From the moment you set eyes on it, the Kia Syros makes a statement. Its upright, tall-boy stance, combined with a 2550mm wheelbase, gives it a commanding presence that makes it appear larger than its 3995mm length suggests.
Clever interplay of surfaces on the sheet metal creates a unique character. The polarising ‘love it or hate it’ design is anchored by Kia’s digital Tiger Nose grille, Star Map LED DRLs, and Star Map tail lamps, all of which add a futuristic touch.
The additional design elements such as the shark fin antenna, roof-mounted spoiler, and 17-inch alloy wheels seem to round out the sporty yet refined exterior. With its good ground clearance, the Syros is well-equipped to tackle both city streets and weekend adventures with ease. Positioned between the Sonet and Seltos in Kia’s range, the Syros offers a combination of style, functionality, and performance that’s hard to ignore.
Premium and spacious Interior
Step inside, and the Syros continues to impress with its thoughtfully done cabin that prioritised comforts, space, and innovation. The use of high quality materials gives it an upscale vibe, and the wide body ensures generous space for even taller passengers. Storage solutions are plentiful, with ample space for knick-knacks, making the Syros a practical choice for families and urban explorers alike.
The driver’s seat is four-way power-adjustable, and the front seats come with ventilation in both the seat and backrest — a thoughtful touch for warmer climates. The rear bench is equally well-designed, featuring seat ventilation (excluding the backrest), a 60:40 split, and the ability to slide forward or backward to optimise legroom or luggage space. The reclining backrest adds to passenger comfort, and when the rear seat is completely reclined it provides 390 litres of boot space, which can expand to 465 litres when the seat is slid forward.
Advanced features
Kia has packed the Syros with a host of advanced features. The panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with light, while rear AC vents and USB-C charging ports for both front and rear passengers ensures convenience.
Other highlights include, wireless charging, a Harman Kardon eight-speaker audio system, and the large Trinity Screen — a seamless integration of the driver’s information display, vehicle controls, and infotainment system. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay ensure connectivity, while the offset Kia logo on the steering wheel adds a touch of quirkiness. The wheel itself is packed with controls for infotainment, drive modes, and traction modes, enhancing ease of use. The futuristic front console layout exudes an upmarket feel, with neat surfaces.
Driving dynamics
Under the hood, the Syros offers two powertrain options tailored to different driving needs. The 1.0 T-GDI turbo-petrol engine delivers an impressive 120 PS of power and 172 Nm of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed DCT.
For those who prefer diesel, the 1.5 CRDI engine offers 116 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque, with options for a six-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter automatic. The automatic variants also come with paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience.
The steering is light, firming up well at higher speeds. Stability at triple-digit speeds is commendable, and the suspension setup is finely tuned for Indian road conditions. Despite being a compact SUV, the Syros never feels small, offering an easy yet fun-to-drive nature and a frugal approach to fuel consumption.
Safety features
The Syros is equipped with six airbags, ABS with brake-force assist, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, and hill-start assist. Additionally, it features Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that use a combination of radar and cameras to deliver 16 safety features, including lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking. This robust safety suite makes the Syros a standout option in its class.
Kia Connect offers over 80 connected car features, including remote engine start, vehicle tracking, and voice commands. The key fob allows you to open and close all four windows at the touch of a button, a handy feature on hot summer days.
The verdict
The Syros does come with one potential drawback: its polarising design, which may not appeal to everyone. However, as a package, the Syros ticks all the right boxes. Its futuristic aesthetics, comfortable cabin and versatile performance make it a compelling choice in the compact SUV segment.
Although official pricing has yet to be announced, Kia is expected to position the Syros starting under ₹10 lakh. If true, this would make the Syros an outstanding value proposition, redefining expectations in the compact SUV space.
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Published – January 28, 2025 05:43 pm IST
