[AUTO] TEST OF THE NEW HYUNDAI BAYON (2021): COMPLEMENT FOR EUROPE

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The place of the city SUV was already taken at Hyundai. But the Korean manufacturer decided to offer a second one anyway. In parallel with the Kona, the Bayon arrives with a reduced supply of engines and specific features of its own in order to seduce Europe, a market to which it is entirely dedicated. Zapping Autonews Top 10 best-selling cars in 2021 Top 10 best-selling cars in 2021 Although it lacks two letters, it is indeed in the city of Bayonne, in the Basque Country, in the south-west of France, that the Hyundai Bayon refers. When the brand's other SUVs choose destinations that are more international from our French point of view for their names, the latest addition prefers a location in the heart of Europe. And for good reason, it was designed for this market and therefore comes as an alternative to the Kona, an urban SUV, just like him. Between the two there is a 2.5 cm gap in length and width, the smallest being the Bayon (4.18 meters long). The difference is more marked in height. Relatively low at 1.49 m under the gauge, it is one of the shortest in its category, 7.5 cm under the Kona. It is even 3 cm lower than the i20 Active, a raised version of the old i20 city car. The Bayon being based on the platform of the new i20, it represents by deduction the succession of the i20 Active. Which doesn't appear at all when you look at it, thanks to its exclusive style and proportions and shapes marked by the world of SUVs, unrelated to the i20. It doesn't look like the Kona either, except for slim daytime running lights, separated and positioned above the main headlights. These optics, LED from the third trim level (Creative), adopt an arrow shape, a theme that is found for the rear lights. A stern where the red arrows are turned inward and linked by a reflective strip, also red, to separate the rear window from a shiny black surface giving the illusion of larger glazing. Originality is in order and while it will not appeal to everyone, Hyundai does not want anything else. The goal is precisely to offer the customer the choice between two models with distinct aesthetics for similar needs. Space saving Space saving + 51 New Hyundai Bayon (2021) Photo Credit - Autonews While lower and shorter, it is no less spacious than the Kona, on the contrary. With a trunk of 411 liters, it adds 50 liters of additional volume and is in the high average of the segment. The cargo area floor is adjustable on two levels and there is still room underneath, where the 48V battery of the micro-hybrid system is housed. The rigid rear shelf can slide along the back seat backrests and position itself vertically using side rails. The space can thus be exploited up to the ceiling. The cabin accommodates its passengers as easily as its brother. It adds a more original dashboard with its multiple streaks in the continuity of the aerators, its steering wheel more in line with those of the manufacturer's latest models and a central tactile tablet attached to the cap of the speedometers. It actually just fits inside the i20. The result is a very serious assembly but hard plastics almost everywhere, with various surface appearances, from the smoothest to the most grainy. The technological aspect is ensured by a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation offering four different meter presentations, as standard from the second level of equipment (Intuitive) as well as a central 8-inch multimedia screen as standard then 10.25 inches from Creative finish. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available from the Intuitive level, wireless when linked to the smaller of the two displays. The best-equipped versions of the Bayon therefore require you to connect your phone with a cable. Unlike the Kona, the heads-up display is never offered. The Intuitive finish already offers complete equipment with the reversing camera, electrically folding mirrors, dark-tinted rear windows, ambient lighting, a front central armrest and a USB port at the rear or even 16 "alloy rims. . However, it will be necessary to upgrade to the next level (+ € 2,300) to access integrated navigation, hands-free keys, wireless charging or automatic air conditioning. The top of the range Executive (+ € 1,700) adds including Adaptive Cruise Control Linked to Navigation with Automatic Lane Keeping, Blind Spot Assist, Semi-Automatic Park with Front Park Assist and Bose Audio System. Simplified engine offer Simplified engine offer + 51 New Hyundai Bayon (2021) Photo Credit - Autonews The other point where the Hyundai Bayon differs from the Kona is its