Hyundai's next SUV, the Bayon, will be the brand's first model over 4 meters to get a factory-fitted CNG kit. The clever bit? The CNG tank sits under the floor, so you keep your spare wheel. That fixes the biggest headache with rival CNG SUVs like the Maruti Victoris. Launch is expected in early 2027, so this is still a wait-and-watch buy.
Underbody CNG tank: why it beats a boot-mounted cylinder
Most CNG cars stuff a big steel cylinder in the boot. That eats your luggage space and, worse, often forces the spare wheel out. The Hyundai Bayon is reported to mount its CNG tank under the floor instead. This frees up the boot and lets the SUV keep a proper spare wheel. For a long drive to your hometown, that means you're not stranded with a puncture and no backup tire. It's a smarter setup and a first for Hyundai on a car this size.
Bayon CNG vs Maruti Victoris CNG: The real difference
The Maruti Suzuki Victoris also offers CNG, but its kit forces you to give up the spare wheel. The Bayon won't make you choose. You get CNG savings and a spare tire together. There's a catch on the price. The Bayon is expected to start around ₹8 lakh and go up to ₹14 lakh, likely ₹2–3 lakh dearer than the Victoris on paper. So you pay more, but you don't sacrifice practicality. For families who run high monthly kilometers and hate compromise, that gap may be worth it.
Engine and gearbox: 1.5L petrol, 114 bhp
The Bayon is expected to use the same 1.5-liter petrol engine as the Hyundai Creta. It makes 114 bhp and 144 Nm of torque (pulling power). You get a choice of a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic (a smooth, clutch-free gearbox good for city traffic). A 1.2L turbo-petrol option may also be on the cards. One honest point: Hyundai hasn't shared the CNG mode power or the mileage figures yet. CNG usually cuts power a bit and boosts running cost savings, but we won't quote numbers we don't have.
Where the Bayon fits: Between Venue and Crete
At about 4.2 meters, the Bayon slots neatly between the sub-4-meter Venue and the bigger Creta. It's a 5-seater with a boxier, taller look and split headlamps. Feature-wise, expect a large touchscreen, a fully digital driver's display, and Level 2 ADAS (safety tech that can brake for you and hold a set speed on the highway). Against cheaper rivals, the Hyundai Exter tops out at ₹9.61 lakh and the Nissan Magnite at ₹11.13 lakh. The Bayon sits above both, aiming at buyers who want more size and kit.
Should you wait for the Bayon CNG or buy Victoris now?
If you need a CNG SUV today, the Victoris is here and cheaper. If you can wait till early 2027, the Bayon looks like the better long-term buy. The underbody CNG tank plus a spare wheel is a genuine practical win. Our take: it's worth waiting for if you want a well-equipped, sub-4.3-meter SUV with fuel flexibility. Just remember, this is still an upcoming car. No confirmed CNG variant prices or mileage exists yet, so treat the ₹8–14 lakh range as expected, not final.
References: Hyundai India — official website
