KATHMANDU: South Korean automaker Hyundai has unveiled its much-anticipated new midsize SUV, the Bayon, in the Indian market.
Hyundai has strategically positioned the Bayon between the Venue and Creta in its lineup. It is priced above the Venue but below the Creta. The new model adds another option to the compact and midsize SUV segments.
With its crossover SUV profile, bold design, modern interior, and advanced technology, the Bayon offers a fresh option for buyers.
The Hyundai Bayon is also expected to arrive in Nepal soon. Laxmi Intercontinental, the authorized distributor of Hyundai in Nepal, has started preparations to bring the SUV to the local market.
Although the Bayon sits below the Creta in Hyundai’s lineup, it offers many features available in the higher-segment SUV. As a newer model, it also comes with some additional and more advanced features. However, the Bayon and Creta target different segments.
Here is a closer look at the key differences between the Hyundai Bayon and Creta.
Engine
The Hyundai Bayon is available with a single engine option, while the Creta offers three choices, including a diesel engine and a more powerful turbo-petrol unit.
The Bayon gets a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine. It produces a maximum power of 115 PS and 144 Nm of torque. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and an IVT gearbox.
The Creta is available with a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine, and a 1.5-liter CRDi diesel engine. Its turbo-petrol version produces 160 PS.
The Creta offers four transmission options: a six-speed manual, IVT, automatic, and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
Size
Despite being positioned in a lower segment, the Bayon is only slightly smaller than the Creta in overall dimensions. The Creta measures 4,330 mm in length, 1,790 mm in width, and 1,635 mm in height. Its wheelbase is 2,610 mm.
The Bayon measures 4,245 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width, and 1,605 mm in height. It has a 2,600 mm wheelbase.
Overall, the Creta is 85 mm longer and 30 mm taller than the Bayon. Its wheelbase is also 10 mm longer. However, the Bayon is 20 mm wider.
The Bayon’s shorter length could make it easier to park and maneuver through narrow spaces.
Ground clearance
The Bayon has an advantage in ground clearance. It offers 205 mm, compared with the Creta’s 190 mm.
The additional 15 mm of ground clearance could be useful on Nepal’s varied terrain, including rough roads and uneven surfaces.
Boot space
Despite its lower positioning, the Bayon offers more luggage space than the Creta. The Creta has a boot capacity of 433 liters, while the Bayon offers 505 liters. This gives the Bayon an additional 72 liters of luggage space.
Driving modes
The Bayon offers three driving modes: Normal, Eco, and Sport. The Creta provides the same three modes, along with additional traction modes for different driving conditions.
Cabin features
The Bayon features two curved displays powered by Nvidia’s CCNC interface. It gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Both screens are larger than those offered in the Creta.
The SUV also features a generative AI voice assistant powered by SoundHound and Perplexity. It supports more than 500 offline voice commands.
Other features include a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, dual-tone interior finishes, a two-spoke multifunction steering wheel, two-step adjustable rear seats, and connected-car technology.
The Creta, meanwhile, gets a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
Its other features include dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, driver’s seat memory, wireless phone charging for rear passengers, an air purifier, a cooled glovebox, and rear sunshades.
Safety features
Both SUVs offer six airbags, a 360-degree camera, a blind-spot view monitor, front and rear parking sensors, a tire pressure monitoring system, electronic stability control, disc brakes on all four wheels, and hill-start assist.
However, the Bayon comes with a more advanced Level 2 Pro ADAS package. The Creta, on the other hand, offers a built-in dashcam.
What does the Bayon offer over the Crete?
Overall, the Hyundai Bayon brings several notable features compared with the Creta. These include larger 12.3-inch curved displays, a generative AI voice assistant, a Level 2 Pro ADAS package with 23 functions, over-the-air updates for up to 19 controllers, two-step adjustable rear seats, and higher ground clearance of 205 mm.
