FRANKFURT: Just try and stop Hyundai making another SUV. The latest plus-sized ride from South Korea after the Kona, Tucson and Santa Fe is the Bayon, a small crossover set to join an ever-more-crowded range of SUVs.
With a length of just under 4.20 metres, it will go tyre to tyre against the likes of the Opel Mokka and VW T-Cross in the first half of 2021, the automaker has announced.
International pricing has not yet been confirmed, but according to company sources, the car will start at well under €20,000 (under RM98,000) in Europe.
The Bayon (not to be confused with the Chinese manufacturer Byton) has a comparatively rugged appearance with more ground clearance, but unlike the similarly sized Kona, it does not have all-wheel drive.
According to Hyundai, a wheelbase of 2.58 metres provides enough space for all occupants and a boot capacity of 411 litres guarantees everyday usability.
In a more unusual move for a small SUV, Hyundai is going all out in terms of equipment and drive and you'll also find — partly at extra cost — automatic distance control and active lane-keeping assistance.
Hyundai has also fitted a large touchscreen with the latest generation of Bluelink telematics software.
Under the bonnet there are three petrol engines with 84, 100 or 110 horsepower. The most powerful of those comes standard as a mild hybrid, while it's an option for the 100-hp engine.
According to Hyundai, you can get the Bayon as manual or automatic seven-speed double clutch. Hyundai has not yet provided information on fuel consumption and performance.
