Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Model update: Hyundai Bayon Ultimate
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Model update: Hyundai Bayon Ultimate

Date: 05 July 2022   |   Author: Sean Keywood

Top-spec version of small SUV still looks good value.
What's new:
We try the Bayon with the most powerful engine option available, and the priciest equipment grade.
Standard equipment on Ultimate:
17in alloy wheels, black door mirrors and two-tone roof, rear privacy glass, automatic LED headlights, LED tail lights and DRLs, high beam assist, automatic wipers, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, climate control, auto window de-fog, electrically adjusted heated and folding door mirrors, centre arm rest with storage, 10.25in touchscreen with sat-nav, apple carplay and Android Auto connectivity, 10.25in driver display, Bose premium sound system, wireless phone charging, cruise control, keyless entry and go, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, intelligent speed limit warning, tyre pressure monitoring, blind spot collision warning, lane following assist.

Hyundai last year joined the ranks of manufacturers supplementing their regular SUV model ranges with vaguely coupe-ish alternatives when it launched the Bayon, a competitor in the small SUV segment it had seemingly already covered with the Kona.

Having sampled the Bayon at launch with the entry-level 100hp mild hybrid engine and SE Connect equipment grade, we have now tried the model spec at the other end of the scale, with a 120hp mild hybrid (only the two engine choices are on offer) and the Ultimate equipment grade.

Taking the engine first, it offers a decent amount of power throughout the rev range, with the 48V system filling out the torque curve nicely. We tested it paired with six-speed 'intelligent' manual transmission (featuring an electronically-controlled clutch, which decouples the engine under certain conditions to improve efficiency), which has a pleasant, easy, sporty shift action. Compared with the 100hp engine, it is only 1mpg worse on official fuel economy (or identical with the alternative seven-speed automatic gearbox) and has the same BIK-governing CO2 emissions, meaning the only real financial reason not to choose the more powerful engine is the extra £750 P11D value.

There's a willing feel to the Bayon's handling, with light and responsive steering and limited body roll, which combined with the eager engine makes it a good tool for nipping about town. Ride quality is generally good too, with bumps in the road causing few problems.

Although the Ultimate grade tops the Bayon range, the cabin is not filled with luxury materials, but most common touch points are nicely trimmed and everything feels well put together. We were also impressed by the plush-feeling seats. From the outside, the Ultimate grade can be distinguished from the rest of the range by black door mirrors and a two-tone roof.

The Bayon benefits from Hyundai's familiarly impressive infotainment set-up, including a 10.25in driver display, which is standard throughout the range, and a 10.25in central touchscreen (up from 8in with the entry-level version), with physical ventilation controls usefully retained. Equipment levels are generally strong, with the Ultimate grade also getting a Bose premium sound system.

Rear legroom is decent and headroom is good, with the Bayon's swooping roofline coming nowhere near interfering with passengers' hair. However, a 334-litre boot is a bit down on what you'd get from a more conventional SUV such as a Kona. 

Despite the luggage space deficiency, the Bayon does look a tempting fleet choice compared with the Kona, as in the equivalent spec it's nearly £2,000 cheaper. It also has better fuel economy, CO2 emissions and predicted residual values. The Bayon also looks good value for money against rivals from other manufacturers such as the Ford Puma and Renault Captur. Although those models have qualities the Bayon cannot match, for the cost-conscious buyer the Hyundai seems a good bet - it surprises and impresses in lots of areas, despite not wowing in many.

Hyundai Bayon 1.0 Petrol T-GDi 48 Volt Hybrid 120PS 6 Speed IMT Ultimate 

P11D: £24,545

Residual value: 41.4% 

Depreciation: £14,376

Fuel: £8,465

Service, maintenance and repair: £2,247

Cost per mile: 41.81p

Fuel consumption: 52.3mpg

CO2 (BIK %): 121g/km (29%)  

BIK 20/40% a month: £119/£237

Luggage capacity: 334 litres

Engine size/power: 998cc/120hp


Verdict


8/10
  • Attractively priced
  • Good ride quality
  • Fairly small boot

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