Hyundai’s engineering team has been putting a new compact utility vehicle through its paces at a test centre in South Korea. The prototype is unmistakably based on the global BAYON that has already found a solid foothold in Europe. What you see on the track is the first glimpse of what could become the next big thing for Indian buyers.
The test badge reads “BCFORI”, a shorthand for “B‑Crossover For India”. It’s a clear signal that Hyundai is tailoring the platform for a market that rewards sub‑4‑metre dimensions with tax breaks. That matters because a shorter footprint translates directly into a lower on‑road price for the end customer.
The chassis feels familiar – the same rigid under‑body that has helped the BAYON earn praise for ride comfort. Yet the suspension tuning appears slightly softer, likely to suit Indian road conditions. The engineers have also added a few market‑specific calibrations to the steering feel.
The dimensions disclosed in the test run are 4180 mm in length, 1775 mm in width and 1500 mm in height, sitting on a 2580 mm wheelbase. Those numbers place the vehicle squarely in the B‑segment crossover niche.
A length of just under 4.2 metre means the SUV will sit just above the tax‑friendly 4 metre threshold. However, Hyundai has hinted that a slightly shortened version could be offered for the Indian market, shaving a few centimetres to slip under the 4 metre line. That would unlock a lower excise duty, a decisive factor for price‑sensitive buyers. This strategic sizing is a direct response to the tax regime that has shaped many recent Indian launches.
Hyundai is loading the new model with a suite of equipment that feels more premium than its price tag will suggest. Every external light source is LED, giving the car a crisp night‑time signature and reducing power draw.
Inside, a completely redesigned dashboard hosts a large touchscreen that will run Hyundai’s latest infotainment OS. The system promises seamless smartphone integration, over‑the‑air updates and a host of connected services.
Safety is addressed with Level 2 ADAS – adaptive cruise, lane‑keeping assist and automatic emergency braking are all on the list. Disc brakes on all four wheels provide confident stopping power, a feature that is still optional on many rivals.
Additional touches include a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, a wireless charger for smartphones and a high‑capacity audio system. All of these items are bundled into the base trim, a move that could force competitors to raise their own equipment levels.
Hyundai plans to offer three engine options: a 1.0 litre turbo gasoline unit, a naturally aspirated 1.2 litre petrol and a 1.2 litre turbo variant. The smaller turbo is expected to deliver around 120 hp, while the 1.2 litre naturally aspirated engine will likely sit near 85 hp. The larger turbo could push past 130 hp, giving the SUV a respectable power band for city and highway use.
All three engines will be paired with a six‑speed manual as standard, with a dual‑clutch automatic expected on higher trims. The focus on small‑displacement turbocharging mirrors the industry trend toward efficiency without sacrificing performance.
Fuel‑economy figures have not been published yet, but Hyundai’s previous sub‑4 metre offerings have managed 18‑20 km/l in mixed driving. If the new model can match or beat those numbers, it will be a strong selling point against the Kia Seltos and Mahindra XUV300, both of which sit in the same fuel‑efficiency bracket.
Hyundai’s testing phase in South Korea is already well‑advanced, and the company has said it expects to move to production within the next few months. Assuming a typical lead time of three to four months from final validation to first‑off‑line units, the vehicle could appear on Indian showrooms by the second half of this year.
The exact name for the Indian market has not been confirmed. Media reports suggest Hyundai may retain the BAYON badge, but a locally tailored name is also possible. Whatever the label, the sub‑4 metre strategy will be front and centre in the launch communications.
If the timing holds, the SUV will arrive just as the market is gearing up for a new wave of compact crossovers. That timing could give Hyundai a decisive edge, especially if the pricing strategy leverages the tax advantage.
Q: What are the engine options for the new Hyundai crossover? A: Hyundai will offer a 1.0 litre turbo, a 1.2 litre naturally aspirated, and a 1.2 litre turbo gasoline engine, paired with either a six‑speed manual or a dual‑clutch automatic.
Q: Will the SUV be under 4 metre to qualify for tax benefits? A: Hyundai is expected to launch a slightly shortened version for India that stays under the 4 metre threshold, unlocking lower excise duty.
Q: Which safety features are standard on the new model? A: Standard safety includes LED headlights, Level 2 ADAS, and disc brakes on all four wheels.
Q: When can Indian buyers expect to see the vehicle on dealer floors? A: Production is slated to start within a few months, with a market launch anticipated in the second half of the year.
Q: How does this model compare to the Kia Seltos and Tata Nexon? A: It offers a more extensive equipment list at the base level, a sub‑4 metre size for tax savings, and a trio of small‑displacement turbo engines that promise a blend of efficiency and performance.
Q: Will there be a hybrid or electric version at launch? A: No hybrid or electric powertrain has been announced for the initial rollout; the focus is on the three gasoline engines.
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