Hyundai launched its new Bayon compact SUV today, priced starting just under ₹10 lakhs (ex-showroom, introductory), and only one petrol engine option was announced. However, the company has also confirmed that CNG variants will debut after a short gap, in January 2027. This will be a key part of the company’s sweeping strategy to launch 26 new and updated products by 2030 to retake the #2 position on India’s sales charts.
The Bayon will first hit the market with a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol unit that produces 114 bhp at 6,300rpm and 143.8Nm of torque at 4,500rpm. The factory-fitted CNG option coming in January is expected to be based on the same unit, but with different tuning and likely slightly lower performance.
It’s not yet clear what Hyundai’s strategy will be in terms of which variants are offered with CNG, ranging from the barebones HX 2 base variant which doesn’t have any infotainment system, to the top-end HX 10 with all the bells and whistles including ADAS and an AI-based voice assistant. Pricing will be slightly higher for each CNG option than its respective petrol-only equivalent trim.
Hyundai is likely to go with a dual-tank CNG kit, which could affect specifications such as boot capacity. The currently offers CNG versions of the Exter micro SUV, Aura subcompact sedan, and Grand i10 Nios hatchback. The Bayon will be the most premium CNG model in the Korean carmaker’s lineup so far, reflecting the growing acceptance of CNG with mainstream, value-conscious buyers.
All existing CNG options are available only with manual transmission, so it remains to be seen whether Hyundai will stick with this strategy or branch out with this more premium offering. The CNG Bayon will compete with the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Victoris, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and Mahindra XUV 3XO, among others.
