Hyundai Bayon's insurance groups range from 13 to 18 with, predictably, the lower-powered and less expensive models being the cheapest to insure. If you're looking for cheap insurance, we'd recommend seeking out a Hyundai Bayon SE Connect with the 100PS mild-hybrid petrol engine. It's worth shopping around for quotes, though, as you might find the difference in the real world is negligible.

As the Hyundai Bayon is a mild-hybrid, it's classed as an 'alternatively-fuelled' vehicle in the eyes of the DVLA. That means you'll get a £10/year discount on your annual VED bill – so you'll pay a flat rate of £155/year. For free road tax, you'll need to look at a pure-electric alternative like the Hyundai Kona Electric.

There are three Bayon trim levels available: SE Connect, Premium and Ultimate.

The most affordable is the Hyundai Bayon SE Connect. Standard equipment on this entry-level car includes 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, a reversing camera and an eight-inch media system with DAB radio and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. There's also the impressive 10.25-inch digital drivers display.

The mid-level Hyundai Bayon Premium includes 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and automatic cliamte control. The Bayon Premium also features LED headlights, electrically folding door mirrors, a 10.25-inch navigation system and a wireless charging pad.

The top-spec Hyundai Premium Ultimate adds black gloss door mirrors, a black roof, black and grey interior, keyless entry and a Bose premium sound systme. You also get a Blind Spot Collision Warning system and Lane Follow Assist.