Upcoming Bayon CNG is expected to use an under-boot gas tanks, effectively preventing any intrusion into the boot space
Availability of just one petrol engine at launch seems like a limitation for the recently launched Bayon. However, that could be part of a strategy to simplify the decision making process for potential buyers. Moreover, it has been officially confirmed that a CNG option will be introduced with the Bayon in January 2027. This will be a new milestone, as Bayon CNG will be Hyundai’s first midsize SUV in India to use the greener fuel.
Bayon CNG – Performance
Hyundai Bayon petrol model is equipped with a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder MPI petrol engine that generates 115 PS and 143.8 Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and an Intelligent Variable Transmission, or iVT. This engine is also available with Creta and Seltos, as one of the options. Hyundai has sold over 6 lakh cars powered by this engine till date.
Bayon CNG will be using this same engine, although power and torque output will be slightly lower. While official numbers have not been announced, one can expect around 100 PS and 125 Nm. Bayon CNG variants will be using a 6-speed manual transmission. It is not known if Bayon CNG will also be offered with the automatic transmission option.
Primary rivals of Bayon CNG include the CNG variants of Maruti Victoris, Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder. All three rivals utilize a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder K15C DualJet naturally aspirated engine. When running on CNG, output is ~ 87.8 PS and 121.5 Nm of torque. All three are available with a 5-speed manual transmission.
It will be interesting to see what mileage is available with Bayon CNG when it is launched. Rival Maruti Victoris CNG has a mileage of 27.02 km/kg. Similar fuel efficiency numbers can be seen with Grand Vitara CNG and Hyryder CNG.
No compromise on boot space
Offering 505 litres, Bayon ranks among the midsize SUVs with the largest boot spaces. But there may be concerns that the CNG variant could have a compromised boot space. Hyundai has assured that Bayon CNG will be using a setup that does not impact boot space. It is likely that an under-boot floor gas tank setup will be used with Bayon CNG. Hyundai already has this kind of setup on offer with Exter Hy-CNG Duo.
It remains to be seen which variants of the Bayon get the CNG option. The petrol version is currently being offered in seven broad trim levels. These are HX2, HX3, HX3+, HX5, HX6, HX8 and HX10. One of the strategies could be to offer a CNG option with select base to mid variants. Another approach could be to cover most trims with a CNG option.
Bayon CNG will be available at a higher price in comparison to the respective petrol variant. Current prices for Bayon are in the range of Rs 9.99 lakh to Rs 17.99 lakh. The SUV has entered a strongly contested midsize segment with more than a dozen rivals. Bayon’s key USPs include its competitive pricing, relatively compact profile, advanced tech features and class-leading ADAS.
