KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- New Hyundai SUV spied in Chennai, likely the India-spec Bayon or Exter facelift
- Smoother panels and visible exhaust rule out the Exter EV or facelift
- Hyundai's major 2026-28 SUV and EV product push is underway
Hyundai's upcoming product cycle for India has officially moved into high gear, and the latest proof comes from a heavily camouflaged SUV spotted testing near the brand's Sriperumbudur facility in Chennai. With multiple new launches lined up between 2026 and 2028, including facelifts, all-new crossovers, EVs, and hybrids, this sighting hints at one of the first models in what could be Hyundai's most aggressive refresh in years. However, the identity of the test mule has sparked debate. Is this the updated Hyundai Exter for 2026? Or is India finally getting the much-discussed Hyundai Bayon crossover? Let's take a deeper look at what the test mule conceals and reveals, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community, specifically curated for petrolheads like us to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.
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Design Analysis: Why This Feels More Bayon Than Exter
At first glance, the SUV's stance and compact proportions may suggest an Hyundai Exter facelift. But the finer details tell a different story. The prototype lacks the sharp, triangular crease lines near the fenders, a signature trait of the current Exter that should still be somewhat visible even under camouflage. Instead, the body panels appear smoother and more European in their surfacing, consistent with the Bayon's design language.
The fuel-filler cap and visible exhaust system confirm that this is not the brand's new India-built compact EV launching in 2027. The Inster-derived electric model will have its charging port on the nose, whereas this mule clearly does not. The proportions also appear slightly wider and lower than the Exter, aligning with the Bayon's positioning as a crossover tailored for urban agility rather than a tall micro-SUV silhouette.
What Hyundai May Be Updating- Expected Changes
Should Hyundai be preparing the Exter for its mid-life refresh, it is expected that the biggest enhancements will be found inside the cabin. Hyundai is preparing to roll out the new Android Automotive OS (AAOS) across its mass-market range, and the Exter facelift is expected to debut this system in India. The interior would likely feature a larger touchscreen with AAOS integration, a reworked digital instrument cluster, improved material quality, and more connected features through OTA-enabled software. Mechanically, the Exter facelift is expected to retain its 1.2-litre petrol and factory CNG powertrains. Cosmetic revisions would be minor, with tweaks to lighting elements and bumpers forming the bulk of the exterior update.
The possibility of this prototype being the Hyundai Bayon is far more compelling. The Bayon is positioned globally between the Exter and Venue, and Hyundai has long evaluated its feasibility for India. If the brand is preparing it for a mid-2026 launch, this prototype would be at the right stage of testing. The Bayon would give Hyundai a modern, premium-feeling crossover slotted just above the Exter and could serve as a rival to the Maruti Fronx, Tata Punch EV, and Citroen C3 Aircross.
Hyundai's Larger Product Play: Why This Test Mule Matters
Hyundai has faced pressure from Tata Motors and Mahindra in recent months, slipping in monthly sales due to fewer new launches in the SUV and EV spaces. The brand continues to enjoy strong trust and brand pull, but its lineup has been due for a major renovation. The coming years will see a complete transformation of the company's India portfolio, with updated hatchbacks, a new MPV, refreshed SUVs, a lifestyle off-roader, and a ground-up India-built compact EV launching in 2027.
Verdict
Although the silhouette may initially trick the eye, the smoother sheetmetal and missing character lines strongly suggest that Hyundai is testing the India-spec Bayon rather than the Exter facelift. The proportions, stance, and design surfaces all align more naturally with the European crossover. However, until more prototypes emerge in different regions, the final confirmation remains open. What is absolutely clear is that Hyundai is preparing for a significant shake-up in the compact and subcompact SUV segments. Whether this camouflaged SUV becomes the Bayon or the updated Exter, Indian buyers can expect Hyundai to return with fresher design, upgraded tech, and renewed competitiveness as the brand kickstarts a long-overdue product renaissance between 2026 and 2028.
