Hyundai has enjoyed wild success with its crossovers and SUVs, but innovation never stops. Automotive enthusiasts have anxiously awaited the debut of the brand’s newest model. But now the wait is finally over. This week, the South Korean manufacturer revealed the design and specs of its latest subcompact entry, the Hyundai Bayon.

The ultra-stylish crossover has a futuristic design that’s sure to capture your attention. However, you may not be able to get behind the wheel anytime soon. The Bayon will debut in Europe, and Hyundai hasn’t announced plans of a North American release at this time.

However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a ton to get excited about. Taking a closer look at this all-new subcompact crossover may provide a better glimpse into Hyundai’s future offerings on our shores.

The Hyundai Bayon has style in spades

This subcompact crossover fills a void in Hyundai’s European lineup as the brand’s smallest SUV. The Bayon is similar in size to the underappreciated Hyundai Venue, and it serves as an affordable, fuel-efficient vehicle with some flair.

However, the Bayon looks nothing like its sibling. The Venue, which Hyundai sells in North America but not Europe, has a boxy shape reminiscent of the Kia Soul. Meanwhile, the all-new Hyundai Bayon is sleek with sweeping curves and bold lines.

Hyundai gave the Bayon a bit of attitude as well. The crossover features arrow-shaped taillights connected by a thin light bar that runs across the liftgate.

Additionally, buyers can add some personality to their Hyundai Bayon by equipping it with an optional Phantom Black roof.

The Hyundai Bayon is more than just a cooler Venue

Overall, the all-new Bayon has a sharper, more sophisticated design than the Venue. But that isn’t the most significant difference between the subcompact crossovers. The Bayon’s powertrain is the factor that’ll make many North American car shoppers feel like they’re missing out.

While the Venue utilities a fairly typical 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, the Hyundai Bayon is much more advanced. This all-new model features an available 1.0-liter three-cylinder that works in tandem with a mild hybrid system. Plus, rev-matching is available on particular models.

Hyundai offers this powerplant in two variants – one that delivers 100 PS (metric horsepower) and another with 120 PS. These numbers roughly equate to 99 and 118 hp, respectively. Shoppers can pair this engine with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Meanwhile, the Bayon’s standard powertrain is much less exciting. It includes an 84-PS (or 83-hp) 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission. 

Hyundai gave its new crossover the works

The Bayon is exceptionally well-equipped for a vehicle of its size. Hyundai detailed some of the model’s features via a press release and stated that the Bayon has “class-leading connectivity.”

It features a standard eight-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, shoppers can add a litany of desirable options. These include a 10.25-inch audio-video navigation screen, a 10.25-inch digital cluster display, a Bose premium sound system, and a wireless charging pad.

Hyundai also offers a long list of cutting-edge smart safety systems on the all-new Bayon. Highlights include forward-collision warning, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, and front and rear automatic emergency braking. The company’s press release stated that many of these features are standard, but it didn’t specify which ones.