Kia Syros

The compact SUV segment is packed, but Kia has introduced another contender—the Syros, positioned between the Sonet and Seltos. Built on the reinforced K1 platform it offers the latest electrical architecture, including OTA updates for 16 body function controllers. The K1 platform is reinforced further and while Kia remains tight-lipped on crash ratings, the Syros is expected to perform well.

Ki Syros Exterior Design

The Syros stands out with its unconventional and funky styling. Key highlights include stacked ‘ice-cube’ headlights with vertical DRLs, an upright nose with a closed-off grille, and a faux silver skid. The window line curves upward at the B-pillar, and thick cladding flows from the front bumper to the rear. Wheel sizes range from 15-inch steel to 17-inch alloys. Like the headlamps the tail lamps merge with the cladding, featuring LED stop lamps and turn signals, while L-shaped DRLs frame the rear windscreen.

Kia Syros Interior

While the exterior may divide opinions, the interior will be a crowd-pleaser. The design is contemporary, with a squircle steering wheel and multiple color schemes depending on variant. High-quality materials and textures dominate the cabin, many of which are built with sustainable and recycled elements. The cube-shaped gear knob and illuminated P-R-N-D indicator add a helpful and modern touch. Tall-boy proportions translate to excellent headroom, while the 2,550mm wheelbase ensures generous legroom. Rear seats slide and recline, offering segment-first cooled seats—though only the base, not the backrest, is cooled due to the blow packaging constraints. The boot ranges from 390-465 liters, depending on seat positioning.

Kia Syros Features and Safety

The Syros is brimming with tech. A single glass panel houses three screens: a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 5-inch HVAC display. The HVAC system has a button bank, more elaborate on lower trims which do without the screen. Other highlights include an air purifier, 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio, voice assistant, 360-degree camera, 64-color ambient lighting and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof.

Convenience features include remote window control, resizable cup holders, and sliding sunshades. Safety is top-tier with ADAS, including smart cruise control and lane-keeping assist, alongside hill-start assist, ESC, and six airbags.

Kia Syros Performance

The Syros offers two engine choices: a 1.0L turbo-petrol (120hp, 172Nm) paired with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT, and a 1.5L diesel (116hp, 250Nm) with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. Drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) and traction modes (Snow, Sand, Mud) are also present.

The turbo-petrol is peppy, hitting 0-100kph in 11.63s, but suffers from turbo lag below 1,500rpm. The DCT upshifts early to conserve fuel (claimed 17.68kpl), and shifts can feel clunky at low speeds. The manual version offers a sportier experience with a smooth-shifting gearbox.

The diesel, delivers strong low-end torque, making city and highway driving effortless. It’s refined at low revs but gets noisy beyond 2,500rpm. The auto gearbox is smooth, albeit slightly slow to respond. The diesel’s efficiency and relaxed nature make it a solid choice, but both engines suffer from noticeable cabin noise.

Kia Syros Ride and Handling

Being a tall SUV with a panoramic sunroof, the Syros has some body roll, though the firm dampers help limit excessive lean. The trade-off is a ride slightly stiff over potholes, more so in the diesel. The steering is well-weighted at high speeds but could be lighter in the city.

Kia Syros Pricing and Verdict

With prices ranging from Rs 9 lakh to Rs 17.8 lakh, the Syros sits between the Sonet and Seltos and while there is some overlap the Syros is well differentiated. Kia also smartly offers a top-spec variant without the ADAS option handy for those who would use this primarily in the city. While the Syros lacks outright sportiness and highway refinement, it excels in comfort and convenience. NVH levels could be better, but its spacious cabin, segment-first and handy comfort features, and strong equipment list make it a compelling city SUV. If urban comfort is your priority, the Syros is a standout choice.

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