The Hyundai i20 and the Hyundai Bayon are the same two-sided coin. Two B-segment products that strive to look different. An SUV and a conventional utility that are faced to determine which of them is better.
In the Hyundai range we have a wide variety of models, from conventional segments to the most modern and desirable SUVs. In this dichotomy we find cases such as the Hyundai i20 and the Hyundai Bayon. Two almost identical twinned products offering different solutions. Do you want to know what advantages one has or what differences the other has? Well I’ll tell you.
The determining factor of this twinning is what is not seen a priori, the platform. If we undress them we would discover that inside they are the same. It is the same structure, with the same dimensions and proportions. Despite this, if we take the rule we see that the Bayon is a tad bigger, and that is because it offers more voluminous overhangs and bumpers. Just a few more centimeters that do not imply a change of segment, both are segment B.
Despite that same urban approach, each one is committed to offering a completely different design. This is, without a doubt, its biggest difference. In the case of the i20 we have a classic format with sharper lines. The hood descends more steeply into a slimmer, more streamlined moor. On the contrary, the Hyundai Bayon seeks to enhance the SUV appearance, and therefore the elements are oversized. It is worth mentioning more different elements such as the unique headlights of the i20 by the split headlights of the Bayon. A very common solution in the Korean brand.
Keeping up with creative design differences we arrive at aesthetically opposite lags, although there are shared elements. The first is the large presence of horizontal lines to create that feeling of width, and the second is the strip of LEDs that joins the main headlights. It is also a very repeated resource today, both in Hyundai and in the industry.
Belonging to segment B means belonging to a youthful and dynamic segment. The creative options are much greater than in higher segments, and that is something that we see in the two models in this comparison.. Both one and the other can offer the characteristic two-color paints, specific design wheels between 15 and 17 inches, and the different elements that we can find in the wide variety of finishes that each one offers. Creativity in that case soars, but what about the interior?
Well it happens that in this case Hyundai has been more conservative, if not more economical. I say it more than anything because the Koreans have used the same interior for both models. It is difficult to differentiate one from the other. Same materials, same presentation, same elements and same details. Segment B is a segment traditionally poor in technologies and systems. But thanks to models like the Bayon and the Hyundai i20 that kind of tradition is being discarded. The technology is very broad, and it is not only about to be there, it is also presented in a very showy way. In the highest finishes we can have a very long list of elements.
Technologies such as keyless entry and start, LED headlights, digital instrumentation with various designs, 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia system, USB sockets, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, camera and parking sensors, automatic climate control, navigator, WiFi, sunroof and complete equipment, although excessively intrusive, of driving assistants. Like I said, typical upscale stuff, and I’m not just talking about technology.
The good news is that Hyundai has also sought space where there is none. It does not matter if it is the i20 or the Bayon, both offer levels of habitability improper for the category, improper for good. Both the access to the second row and the space it offers are far superior to those of any other model in the category, with the exception of the Skoda Fabia. Even in the i20 which, as we have already said, is a bit lower. Of course, the central square is still too narrow for an adult on medium or long-distance routes, so I do not recommend exceeding four passengers.
Where the Bayon can get a chest is in cargo volume. Thanks to its extra centimeters, it manages to take advantage of a trunk with 59 liters more. The figures that both handle are good, but it must be recognized that those of the small SUV are better. Both offer practical systems such as bag holders, double bottoms and expanded capacity by simply folding down the rear seat backs.
Being small, the power requirements are not as high as in larger models. Hyundai proposes an identical mechanical offer for both models, characterized by small displacement engines with powers between 84 and 120 horsepower that, in some versions, are capable of having micro-hybrid systems. The only one that deviates from the norm is the i20, which thanks to an exceptional touch from the N division is capable of offering a sporty model with up to 204 horsepower.
At the wheel of the i20 and the Bayon
As you can imagine, having the same mechanical range and the same chassis, great differences cannot be expected from a dynamic point of view, and it is. Both the i20 and the Bayon surprise by their handling, especially, personally, that of the i20. After all, the greater height of the Bayon penalizes him in that regard. Nor is it that it is a big problem because I do not think there is any buyer who seeks or demands that type of behavior in either of the two models.
It must be taken into account that the mechanical range has been designed for mainly urban use, and that means that the range of powers is low or medium and that what is prioritized first is consumption. Also, thanks to the new low hybridization systems with 48 volt auxiliary electrical systems, some units achieve homologation of the DGT ECO label. The car stores energy in a small auxiliary battery and releases it when it needs it most, such as acceleration. It also helps to maximize the operation of saving systems, such as candle mode or Start & Stop.
If both units stand out for something, it is because they focus more on ride comfort. They are very comfortable utility vehicles, although the Bayon may be a bit more comfortable thanks to a few extra centimeters in suspension., but in normal and current use there are no differences. The range offers manual or automatic gearboxes, as is the case with the test units that come with the MHEV system, which incidentally does not require the automatic gearbox. A well presented double clutch that offers more advantages than disadvantages, although there are some small flaws that can be ironed out.
If something good has the greater height of the Bayon is that it offers a raised driving position (although the seat goes down a lot). The overview is better, you have better control of everything around the car and that can help generate a greater sense of security for the driver. And if we talk about consumption, differences can not be highlighted either. In all the tours carried out, the data collected has been practically identical. Figures close to the homologated ones that, even if we are careful with gas, can be lowered.
So far the comparison has revolved around the similarities, but what happens when we talk about the ugly business of money? If we take their minimum prices as a reference, the i20 is minimally cheaper with a starting price of 16,590 euros, no offers or discounts. The Bayon starts from a little higher, from 18,690 euros, without offers or promotions, although with slightly more basic equipment. If we match technologies, the advantage continues to be for the i20 with an approximate differential of 1,800 euros.
Conclusions.
Bayon or i20? Two almost identical concepts from different points of view. Possibly the most tempting of this comparison is the Bayon. Why? It’s an SUV, and now everyone loves SUVs, and on top of that it has a bigger boot. Nor is there a wrong choice in this case. It is worth that the i20 does not have an equally large trunk or is not an SUV, but it also has many other qualities such as its handling and its attractive model N.