In the SUV world, the basic models usually already know how to please. For example at Hyundai Bayon and VW T-Cross. The smallest high seats of the brands offer an amazing amount of everyday talent. And we want to know if that’s also the case with the small one-liter turbo engines.
Selected products in tabular overview
VW T-Cross 1.0 TSI
RRP from EUR 20,775, savings of up to EUR 2015
Hyundai Bayon 1.0 T-GDI 48V
RRP from EUR 21,365, savings of up to EUR 2,606
The T-Cross makes getting started easier
In the Wolfsburg mini-SUV, 95 hp pull on the front wheels, with the Korean 100 hp. The Bayon is also available with a 1.2-liter vacuum and 84 hp But that’s not even basic care anymore. The ratio of outer to inner size inspires the little ones again and again. Shorter than a Golf, both high seats allow relaxed travel.
Left over: In terms of driving performance, the Bayon easily overtakes the T-Cross, up to 100 km/h it already takes 0.8 seconds from the VW.
In the Bayon, however, we sit flatter overall, the upholstery lacks some resilience, and entry into the rear is not quite as smooth as in the T-Cross with the large, straight doors.
In the Bayon, the mild hybrid costs cargo space
Advantage Germany also with the trunk. Because the Koreans hide the battery for the 48-volt system under the double floor, they lose 77 liters, and the T-Cross is then up to 153 liters missing. And the 55 millimeters higher loading sill makes loading the Hyundai even more strenuous. But the VW doesn’t get away without being scolded either. If you order the powerful sound system (BeatsAudio with 300 watts, 500 euros), you not only sacrifice trunk volume, but also the function of closing the double floor in the lower position park.
VW Taigo vs. Hyundai Bayon (2021): Test – Comparison – Crossover
Will the new Taigo threaten the Bayon?
And the fact that the rear bench of the T-Cross can be moved lengthways (standard) is probably only for data cosmetics. Pushed forward, sitting in the second row becomes almost impossible. However, VW can specify a standard trunk volume of 455 liters – the more relevant value with the bench pushed back (385 l) is only given on request.
Engine type/cylinder
installation position
valves/camshafts
camshaft drive
displacement
kW (HP) at 1/min
Nm at 1/min
V max
transmission
drive
Brakes front/rear
test car tires
tire type
wheel size
Exhaust gas CO2
Consumption*
tank capacity
fuel grade
gasoline particulate filter
pass-by noise
Trailer load braked/unbraked
drawbar load
trunk volume
Length Width Height
wheelbase
basic price
test car price***
Three-cylinder, turbo, mild hybrid
Continental EcoContact 6
4180/1775-2040**/1500mm
4108/1760-1977**/1584mm
Navigation destinations or radio stations can be set to “Hello Volkswagen”, but the air conditioning does not listen to the word. The card can be played into the instruments to fill the format, connect smartphones (Apple/Android) even without a cable. The Bayon wants to be brought into conversation via a button, then even controls the seat heating with words. However, the Koreans often do not understand us (background noise is too loud), only shows in the instruments GPS-Arrows instead of a map and only mirrors cell phones via the cable.
When it comes to performance, the Hyundai is ahead
On the road, however, the Hyundai secures pole position. Thanks to a shorter six-speed gearbox, the Koreans just get going better – even if the electronic clutch provokes a slight bonanza effect when starting off. The Bayon takes the first eight tenths of the T-Cross, which has five gears, up to 100 km/h, up to 160 km/h the advantage then adds up to 5.9 seconds.
acceleration
0-50km/h
0-100km/h
0-130km/h
0-160km/h
elasticity
60-100km/h
80-120km/h
curb weight/load
Front/rear weight distribution
Turning circle left/right
seat height
braking distance
from 100 km/h cold
from 100 km/h warm
interior noise
at 50 km/h
at 100km/h
at 130 km/h
consumption
saving consumption
test consumption
Average of the 155 km test lap (deviation from the WLTP specification)
sports consumption
CO2 (test consumption)
Range (test consumption)
Both gear levers run precisely, but not without resistance through the lanes. And growling lively, both three-cylinders do not hide their design, but are not really intrusive. You can find more details about the test in the picture gallery.