FRANKFURT: Hyundai continues to follow the crossover trend, bringing the Bayon onto the market this summer, a small SUV that's closely related to its i20 supermini and priced at around US$20,000 (RM83,000).

The car sits below Hyundai's Kona SUV and is only 2cm shorter. Technically, the Bayon is closely related to the i20 and, for a cost of around US$3,700 (RM15,295) more than that car, offers extra space and more variability.

In addition to the high seating position typical of SUVs, the Bayon offers a surprising amount of space for its 4.18-metres length and 2.58-metre wheelbase. The trunk can hold 411 litres or 1,205 litres with the rear seats folded down.



The dimensions may be new, but the ambience is familiar from the i20. There's colourful mood lighting, digital instruments behind the steering wheel, and next to it a large touchscreen with an online connection.

The touchscreen not only navigates in real time or streams your favourite music, it also creates a relaxed atmosphere by playing ambient sounds such as rain, a beach backdrop or the noises of a street cafe.

The Bayon comes with a variety of driver assistants, including lane assist, autonomous emergency braking, and automatic high-beam activation of the headlights. The car also has six airbags.

The 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine comes with either 99 or 118bhp. The car reaches 100kph in 10.4 seconds and the top speed is 185kph.

The engines are available as mild hybrids with 48 volt technology and the innovative iMT transmission, which saves fuel when coasting.



However, the Bayon lacks the more powerful engine options of the Kona and it also doesn't have all-wheel drive.

The smaller engine should suit city drivers, but drivers who takes long journeys will likely prefer the more powerful 118bhp option.

Car buyers at the moment are clearly liking small cross-over models that offer more verve and charisma but which are still as sensible as a classic small car.

The Bayon is firmly in this class and looks like being a real alternative to competitors such as the Ford Puma and the Opel Mokka.

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