3 New Hyundai SUVs Launching Soon: Bayon To Next-Generation Creta
Hyundai is planning to strengthen its portfolio further in the coming years. There will be a strong focus on SUVs. In the coming months, the Korean carmaker will launch three new SUVs- the next-generation Creta, Bayon and the product that’s currently codenamed Ni1i. These will also include hybrid offerings and are part of a Rs 45,000-crore commitment. Here is a closer look at these products.
Hyundai plans to launch the second-generation Bayon in India in the coming months. It will have more SUV-character in design and packaging. When launched, the Bayon will sit between the Venue and Creta in Hyundai’s India portfolio.
The SUV, currently codenamed Bc4i, has already been spied testing. This sighting from Hyderabad suggests Venue-like styling cues and a tall stance. Expect to see a split LED headlamp setup, Venue-like DRLs, new wheels, unique tail lamp design and more. The first-generation used to look more crossover-ish.
In its dimensions, the Bayon will be bigger than the Venue but not as large as a Creta. With it, Hyundai can possibly seal the gap between the two completely. Inside, the Bayon will have a modern layout and a long line of features.
Hyundai is known to be developing a new 1.2L turbo-petrol engine. The Bayon will be one of the first products to use this. This engine will be hybrid-ready as well. We may eventually get to see a strong hybrid version of the Bayon. Along with the new engine, Hyundai is also expected to use the 1.0L turbo-petrol.
From what is known, Bayon could share many of its components with the upcoming generation of the i20 hatchback. The regular turbo version is likely to come with DCT automatic transmission and manual transmissions while the hybrid could use an e-CVT.
Another expected launch is that of the next-generation Creta. The Creta continues to be the strongest player in the mid-size SUV segment, and one of Hyundai’s hottest-selling models. It is known to get a generational update in late 2026 or early 2027.
Being a full model change, the new Creta will have extensive changes in exterior and interior design and feature lineup. The new Creta is expected to get a sharper, more aggressive look. The new design will likely draw inspiration from the IONIQ 5. It will get a new front fascia, reworked rear and larger overall dimensions. The new SUV will move to the third-generation K3 platform from the outgoing model’s K2 architecture.
The interior will get a new layout and new colour scheme. It will also have Hyundai’s new-age steering wheel and even more features. The outgoing Creta itself comes well-kitted. The new model will make it better. There will of course be generous sharing of equipment with the current model. Overall, the cabin experience will improve significantly on the new Creta.
Initially, the third-generation Creta will come with the same engine options as the current one- 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5L turbocharged petrol and 1.5L diesel. These will have the same output figures as well. Both manual and automatic (CVT, torque converter and dual-clutch) transmissions will be offered.
A strong hybrid powertrain is expected to join the lineup later in time. It will have a 1.5L petrol engine as its core and will likely be mated to an e-CVT transmission. Once launched, the new generation of Creta will continue to compete with the likes of Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Renault Duster, Tata Sierra, and its Korean cousin- the second-generation Kia Seltos.
The third SUV expected from Hyundai is a three-row SUV, internally codenamed Ni1i. In Hyundai’s lineup, it will effectively replace the now-discontinued Tucson. When launched, it will compete with three-row models like the Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari.
The Ni1i will have a roomy, feature-rich cabin and an overall vehicle length of 4.7 metres. It will likely be offered with both six and seven-seater configurations. While it is too early to comment on the design, this SUV is expected to come with vertically-stacked LED lights, large wheels and several other modern ‘signature Hyundai’ cues.
It will have strong road presence and will be powered by the newly-developed 1.5L strong hybrid powertrain. This arrangement would mate a 1.5L petrol engine with an electric motor and a battery pack. The exact power and torque outputs of this setup aren’t known yet. Speculations point to 150hp and 250Nm. Hyundai plans to manufacture this SUV at its Talegaon factory.