Hyundai plans to launch the most affordable electric model Ioniq P in the Indian market

Hyundai has released its new mid-size crossover model, the Bayon. This new SUV is available in several trim levels: HX 2, HX 3, HX 3 Plus, HX 5, HX 6, HX 8, and HX 10. In the most basic configurations, the manufacturer offers a manual transmission.

The Bayon is equipped with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that generates 115 horsepower and 143.8 Nm of torque. Additionally, the company offers a six-speed manual and a CVT transmission. The trunk capacity of this SUV is 505 liters. Vehicle dimensions are: length 4245 mm, width 1810 mm, and height 1605 mm, with a wheelbase reaching 2600 mm. The starting price for this vehicle is 9.99 lakh rupees, including export duties.

Let's look at the features of the most affordable, base version of the Hyundai Bayon. Primarily, this concerns safety and protection features. Six airbags are standard, even in the base variant. Furthermore, the car is equipped with driving assistance systems such as hill start assist, electronic stability control, vehicle stability control, ABS, and electronic brake force distribution.

Additional safety features include an emergency stop signal, rear parking sensors, Highline tire pressure monitoring system, day/night IR cameras, headlight beam assist function, central locking, automatic door unlocking upon collision detection, automatic door locking upon speed detection, keyless entry, seatbelt reminders, immobilizer, Isofix child seat mounts, and front disc brakes.

Regarding the exterior appearance, this version features LED projector headlights, H-shaped LED daytime running lights and turn signals, as well as H-shaped LED taillights and an LED top stop light. The car also has a rear spoiler, a shark fin antenna, and 16-inch steel wheels supplied with covers.

The interior features a color scheme of black and olive-gray tones. It includes fabric upholstery, a D-shaped steering wheel, manual adjustment of the driver's seat height, a fixed center console armrest, height-adjustable front seat headrests, and a digital instrument cluster.

In terms of comfort and convenience, the vehicle is equipped with front and rear electric windows, manual air conditioning, rear air vents for climate control, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, as well as front and rear Type C USB charging ports, a power outlet, and electrically adjustable side mirrors.

Mahindra's portfolio includes numerous SUVs for different segments, but some models hold a special place in consumers' minds. Among them is the Mahindra Thar, which is available in two variants: Thar OG and Thar Rocks. Nevertheless, the domestic vehicle from the same company, the Mahindra Bolero, managed to surpass the Thar in sales for September.

Over the year, sales of this domestic SUV increased by 253%. In September, 9,710 units of the Bolero were delivered. At the same time, the combined sales of the Thar and Thar Rocks reached only 9,008 units, meaning the Bolero sold 702 more units this month.

When compared to September of last year, when only 2,747 units were sold, the Bolero demonstrated an impressive growth of 253%. Although it was previously thought that this might be a revival, in reality, Bolero sales remained stable at around 9,000 units monthly. However, in August, sales dropped to 8,159 units, and in September they returned to the previous level.

The popularity of the Bolero is due to its price and the trust of Indian consumers. This SUV is available for a price ranging from 8,5 to 10 thousand rupees for export clearance. For this price, buyers receive a rear-wheel-drive diesel vehicle with a ladder frame and a seven-seater cabin, which cannot be found in other vehicles at a similar price.

Consumers who wish to purchase an SUV with good durability and simple mechanics without spending 13–20 thousand rupees choose the Bolero. Mahindra has also addressed the shortcomings of this car that previously deterred buyers.

The top-spec version of the Bolero offers a 7-inch touchscreen, steering wheel controls, power windows, USB Type-C charging, alloy wheels, and other features. The SUV is equipped with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder diesel engine that generates 75 hp and 210 Nm of torque. Thanks to rear-wheel drive, the stated fuel consumption is 16 kilometers per liter.

As for the Thar, September proved to be a weak month for this model. Thar sales decreased by 24% compared to last year and by 11% compared to the previous month. More than 10,000 units of this Mahindra vehicle were sold in August.