Hyundai is starting to roll out its new Robocop-style “Art of Steel” design language throughout its model lineup.

After launching the all-new Tucson, Hyundai Motor Europe has revealed the all-new Bayon at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. The Bayon is a subcompact crossover designed to combine urban-friendly dimensions with upgraded technology, improved passenger comfort, and a more pronounced SUV identity.

Compared to its predecessor, the all-new Bayon features a bolder, and a more angular exterior design thanks to the new “Art of Steel” design language, with the N Line variant adding dedicated styling elements for a more performance-oriented appearance.

Inside, the Bayon receives an available curved panoramic display layout combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Hyundai Digital Key 2, wireless charging, and an available eight-speaker Bose Premium Sound System are among its technology features. An available Entertainment Package also provides access to streaming services such as YouTube through the infotainment display. 

Hyundai has also focused on passenger comfort, with available heated and ventilated front seats, reclining rear seatbacks, and increased rear legroom. Depending on specification, rear passengers can also benefit from heated seats, dedicated air ducts, and a center armrest with integrated cupholders. An openable panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and dual ambient lighting further enhance the cabin.

Despite its compact footprint, Hyundai says the model's longer wheelbase helps maximize cabin space. Its practical proportions are complemented by a luggage compartment with a projected capacity of 440 liters for internal-combustion versions, along with additional storage beneath the floor. 

At launch, the all-new Bayon features a 1.0-liter, turbocharged gasoline engine, producing 90 PS or 115 PS, with a 6-speed manual transmission and a 7-speed dual clutch transmission available in the drivetrain. A hybrid powertrain is planned to follow, pairing a 1.6-liter gasoline direct-injection engine with an electric motor and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The system is expected to deliver a combined output of 138 PS, with adaptive regenerative braking allowing drivers to adjust energy recuperation using steering-wheel paddle shifters.

For safety, the all-new Bayon will offer a generous list of driver assistance systems with the Hyundai SmartSense. These include Highway Driving Assist 2, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, Lane Following Assist 2, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. Other available systems include a Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Smart Cruise Control, and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist-Reverse.

For European markets, the all-new Bayon will be produced at Hyundai Motor Türkyie. But for now Hyundai has not specified a market launch date or pricing in its announcement. 

As for its Philippine market introduction, we’re not quite sure if Hyundai could use another model in its small crossover lineup. HMPH already offers the Kona, Venue, and Creta, giving buyers three options in the compact crossover and small SUV categories.

But should HMPH pull the trigger, the Bayon could overlap with the Venue or Creta, which makes it all the more important for Hyundai to establish a clear distinction between the models. That said, we’ll have to wait and see for future updates regarding this one.