Hyundai Motor India likely to launch next-generation BAYON as a larger-than-expected midsize SUV

NEW DELHI, India — Pragya Awasthi reports that Hyundai Motor Company’s next-generation BAYON, which is set to be launched as an SUV in the Indian market in the second half of this year, is expected to debut as a midsize SUV with a much larger body than previously known.
According to local media on the 11th, the second-generation BAYON that Hyundai Motor India is preparing to launch is expected to keep a body length of about 4.18 meters, similar to the current model, rather than being a small SUV as initially reported. That would place it in the midsize SUV category in India.
The model will be introduced as a new segment positioned below the Creta. The first-generation BAYON, which is focused on the European market, measures 4,180 mm in length, 1,775 mm in width, 1,500 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,580 mm. Before launch, there had been speculation that the second-generation BAYON would be downsized to a sub-4-meter compact SUV to reflect demand in India and other emerging markets, where it would compete with the Maruti Suzuki Fronx.
In this regard, Tarun Garg, head of Hyundai Motor India, said during an earnings conference call for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 on the 8th that the company plans to launch a new midsize SUV during fiscal 2027, which runs from April 2026 to March 2027. He added that the internal combustion engine SUV will further strengthen the company’s position in the midsize SUV segment, explaining that midsize in this context means over 4 meters. Industry watchers believe the model Garg referred to is likely the next-generation BAYON. The vehicle is also expected to be offered with a naturally aspirated gasoline engine and a CNG bi-fuel version. The CNG model is likely to use a dual-cylinder structure to minimize loss of trunk space.
Meanwhile, in response to concerns that the BAYON could compete directly with the Creta, Hyundai Motor Company plans to expand its lineup further through the third-generation Hyundai Creta in the second half of 2027. The new BAYON is larger and more premium than the current Hyundai Venue, but it is aimed at consumers looking for a city SUV that is smaller and more affordable than the third-generation Hyundai Creta. As a result, the introduction of the next-generation BAYON is seen as a strategic move that gives Hyundai Motor Company room to further enhance the pricing and product appeal of the upcoming new Creta.

praghya@fnnews.com Pragya Awasthi Reporter