Hyundai i20 vs Hyundai Bayon, Which is the Best? (with video)

In the vast Hyundai universe, you’ll find a galaxy of cars that range from the traditional to the cutting-edge. And smack in the middle of this constellation are the i20 and Bayon. Both models may look alike, but they each offer a unique set of advantages that sets them apart from one another. Ready to discover what makes them tick? Buckle up, and let’s take a spin.

Beneath the surface, the true twinship of these vehicles lies hidden in plain sight. It’s not what meets the eye, but rather what’s concealed underneath that determines their kinship. Stripped down to their bare bones, they reveal an identical framework – the same size, same shape, same proportion.

However, a closer examination reveals a subtle variance – the Bayon flaunts more generous overhangs and bolder bumpers, making it a hair’s breadth larger. But don’t be misled, for they both belong to the same segment B. It’s like looking into a mirror and seeing a reflection so similar, yet distinct in its own unique way.

Being a part of Segment B is like being a member of a vibrant and youthful community. The possibilities for creative expression are endless, as reflected in the stunning comparison of these two models. From the sleek two-tone paint options to the intricately designed 15-17 inch wheels, each vehicle boasts a unique array of finishes that exude personality and style. But let’s not forget about the interior – where the magic truly happens. How does creativity soar in this aspect?

In this case, Hyundai seems to have played it safe, or perhaps even penny-pinching. You see, the Koreans opted for the same interior in both models, making it nearly impossible to tell them apart. It’s like they’re using a one-size-fits-all approach. Now, the B-segment has always been the runt of the litter when it comes to technology and systems.

But with the introduction of the Bayon and the Hyundai i20, that stereotype is getting tossed out the window. They’ve loaded these models up with an impressive array of features, and not just any features – they’re presented in such an alluring way, it’s like they’re saying “Come hither.” And if you opt for the top-of-the-line finishes, you’ll be treated to a veritable cornucopia of goodies.

Imagine cruising down the road with just the press of a button, your car starting up with ease thanks to the innovative keyless access and start technology. The LED headlights illuminate the path ahead, providing a clear and crisp view of the road. You check out the digital instrumentation display, featuring a variety of unique designs to suit your style.

Your fingers glide across the 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia system, easily accessing USB sockets, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay for all your entertainment needs. The camera and parking sensors ensure a stress-free driving experience, while the automatic climate control keeps the temperature just right.

And don’t forget about the complete equipment of driving assistants, always there to lend a helping hand when you need it. The only downside? These features are so good, they might just steal the show and distract you from the road ahead.

Hyundai has broken the boundaries of space with its i20 and Bayon models. These cars offer an unparalleled level of habitability that surpasses all expectations, even those of the highest quality. In fact, their access to the second row and spacious interiors are unrivaled, only second to the exceptional Skoda Fabia. Even the i20, which sits a bit lower, still provides ample room. But let’s not get carried away, as the center seat is still too snug for an adult during long hauls. It’s best to stick to a group of four for ultimate comfort.

The Bayon really flexes its muscles when it comes to cargo capacity. With its extra inches, it boasts a trunk with a whopping 59 liters more space. The numbers for both vehicles are impressive, but let’s give credit where credit is due: the Bayon reigns supreme. Plus, with convenient features like bag holders, false bottoms, and the ability to increase capacity by simply folding down the rear seats, this compact SUV is the ultimate packing powerhouse.

Though they may be small in size, the power demands of these models don’t measure up to their larger counterparts. Hyundai provides us with a matchless mechanical selection for both models, featuring petite engines with 84 to 120 horsepower, and some even have micro-hybrid systems. The only exception is the i20, which has received a special touch from the prestigious N-division, allowing for a sporty model with a staggering 204 horsepower.

At the wheel of the i20 and the Bayon

It’s no secret that the i20 and Bayon share the same mechanical range and chassis, so naturally, one wouldn’t expect significant discrepancies in their dynamic performance. Yet, both vehicles manage to astonish with their driveability, particularly the i20 which I found to be truly exceptional.

Granted, the Bayon’s extra height may not do it any favors in this aspect, but let’s be real, who’s really seeking out that kind of driving experience in these models? At the end of the day, it’s not a dealbreaker for any buyer.

Picture this: the mechanical range is like a specialized athlete, perfectly crafted for urban terrain. With its low to medium power range and a focus on consumption, it’s designed to make every movement count. And with the latest low hybridization systems, some of these elite athletes even earn the coveted DGT ECO label.

How? By storing energy in a sleek, compact battery and unleashing it when needed, like a sprinter dashing for the finish line. This energy boost helps to optimize other savings systems, such as sailing or automatic stop-and-go, making the mechanical range a true champion of efficiency.

Both of these vehicles are masters of the art of ride comfort. Their plush interiors provide the perfect cushioning for a smooth and relaxing journey, but the Bayon takes it to the next level. Its extra centimeters in suspension make it the king of comfort, and even in normal use, the difference is noticeable.

The transmission options are varied, but our test units were equipped with the MHEV system, which doesn’t necessarily require an automatic gearbox. Nonetheless, the well-presented double clutch is a game-changer, although a few minor hiccups need to be addressed.

However, Bayon’s increased height is not just for show. It offers a commanding driving position that gives you a better perspective of your surroundings. This heightened awareness can generate a sense of safety and control for the driver.

And in terms of fuel consumption, both vehicles performed equally well, with the data collected showing nearly identical figures. With careful driving, it’s even possible to achieve consumption rates lower than the approved standards.

We’ve danced around the similarities, but it’s time to face the elephant in the room: money. The i20 and Bayon may share some features, but when it comes down to price, there’s no contest. The i20 slides in just a smidge cheaper with a starting price of 16,590 euros, without any sweet deals or discounts.

The Bayon, on the other hand, starts at 18,690 euros, without any special offers to lighten the blow. Sure, the Bayon comes with a tad more base equipment, but the i20 still triumphs when it comes to technology with a savings of nearly 1,800 euros.

Bayon or i20? Two sides of the same coin, with equally alluring features. But if you’re looking for the ultimate temptation, it’s hard to resist the siren call of the Bayon. After all, who doesn’t love an SUV? And with a spacious trunk to boot, it’s a practical choice for any adventure.

That’s not to say that the i20 is a lesser option – far from it! With its nimble handling and alluring N model, it has its own unique charms that are hard to resist. Ultimately, whichever option you choose, you’re sure to make a winning choice.

Is the Hyundai i20 a good car?

The Hyundai i20, a diminutive hatchback that has garnered a reputation as a practical and sagacious choice, presents itself as a compelling alternative to the beloved British favorites, namely the Ford Fiesta and the Volkswagen Polo.

Recall the reticent and introverted student of your academic years – a mathematical wizard, whose packed lunches were the epitome of nutritional excellence. Now, in their early twenties, they have mastered the art of motorcycling and have metamorphosed into the lead vocalist of an indie band. Behold, the new Hyundai i20, once a paragon of understated style, and a model of functional practicality. The new iteration of the i20 looks rather flamboyant at first glance.

The frontal facade of the Hyundai i20 boasts a colossal grille that dominates the face of the vehicle, supported by angular headlamps. The side of the car is adorned with sharp creases, while the rear resembles the aftermath of an overly enthusiastic designer’s infatuation with the concept of an angle. Though the frontal aspect is visually impressive, the back appears to be an overindulgence in style.

The interior of the Hyundai i20 is equally audacious, with a dashboard featuring a two-tone motif that is interrupted by straked trimming that appears to have been snatched straight from a Ferrari Testarossa. Nevertheless, the interior doesn’t evoke a sense of luxury, since the cabin is cluttered with hard and scratchy plastics.

Nonetheless, the i20 manages to redeem itself in terms of space. The driver’s seat and steering wheel have plenty of adjustment options, ensuring that you will not have trouble finding a comfortable position. Additionally, passengers in the rear enjoy a generous amount of head and legroom, considering the vehicle’s small stature.

The boot space is also quite reasonable, measuring in at 352 liters, which surpasses the Volkswagen Polo by a single liter and offers a significant increase from the Ford Fiesta’s 290-liter cargo area.

The Hyundai i20 is equipped with a single powerhouse, a turbocharged petrol-fueled 1.0-liter, three-cylinder engine infused with 48V mild-hybrid technology to facilitate economic fuel consumption.

This remarkable engine boasts a horsepower of 100 and is coupled with a six-speed manual transmission as the standard configuration, while the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is offered as an option. However, the N Line trim features its unique version of the engine that boasts 120 horsepower to elevate the vehicle’s sportiness and power.

The engine is impressive, potent enough to dominate the highways and efficiently navigate through the bustling streets. The Hyundai i20 is proficient in meeting the fundamental requirements of an everyday vehicle, which explains its popularity among consumers.

The steering is light and responsive, the turning radius is exceptional, and the vehicle is effortless to park, making it ideal for city driving. Its smooth and seamless mild-hybrid system minimizes emissions and enhances the economy without the slightest inconvenience. Nevertheless, the suspension is firmly set, so be prepared to feel the road’s irregularities a little more than desired.

This car does not disappoint on the highways either, despite being outperformed by the Volkswagen Polo on longer journeys. It can easily overtake other cars with its impressive power, although the cabin noise can be loud, including wind, road, and tire noise.

The Hyundai i20 can exceed your expectations when driving on winding and curvy roads. The firm suspension provides exceptional grip, and there is minimal tilting, although the steering might not be the most thrilling aspect. Overall, it is enjoyable to drive, though not as much as the Ford Fiesta.

The Hyundai i20 is like the shy kid who becomes an Indie Rocker; it retains its smart and pragmatic core, making it a practical and efficient vehicle for daily use. It ticks all the essential boxes for city driving, but the visual modifications might not appeal to everyone.

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How much is the Hyundai i20?

Indubitably, the Hyundai i20, a prodigious automobile of unparalleled magnificence, boasts a resplendent RRP range of £19,285 to £24,130. Nonetheless, with sasatimes’s incomparable ingenuity, one can economize an average of £1,413, thereby availing the exalted vehicle at an initial outlay of £18,066 when remunerating with cash.

Not to mention, the monthly amortization of this automotive masterpiece commences at an affordable rate of £220. Moreover, should one opt for a pre-owned i20, Sasatimes’s pricing commences at a modest £14,895.

Upon juxtaposing the prices of the Hyundai i20 with its conspicuously comparable counterparts, such as the Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo, one may feel a slight inflation in the costs. Indeed, prima facie, this observation holds true.

However, one must delve deeper into the matter. Incorporating an extended warranty for the Ford or VW to match the Hyundai’s standard five-year, boundless coverage swiftly elevates the price of the Fiesta or Polo to an equivalent level.

For those who finance the vehicle independently, the i20 furnishes an advantageous return on investment as it maintains its value with utmost steadfastness. Thus, upon resale, one reaps a more substantial proportion of the initial outlay than one would with a Fiesta or Vauxhall Corsa.

Performance and drive comfort

In town

The Hyundai i20, an automotive wonder, boasts an impressive array of features for navigating the urban jungle. Its unrivaled agility is embodied by its scintillatingly tight turning radius, permitting drivers to nimbly maneuver past obstacles with graceful ease.

Marvelous in its utility, every i20 comes equipped with rear parking sensors and a reversing camera, superlative in their quality, far surpassing those of rival vehicles in its class. Additionally, the i20’s remarkably small rear pillars make parking a breeze, while its front pillars don’t impede the driver’s vision when pulling out of junctions.

Emitting a dazzling 100hp, the i20’s 1.0-liter turbo petrol engine is a powerful force, perfectly complemented by its standard six-speed manual gearbox, delivering a thrillingly tactile experience for those behind the wheel. Alternatively, the seven-speed double-clutch automatic, operating with utmost smoothness, serves to make sluggish traffic a breeze.

What’s more, the i20 features a mild hybrid system, one that periodically halts the engine as the vehicle slows to a stop, promoting fuel economy while providing drivers with a uniquely quiet ride. Furthermore, this extraordinary vehicle can operate via battery power alone, a marvelously innovative feature.

Regrettably, the i20 falls short in terms of comfort and its ability to cope with jarring bumps on the road. It is as if the esteemed engineers at Hyundai have designed it for sporty performance alone, neglecting to temper its design to accommodate more casual drivers. Unfortunately, this oversight leads to an uncomfortable ride, making the i20 less capable of finding its footing compared to the Ford Fiesta.

On the motorway

The Hyundai i20’s ride is an exemplary manifestation of the robustness that defines the vehicle, especially when navigating the bustling town streets. However, when one takes on the motorway, the car effortlessly upholds its own even among the intimidating truck and van fleet.

At lower speeds, the car’s rigidity mellows, giving way to a composed, controlled ride, complemented by advanced safety features such as lane keep assist, forward collision avoidance, and automatic emergency braking to avert potentially hazardous situations.

Nonetheless, amidst all the comfort and joy, the i20’s cabin is marred by excessive wind and road noise. The 100hp 1.0-liter engine presents a satisfactory performance in motorway driving, although one might have to drop down a gear or two to accelerate adequately when joining off the slip road or tackling hills.

However, with the N Line variant boasting a 120hp motor, drivers have more power reserves to experience a sense of ease when cruising on these faster roads.

On a twisty road

The Hyundai i20 is tantalizingly close to delivering an adrenaline-inducing experience on winding country roads. However, it is vexing that this vehicle fails to fully achieve this feat.

The root of this problem lies in the steering, which fails to establish a strong connection with the front wheels. While the i20 executes turns with ease and maintains its trajectory with an impressive degree of adhesion, the driver remains rather aloof to the dynamics of the vehicle. Ford has mastered this aspect of driving with their Fiesta, making it all the more frustrating that the i20 falls short in comparison.

Yet, the taut suspension system of the i20 thwarts any potential body roll from arising. Nevertheless, the driver will be all too aware of changes in the quality of the road surface.

The N Line, with its marginally stiffer calibration, is a satisfactory warm hatch that boasts superb handling. This could be a viable alternative for drivers who aren’t fully committed to the full-throttle power of the i20 N hot hatch.

Space and practicality

The Hyundai i20’s driving position is an outstanding feat of engineering. The seat is height adjustable in all models, and the steering wheel moves in both height and depth, facilitating the effortless discovery of the perfect seat set-up, regardless of stature.

It must be noted, however, that the i20 lacks any form of lumbar adjustment. Nonetheless, the front seats provide substantial support. Additionally, the backrest is regulated by several pre-determined settings, making it slightly less proficient at providing the ideal angle than, say, a Ford Fiesta with its superior rotary adjuster.

Nevertheless, the controls align impeccably with the driver when seated in the Hyundai, and the front pillars are slender, rendering good all-around visibility.

The i20 is equipped with rear parking sensors and a reversing camera across all trims, rendering parking an effortless task.

The vehicle’s commodious door bins effortlessly accommodate water bottles, and the front console is furnished with two cupholders. Moreover, a cubby with a lid doubles as an armrest. The front of the gear lever provides additional storage, with a 12-volt charger and USB port, which seamlessly integrate with your phone. The Ultimate trim boasts a wireless phone charger that utilizes this pad.

The glovebox offers supplementary space for small items, in addition to the car’s owner’s manual.

Space in the back seats

The magnificent i20 surpasses its counterparts in terms of rear seat space, offering abundant head, leg, knee, and shoulder room. Even those stationed in the middle of the back bench can stretch out their toes, though they will inevitably encounter a snugness in proximity to their neighboring passengers.

The vehicle boasts a trifecta of triple-point seat belts, while the outer two rear seats contain secure ISOFIX mounts. Accessing these mountings may prove less expeditious than certain other models, as inserting the lugs of a child seat into the seat fabric is necessary to locate the brackets.

Should a child seat be installed, the front seats may need to be adjusted slightly forward. In addition to door bins with ample storage space, a passenger-side map pocket is included. Hyundai has even thought to provide a slanted tray perfect for stowing mobile phones, with the convenience of a USB port situated just below for effortless charging.

Boot space

The Hyundai i20 flaunts a magnificent 262 liters of storage capacity, surpassing the Volkswagen Polo by a mere iota. In practicality, this implies that the i20 boasts an admirably commodious boot, befitting of its ilk.

The versatile floor of the i20 can be raised or lowered to two separate altitudes, effectively aligning with the loading sill in its elevated position.

The rear seats of the i20 furnish a 60-40 split and effortlessly tilt forward, albeit without the ingenuity exhibited by the Honda Jazz. Lacking in sophistication, the i20 proffers a capacious cargo hold of 1075 liters, which is impressive, but by no means peerless in its category.

Interior style, infotainment and accessories

Undoubtedly, the Hyundai i20 shall endure the test of time with ease, yet why must they incorporate an excess of subpar plastics within the cabin? Regrettably, Hyundai has employed a plethora of abrasive plastics that emanate an unappealing aesthetic, a far cry from the chic Volkswagen Polo or Skoda Fabia.

The ambiance is further tarnished by the conspicuous strakes adorning the dashboard. One cannot fathom what the designer had envisioned, or what the individuals who approved the design were thinking, but it is a detriment to the overall interior of the i20.

Thankfully, the individual in charge of the controls possessed an ounce of sense. They have implemented lucid digital dials that are present across all trim levels, alleviating any ambiguity. Additionally, the information cluster between the main dials provides an assortment of data concerning your journey or the car’s well-being.

While the heating and ventilation controls necessitate familiarity, the infotainment system is a different story. The Connect SE trim presents an 8.0-inch color touchscreen that integrates smoothly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, delighting the user with its lucid graphics and rapid responses.

Hyundai has, however, saved its trump card for the other three i20 trims. Their 10.3-inch touchscreen flaunts a grandiose, vivid display that facilitates use while driving. Furthermore, the shortcut buttons enable easy access to frequently used menus, and the rotary dial next to the driver’s left hand provides a prompt means to adjust the stereo volume, sparing the slight steering wheel buttons.

MPG, emissions, and tax

The most prodigious Hyundai i20 is undeniably the SE Connect variant, boasting an awe-inspiring six-speed manual gearbox that seamlessly delivers a combined fuel economy of 55.4mpg. Additionally, it emits a mere 116g/km of carbon dioxide. Alternatively, should one decide to opt for the automatic gearbox, those aforementioned figures amass to an impressive 54.3mpg and 117g/km, respectively.

The Premium and Ultimate models share the same engine as the SE Connect, but due to their larger wheels, they regrettably trail behind slightly, securing 54.3mpg and 119g/km for the manual transmission, or 53.3mpg and 122g/km for the auto.

The N Line, with its own 120hp version of the 1.0-liter turbo petrol engine, is an exceptional specimen, providing a fuel economy of 53.3mpg with manual or auto gearboxes. As far as emissions are concerned, it registers 118g/km for the six-speed manual transmission and 121g/km for the automatic.

Every iteration of the i20 bestows itself in the same road tax bracket, impressively set at a notable £190 for the first year.

Safety and Security

The Hyundai i20 is replete with an abundance of top-notch safety accouterments. Each vehicle boasts six airbags, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and Forward Collision Avoidance, ensuring that you’re cocooned in a protective bubble of advanced safety features.

Furthermore, the i20 is equipped with eCall, Intelligent Speed Limit Warning, and a driver fatigue alert, all designed to keep you safe and sound at all times.

Opting for the Premium trim, you’ll revel in additional perks, including a blind spot warning, Forward Collision Avoidance for junctions, and Lane Follow Assist. This state-of-the-art system allows you to coast down the road with the utmost confidence and ease.

Reliability and problems