Automobile
Hyundai Bayon India Launch Could Bring a Big Surprise: New SUV May Get Petrol and CNG Options to Take on Fronx… Here’s What We Know
The upcoming Hyundai Bayon-based SUV has been spotted testing in India several times and could arrive by the end of 2026, with reports pointing to petrol and CNG powertrain options.
The Indian compact SUV market could soon get another interesting challenger, and this time Hyundai Motor India appears to be preparing something that could shake up the segment.
The upcoming Hyundai Bayon-based SUV has been spotted testing on Indian roads on multiple occasions, fuelling speculation that the new model could make its market debut before the end of this year.
The SUV is expected to take on popular crossovers such as the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, but it could have one major advantage over several rivals — the availability of a factory-fitted CNG powertrain.
While Hyundai has yet to officially reveal all details about the India-spec model, fresh reports have offered an early look at its expected engine options, design and features.
Hyundai Bayon-Based SUV Could Get Petrol and CNG Engines
According to a report by Autocar, the upcoming Hyundai Bayon-based SUV could be offered with both petrol and CNG powertrain options.
The SUV is expected to use the familiar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine currently used in the Hyundai Creta. The same engine could reportedly be adapted for the CNG version as well.
One of the more interesting aspects of the reported CNG setup is the possibility of an underbody CNG tank.
If the reports prove accurate, the upcoming SUV could become the first Hyundai model longer than four metres to feature a CNG powertrain. That would be a significant move for Hyundai, especially at a time when buyers are increasingly looking for alternatives to conventional petrol vehicles.
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The petrol version is expected to be offered with a manual and CVT transmission, while the CNG variant could reportedly be available with both manual and automatic gearbox options.
However, Hyundai has not officially confirmed these specifications, so the final powertrain lineup could still change before the SUV reaches showrooms.
2026 Hyundai Bayon Design: What the Test Mules Suggest
The Hyundai Bayon-based SUV has already been spotted in India in heavily camouflaged form, giving enthusiasts an early glimpse of its overall proportions.
The upcoming SUV is expected to feature a boxy silhouette and flat roofline, giving it a more upright stance than some of the sleeker crossover SUVs currently available in the market.
At the front, the SUV is expected to feature a relatively upright fascia, along with LED daytime running lights, rectangular headlamps and a redesigned grille featuring horizontal slats.
The side profile could get chunky black body cladding and squared-off wheel arches, giving the SUV a more rugged appearance. Other expected elements include dual-tone ORVMs with integrated turn indicators, conventional door handles and newly designed alloy wheels.
At the rear, the SUV is likely to feature a shark-fin antenna and a connected light bar integrating the LED tail lamps. A rear wiper, reflectors mounted on the bumper and a raked windshield could complete the design.
Overall, the design appears to follow the current trend of combining a rugged SUV stance with modern crossover styling.
Hyundai Bayon Interior and Features: What Could Be Offered?
The second-generation Hyundai Bayon is expected to bring a feature-packed cabin if the international model’s design direction is anything to go by.
The India-spec version could feature fabric upholstery, automatic climate control, a sunroof and ventilated and heated front seats.
Other expected equipment could include rear AC vents and an auto-dimming inside rear-view mirror.
Hyundai could also equip the SUV with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system alongside a fully digital driver’s display.
The upcoming model is also expected to offer a range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), although the exact features and availability could vary depending on the variant.
If Hyundai manages to offer a comprehensive safety package at a competitive price, the Bayon-based SUV could become an attractive option for buyers looking for a technology-rich family crossover.
Hyundai Bayon vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx: A New Rival Arrives?
The Indian crossover SUV segment has become increasingly competitive, with the Maruti Suzuki Fronx emerging as one of the most recognisable names in the category.
The upcoming Hyundai Bayon-based SUV is expected to enter this space with a combination of distinctive styling, Hyundai’s feature-rich approach and potentially a CNG powertrain.
The CNG option could prove particularly important in the Indian market. With fuel costs remaining a key consideration for many buyers, a factory-fitted CNG variant could appeal to customers who want lower running costs without moving to a fully electric vehicle.
The reported use of a 1.5-litre engine could also give the SUV a different positioning from smaller-engine rivals.
Hyundai Bayon India Launch: What We Know So Far
The Hyundai Bayon-based SUV is expected to make its India debut by the end of 2026, although an exact launch date has not yet been officially announced.
The company is also yet to reveal the final name, pricing, variant lineup and complete specifications of the India-spec model.
For now, the reported combination of petrol and CNG powertrains, a feature-loaded cabin and a rugged design gives the upcoming Hyundai SUV plenty of reasons to attract attention.
If Hyundai gets the pricing right, the new model could become a serious contender in India’s crowded crossover market. And with a possible CNG option thrown into the mix, the Bayon-based SUV may have one more trick up its sleeve when it finally arrives…
