Key points
- 1.5-litre petrol, 115 PS, 144 Nm
- No diesel, turbo-petrol or CNG at launch
Hyundai has revealed that the Bayon will use one engine only. That is a clear contrast with the Creta, which has three.
The Engine
| Engine | 1.5-litre four-cylinder MPi petrol |
|---|---|
| Power | 115 PS (84.4 kW) |
| Torque | 144 Nm (14.7 kgm) |
| Transmission | 6-speed MT / IVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
MT – Manual Transmission, IVT – Intelligent Variable Transmission, FWD – Front-Wheel Drive
This is the same unit used in the Creta’s entry-level engine. One report quotes the output as 113 bhp, which is the same figure converted to a different unit.
How It Compares With The Creta’s Range
| Bayon | Creta | |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 NA petrol | 115 PS / 144 Nm, 6MT / IVT | 115 PS / 144 Nm, 6MT / IVT |
| 1.5 turbo-petrol | Not offered | 160 PS / 253 Nm, 7-speed DCT |
| 1.5 diesel | Not offered | 116 PS / 250 Nm, 6MT / 6AT |
DCT – Dual-Clutch Transmission, AT – Torque Converter Automatic
Who It Suits
The naturally aspirated petrol is smooth and refined, and it is a good fit for city commutes and relaxed highway runs. Buyers who prefer an automatic for stop-start traffic have the IVT, and those who want to drive themselves have the manual.
Who Will Look Elsewhere
- Buyers who want strong overtaking power and effortless highway speed, who may prefer a turbo-petrol
- High-mileage drivers who would normally pick diesel
- Buyers who want a factory-fitted CNG option, which neither the Bayon nor the Creta offers, according to reports
Some rivals do offer a turbo-petrol or other powertrain choices, so these buyers have alternatives.
The Case For Keeping It Simple
A single, proven engine keeps costs down, which could help the Bayon undercut the Creta. It also means fewer variants to confuse buyers, and the platform can add more engines later if demand justifies it.
Our Take
The 115 PS petrol is adequate and reliable, but it limits the Bayon’s reach. It is a fair match for the car’s city-focused, tech-first image. The question is whether Hyundai prices it low enough to make up for the missing options, and whether a turbo-petrol follows.
