The subcompact SUV segment is about to get a serious shake-up. While the current Hyundai Bayon has often been viewed as a “hatchback on stilts,” the next-generation BC4 prototype has just been spotted braving the frozen landscapes of the Arctic Circle—and this time, it’s wearing significantly less camouflage. These latest spy shots thanks to our colleagues at SB-Medien confirm that Hyundai is doubling down on a more “grown-up” SUV identity, moving the Bayon away from its i20 roots and closer to the territory occupied by its big brother, the Kona.
A Bold Design Shift: More SUV, Less Hatchback
The lightened camouflage on the Arctic test mules reveals a much more upright and boxy silhouette. Hyundai’s design team has clearly prioritized “road presence” for this generation. Key exterior details spotted include:
- Seamless Horizon Lighting: Following the brand’s latest design language (as seen on the Kona and Santa Fe), a thin LED light bar appears to stretch across the hood.
- Vertical Headlamp Orientation: Beneath the DRL strip, the main headlamps look to be housed in a more vertical, rectangular layout within the bumper.
- Chunkier Proportions: A flatter roofline, squared-off wheel arches, and a rising waistline give the BC4 a more muscular, traditional SUV stance.
- Increased Dimensions: Reports suggest a longer wheelbase and wider track, which should translate to class-leading legroom and cargo capacity.
First-Ever Hybrid Powertrain and N Line Trim
Perhaps the biggest news coming out of these winter tests is what’s under the hood. For the first time, the Bayon will move beyond simple mild-hybrid tech to offer a full-hybrid (HEV) powertrain. This aligns with Hyundai’s 2030 electrification strategy, offering buyers a high-efficiency alternative without the price tag of a full EV.
Additionally, the N Line variant has been confirmed via spy shots. This sportier trim was seen featuring:
- Aggressive front and rear bumpers with satin silver or gloss black accents.
- Larger, exclusive dual-tone alloy wheels with “N” branding.
- Twin exhaust tips and a more prominent rear diffuser.
- Expected chassis and suspension tweaks for a more engaging drive.
Interior & Tech: A Mini-Kona Experience?
Inside, the Bayon BC4 is expected to undergo a digital revolution. While the Arctic prototypes still have covered dashboards, industry insiders point toward a dual-screen layout—combining a fully digital instrument cluster with a larger 10.25-inch (or potentially larger) infotainment touchscreen.
Expect a suite of Hyundai SmartSense ADAS features to come standard, potentially including advanced lane-keeping, blind-spot collision avoidance, and even a cabin camera for driver monitoring or “social” features.
The “Kona Cannibalization” Question
With the new Bayon growing in size and gaining a hybrid powertrain, it begs the question: Will it cannibalize Kona sales?
| Feature | Next-Gen Bayon (BC4) | Current Hyundai Kona |
| Segment | B-SUV (Entry) | B-SUV (Premium) |
| Powertrain | Petrol / Full Hybrid | Petrol / Hybrid / Full EV |
| Vibe | Practical, Urban, Rugged | Tech-forward, Performance |
| Stance | Boxy & Upright | Futuristic & Sleek |
While the Kona remains the flagship of the small SUV range with its EV variants, the Bayon is rapidly closing the gap in terms of utility and efficiency. For buyers who don’t need the extra power or electric range of the Kona, the more affordable (yet equally spacious) Bayon BC4 might become the smarter pick.
Launch Timeline
Expect the next-generation Hyundai Bayon to make its global debut in late 2026 or early 2027. Initial production models are likely to hit the European and South Korean markets first, followed by a wider global rollout.
