Hyundai Develops New 1.2-liter Turbo Engine For Bayon Crossover and Upcoming Models

With stringent emission norms in place and a growing demand for high-performance crossovers and SUVs in India, Hyundai is developing a 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine, known as the 1.2 TGDi. Certainly, the time is ripe for Hyundai to develop and release this powertrain in India for its upcoming Bayon crossover and other hybrid models, especially when its stark rival Maruti Suzuki already has hybrid models in its arsenal. 

New 1.2-liter TGDi Heart Sounds Interesting….

Talking about the engine from Hyundai, it will be a four-cylinder engine unit and will be developed in India for the world. It will boast good fuel efficiency without compromising on the performance that the current era never fails to desire. It is being designed to be used in conjunction with the upcoming hybrid architecture from the brand. 

Hyundai already has a 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine in its Venue compact SUV and its premium and hot-selling i20 hatchback (Both N-Line trims). The bigger 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is used in Verna, Creta, and Alcazar. So, the 1.2-liter turbocharged engine will strategically be a bridge and fill the gap between the smaller 1.0-liter and bigger 1.5-liter turbocharged engines. 

The 1.2-liter TGDi engine will offer a good balance of efficiency and power that the compact crossover segment demands. Maruti Suzuki is also developing its Z12E unit, which will be a three-cylinder as opposed to Hyundai’s four-cylinder. It will be used for the brand’s upcoming models, which will feature some form of hybridization. 

As per some reputed sources, Hyundai might pair the new powertrain with DCT or e-CVT transmission, depending on the use case. Say, for example, a performance-oriented N-Line trim could benefit from the quick-shifting DCT. On the other hand, Hyundai’s new MPV or a compact family SUV could use the e-CVT for slightly better efficiency, especially when CAFE 3 and BS7 emission standards are imminent soon. 

With a new-gen Venue spotted testing rigorously and expected launch in October 2025 and there’s a high chance that the new engine will be under the hood of it. Also, it will give a chance to Hyundai to track the market response to the new engine. If everything plays well in favour of Hyundai, then the engine will find a place with its upcoming Bayon crossover that might use the smaller 1.0-liter turbocharged engine as well. 

The all new Bayon Is Confirmed For Indian Debut

Hyundai is known to adapt very quickly to changing consumer mindset, and following the same, it is expected to release a crossover based on the i20 platform in India by the second quarter of 2026. Maruti Suzuki already has Fronx, which is based on the new Baleno platform, and it is bringing in good sales for the brand. Also, the Fronx is offered with a 1.0-liter turbocharged engine under its hood. So, Bayon’s usage of the robust i20 platform and new 1.2-liter turbocharged engine can reap good benefits for the brand at least on paper, with better performance figures. 

Well, the initial sketches and pictures suggest that the Bayon crossover will fall in the sub-4-meter territory and will benefit from tax exemptions in India. The front profile is very reminiscent of the new-gen Verna with its LED strip on the bonnet and headlamps on the front bumper. 

Coming to the sides, there’s typical Hyundai drama with 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and multiple creases and character lines to accentuate its personality. The rear is unlike any other Hyundai car, featuring a blacked-out tailgate section and boomerang-shaped LED tail lamps with connecting LED. Also, there’s black cladding and silver trim on the bumper.

Just like any other Hyundai car, this one will also be a feature-loaded car up to the brim. Plus, with it being a global model targeted primarily at the European markets, Hyundai will leave no stone unturned in offering everything it has to offer. Looking at the interior images, there’s a 4-spoke steering wheel, a wireless charging feature, and dual 10.25-inch screens for MID and infotainment, respectively. 

The Bayon will also offer ambient lighting, connected tech, OTA updates, fast charging USB-Type C ports, an 8-speaker Bose sound system, and ADAS Level 2. The global NCAP ratings are not yet available, but Euro NCAP gave it a 4-star rating. It is expected to have a starting ex-showroom price of 10-12 lakh in India.