To get closer to Hyundai’s huge choice for the Kona model, the very first step could be a ride on a Bayon. Exactly: the B-suv of the Korean house is the initial step to find out what the brand can offer, not only in terms of ease of driving and instrumentation, very easy to understand and get used to, but also in terms of design. Because it is true, today Hyundai cannot be considered an extension of the Japanese automotive style at all: it makes history apart, and has a very interesting narrative.
When we tried Bayon, also chatting with colleagues from other magazines, one point was certainly shared by all: the car showed up, and even passersby showed interest. The Bayon is a sort of link between i20 and Kona; with the first it shares the floor and with the second the more refined aesthetics. The exterior look is particularly distinctive, with sleek lines starting from the front, where a thin air intake separates the daytime running lights. Looking at it in the upper front part, it seems to observe an electric. The grille is there, however, and extends to the lower end, reinforcing the crossover tone. The sides have an overhang in the lower part that gives sportiness. At the rear, the arrow-shaped headlights are joined by a thin horizontal LED. So many style details, in short; yet the model is one of the most pragmatic of Hyundai.
The passenger compartment has a spacious and digital environment: behind the steering wheel there is a 10.25-inch cluster flanked by a 10.25-inch touch screen. The driver can adjust the ambient lighting. The seat is comfortable and the controls are close at hand, with the classic cruise control that helps a lot to follow the many speed limits that distinguish the Italian roads. From this point of view, the car is certainly ideal for those approaching the SUV segment for the first time, as well as for those families who have concrete daily needs. The trunk in this sense proves to be sufficiently large in relation to the segment to which it belongs.
The engine range includes updated Kappa powertrains, with a T-GDi unit paired with 48-volt mild hybrid technology and an intelligent manual gearbox. The iMT makes it possible to decouple the engine from the transmission when the throttle is released, thus enabling soaring, reducing emissions and saving fuel. It can consume little, with a gentle ride of the mild hybrid: a rather easy goal to achieve since after driving it even for a short time it seems to have been in use for months.
And the name? It certainly recalls the city of Bayonne, and this is indisputable. You can virtually pronounce it as you like: with the accent on o, a little more French; or in English, ‘Beyon’. Apart from that, it is a car that at first impression leaves the driver no further uncertainties. This is a solid car, also considering the price, less than 20 thousand euros as a starting point. And for this was one of the surprises of 2021 in relation to the segments occupied by sport utility vehicles.
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