Hyundai’s Indian lineup is about to get a serious shake-up. The carmaker is working on two fresh models that will slot neatly into gaps in its current range: a Bayon-based midsize SUV and a compact electric SUV built to go head-to-head with the Tata Punch EV. Both are expected to arrive before the end of FY2027, and together they mark one of Hyundai’s busiest product pushes in recent years.
The Bayon-Based SUV: A New Player Between Venue and Creta
The next-generation Bayon, internally referred to by the codename Bc4i, won’t just be a hatchback anymore. Spy shots from testing mules in India show a taller, boxier body with a “Sensuous Sportiness” design language, split headlamps, and ice-cube style LED elements up front. Measuring around 4.2 metres, this SUV will sit squarely between the Venue and the Creta, putting it in direct competition with the Maruti Suzuki Victoris.
Under the hood, expect a new 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine that’s more compact and efficient than the Creta’s 1.5-litre unit. Interestingly, reports suggest this will be the first Hyundai model above four metres to offer a CNG powertrain, likely pairing the petrol engine with an underbody-mounted CNG tank. That’s a smart move for a market where CNG demand keeps climbing among value-conscious buyers.
The Compact EV: Hyundai’s Answer to the Punch EV
On the electric side, Hyundai is developing a sub-4-metre EV codenamed HE1i, aimed squarely at the Tata Punch EV, currently priced between roughly Rs 9.69 lakh and Rs 12.59 lakh. This upcoming EV borrows its upright stance and boxy proportions from the global Hyundai Inster EV, and it’s expected to use similar battery packs, likely in the 42kWh and 49kWh range, delivering somewhere between 300 km and over 500 km depending on the variant.
Safety-wise, Level 2 ADAS is on the cards, along with fast-charging support and modern connected features. A closed front grille, split headlamps, and top-mounted LED DRLs give the test mules an unmistakably electric identity even under heavy camouflage.
Why This Matters
These launches aren’t happening in isolation. They’re part of Hyundai’s broader strategy to introduce nearly eight new cars and SUVs in India, following its IPO and the acquisition of the Talegaon manufacturing facility. With the next-gen Creta, a premium three-row hybrid SUV, and now these two additions, Hyundai is clearly aiming to cover every price bracket and powertrain type buyers care about.
For anyone shopping in the compact SUV or EV space, it might be worth waiting a few months. Both models are expected to bring meaningful updates over their rivals, and pricing details should start emerging closer to their FY2027 launch window.
Note: Specifications, timelines, and pricing mentioned above are based on spy shots, patent filings, and industry reports, and are subject to change until Hyundai’s official announcement.
Rajababu Kushwaha is the Founder and Editor of AutoCrest. He covers the latest car news, reviews, comparisons, EV updates, and buying guides for Indian car buyers.