Hyundai Bayon Vs Nexon Vs Kylaq: Best Compact SUV Under Rs 15 Lakh

The competition in the compact SUV segment under Rs 15 lakh is intensifying, with multiple options offering different strengths. The newly-launched Hyundai Bayon, Tata Nexon and Skoda Kylaq are interesting choices for buyers looking for modern design, advanced features and technology. All three models have variants available under Rs 15 lakh, including automatic options.

Hyundai’s Bayon, positioned between the Venue and Creta, offers premium features, modern technology and a naturally aspirated petrol engine. Meanwhile, the Tata Nexon offers multiple powertrain options including petrol, diesel and CNG along with a five-star safety Bharat NCAP safety rating. The Skoda Kylaq is a suitable choice for buyers who prioritise performance and driving dynamics.

Hyundai Bayon Vs Tata Nexon Vs Skoda Kylaq – Price Comparison

Model	Starting MT Price	Top AT Under Rs 15 Lakh
Hyundai Bayon	Rs 10 lakh	Rs 14.97 lakh
Tata Nexon	Rs 7.37 lakh	Rs 13.62 lakh
Skoda Kylaq	Rs 8.25 lakh	Rs 12.99 lakh

 

All prices are ex-showroom.

Prices for the newly-launched Hyundai Bayon start at Rs 10 lakh for the entry-level manual variant. The HX5 iVT is the most affordable automatic variant, priced at Rs 13.85 lakh. Meanwhile, the Bayon HX6 iVT variant is the most expensive automatic variant available within the Rs 15 lakh budget.

The Tata Nexon comes at the lowest starting price among these three SUVs, at Rs 7.37 lakh. The SUV lineup offers a wide range of variants and powertrain options, making it suitable for buyers with different budgets and requirements.

The Skoda Kylaq’s base manual variant costs Rs 7.59 lakh. Buyers have Prestige+ manual and Prestige automatic variants available under Rs 15 lakh.

Overall, the Tata Nexon is the most affordable SUV under Rs 15 lakh, with a wide range of powertrains available at competitive starting price. The Kylaq is a good option for buyers looking for an affordable automatic, while the Bayon is a slightly premium offering over the other two models.

Hyundai Bayon Vs Tata Nexon Vs Skoda Kylaq – Engine & Performance

Specifications	Hyundai Bayon	Tata Nexon	Skoda Kylaq
Petrol Engine	1.5L MPi	1.2L Turbo	1.0L TSI Turbo
Diesel Engine	No	1.5L Turbo	No
CNG Engine	Planned	Yes	Planned
Petrol Power	115PS	120PS	115PS
Diesel Power	-	115PS	-
CNG Power	-	100PS	-

 

The new Hyundai Bayon is available with a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, delivering 115PS and 144Nm of torque. It comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox and an iVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission). The iVT variants also get paddle shifters, drive modes and Hyundai’s Dash Boost Mode for improved acceleration response.

The Tata Nexon offers the widest range of engine options, including a 120PS, 1.2-litre turbo petrol, a 115PS, 1.5-litre turbo diesel and a 100PS, 1.2-litre turbo-CNG. The petrol engine is available with manual, DCT automatic and AMT gearbox options, depending on the variant. The diesel engine comes with manual and AMT transmissions, while the CNG version is offered exclusively with a manual gearbox. With diesel and CNG powertrain options, the Nexon makes the most fuel-efficient choice than the petrol-only Bayon and Kylaq.

The Skoda Kylaq uses a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder TSI turbo petrol engine, generating power worth 115PS and 178Nm of torque. Interestingly, it’s the smallest capacity engine than the Bayon’s and Nexon’s petrol engines, but offers the highest torque. It can be had with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed torque convertor automatic transmission.

Hyundai Bayon Vs Tata Nexon Vs Skoda Kylaq – Features

Features are major buying factors in the compact SUV segment under Rs 15 lakh. The new Hyundai Bayon offers several segment-first and modern features including dual 12.3-inch curved displays with generative AI assistance, wireless smartphone connectivity, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, automatic climate control, Hyundai BlueLink connected car technology, Bose premium audio system, ambient lighting, Hyundai SmartSence Level 2 Pro ADAS and more.

The Tata Nexon comes with a well-rounded feature package, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, a fully digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera with blind view monitoring, connected car tech, automatic climate control, cruise control, JBL premium audio system, a panoramic sunroof, etc. The Nexon has also scored a five-star Bharat NCAP rating and comes with a comprehensive safety package.

The Skoda Kylaq doesn’t offer the same level of advanced technology and features as the Bayon and Nexon. However, its higher trim comes packed with premium features such as a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, a single-pane sunroof, electrically adjustable driver seat, ventilated front seats, wireless smartphone connectivity, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, electronic parking brake with auto hold and more. The Kylaq also has strong safety credentials with a five-star Bharat NCAP rating.

Conclusion

A compact SUV that offers a balanced proportion of price, engine performance, features, safety, running costs and practicality makes a better purchase. The Hyundai Bayon is the good option for buyers who want a larger SUV with a spacious boot, premium features, advanced tech and a comfortable driving experience rather than outright performance. The Skoda Kylaq makes a great purchase for buyers who want to enjoy performance and European driving dynamics. The Tata Nexon is best for Indian families looking for a balanced package of affordability, safety, performance and practicality.

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