- The Kia Syros made its global debut in India, where it will slot between the Sonet and the Seltos.
- The sub-4m SUV stands out with its modern exterior and the high-tech features inside the cabin.
- The FWD-only model will offer gasoline and diesel options, but an EV is also to be expected.
Kia has taken the wraps off the all-new Syros in India, as the latest contestant in the crowded urban SUV segment. The ICE-powered model adopts a modern styling language and comes with a surprisingly well-equipped cabin for its size, focusing on tech, comfort, and safety.
The Syros measures 3,995 mm (157.3 inches) long, 1,800 mm (70.9 inches) wide, and 1,665 mm (65.6 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,550 mm (100.4 inches). The length matches the Indian-spec Sonet, but the other dimensions are slightly increased.
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The exterior design is characterised by a boxy stance, with the generous ground clearance and the heavy dose of plastic cladding sending SUV vibes. The LED headlights are mounted lower than usual on the upright nose, combined with a black trim on the edge of the short hood. Kia designers went for a grille-less look, leaving cooling to the lower bumper intakes above the aluminum-style skid plate.
On the profile, we find swollen fenders and a strong B-pillar which is reminiscent of the Hyundai Casper and Inster. At the back, the split taillight arrangement includes slim L-shaped LEDs wrapped around the rear glass and a minivan-style tailgate.
Tech- And Comfort-Focused Cabin
Inside, the dashboard looks similar to the Kia EV3, with a 30-inch digital cockpit comprising dual 12.3-inch displays and a 5-inch screen for the climate controls. Another highlight is the rear bench with sliding, reclining, and ventilating functions being offered for the first time in the urban SUV segment. The boot is fairly large for a sub-4m offering, with a capacity of 465 lt (16.4 cubic feet).
Equipment can include a panoramic sunroof, 64-color ambient lighting, 4-way power seat for the driver, an 8-speaker Harman Kardon Premium Sound System, a wireless charging pad, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. Kia also mentions a “call center-assisted navigation” and several connected features. As for safety, the SUV has six airbags and can be equipped with 16 ADAS offering Level 2 autonomous driving.
Gas And Diesel Powertrain Options
The Kia Syros rides on the “reinforced” K1 architecture, which also underpins the smaller Hyundai Exter, Casper, and Inster. Despite the small footprint, the company promises “superior ride quality” thanks to the longer wheelbase and the “refined suspension”.
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At launch, the Syros will be available with gasoline and diesel powertrain options, although a fully electric version is also expected to join the range in the future. The turbocharged 1.0-liter gasoline engine generates 118 hp (88.3 kW / 120 PS) and 172 Nm (127 lb-ft) of torque, while the 1.5-liter diesel is good for 114 hp (85 kW / 116 PS) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). In both cases, power is transmitted to the front wheels via a manual or an automatic gearbox.
Rivals and Availability
The market launch of the Syros in India is scheduled for early 2025. Kia will start accepting pre-orders on January, while pricing will be announced in February. Local media suggest that the model will be more expensive than the Sonet, positioned closer to the larger Seltos.
Similarly-sized SUV rivals in India include the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Mahindra XUV 3XO, and Skoda Kylaq. Still, high-spec trims of the Syros will also compete with models from one segment above, due to the generous equipment.
While Kia didn’t go into details about the availability of the model elsewhere, we wouldn’t be surprised if the Syros finds its way to other markets like South America, or even Europe, where small SUVs are quite popular.