- Kia will expand its crossover lineup in India with a new offering called Syros.
- The model will feature a minivan-inspired silhouette and a “lounge-like” interior.
- It will debut on December 19, and will reportedly offer ICE and EV options.
Update 12/16: Continuing its teaser campaign, Kia has published more revealing videos of the Kia Syros and confirmed that the global debut will take place in India on December 19.
Kia is ready to unveil a new small SUV offering, called the Syros. The model will make its global debut in India on December 19, featuring minivan-like proportions, a well-appointed equipment list, and what the company describes as an “innovative” seating arrangement.
The Syros forms a key part of Kia’s “Kia 2.0 Strategy” for India, which aims to meet the specific demands of local buyers while maintaining global appeal. Set to bridge the gap between the Sonet and the Seltos in the brand’s lineup, the Syros is poised to play a crucial role in Kia’s continued expansion in the region.
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The name “Syros” follows Kia’s established pattern of using “S”-starting names for its SUVs, such as the Sonet, Seltos, Stonic, Sportage, and Sorento. While the company hasn’t revealed the exact inspiration behind the name, Syros is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, close to the more famous Mykonos.
From the teasers, the Syros presents a boxy silhouette reminiscent of a smaller Kia Carnival minivan, with a flat roofline and a nearly vertical tailgate. The profile features a prominent B-pillar, echoing design elements seen in models like the Hyundai Casper and Inster. Other design highlights include the LED headlights mounted on the edges of the bumper, and the L-shaped taillights flanking the rear windshield.
Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director and CEO of Kia India, noted that the new model incorporates a “progressive SUV design language that doesn’t follow the conventional SUV design anymore”. The CEO also promised it will offer “segment-first features, exceptional performance, and unparalleled comfort”, focused on the needs of Indian buyers.
As reported by Autocar India, Kia also revealed that the Syros will feature a “lounge-like” interior, with “futuristic features and an innovative seating layout”. The vehicle’s equipment list is expected to include a 10.25-inch infotainment display, powered and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, a Bose audio system, up to six airbags, and a range of advanced safety features.
At launch, the Kia Syros will be offered with two non-electrified powertrains – a turbo 1.0-liter gasoline and a 1.5-liter diesel – with a fully electric version rumored to join the lineup in future. Power will be transmitted to the front axle via a six-speed manual or a an automatic (six-speed torque converter or seven-speed dual-clutch).
The market launch of the Kia Syros in India is expected in early 2025. The fact that Kia published teasers of the SUV in its worldwide channels suggests it could also eventually be offered in other markets.