Hyundai Bayon engines, drive and performance

2021 onwards (change model)

Performance rating: 2.4 out of 52.4

Hyundai Bayon (2021) front view, driving

Hyundai Bayon (2021) rear view, luggage space

Written by Alan Taylor-Jones Published: 11 January 2022 Updated: 3 May 2023

Only two engines offered
Acceptable performance
Hybrid manual works well

Petrol engines

With just two three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines to choose from, there’s not a lot of variety on offer in the Bayon. The 100hp version will be fine for drivers who don’t venture much farther than the edge of town, while the seven-speed DCT twin-clutch auto helps take the strain out of driving, too.

The 120hp version pulls well from well below 1,500rpm, but with a 10.4-second 0-62mph time, it’s by no means quick. Plenty of rivals including Hyundai’s own Kona are available with far more potent engines. At least it’s smooth for a three-cylinder engine that never sounds coarse and settles into a quiet background hum at speed.

What’s it like to drive?

Handles well for a small SUV
Light controls make life easy
Not as much fun as a Puma

Compared with some small SUV rivals, the Bayon is surprisingly sporty. It has a firmer set-up than cars such as the Renault Captur or Citroen C3 Aircross, and handles quite well as a result. It’s no Ford Puma when it comes to fun behind the wheel, but it’s more satisfying than most other small SUVs.

Grip levels are strong enough and the steering is light and precise, too. Surprisingly, Hyundai quotes specific tyre brands on the spec sheet for the Bayon. Go for the entry level car with 16-inch wheels, and they’re fitted with Michelin tyres, while cars with 17-inch wheels are fitted with Continentals.

The Bayon’s suspension does a decent job of smoothing out the UK’s rough roads, with only the nastiest of potholes generating an uncomfortable thump. At all other times it rounds off ruts and bumps without ever feeling floaty over undulating country roads like the Skoda Kamiq sometimes can.

One aspect of the Bayon that might take some getting used to is the clutch of the mild-hybrid manual model. There’s no mechanical linkage – it’s electrically operated to help boost efficiency – and while the pedal of the car we drove remained consistent, there’s no ‘feel’ through the pedal when the biting point is met.