Kia Syros Compact SUV Launches Today: What To Expect

Kia Motors is all set to launch its 7th car in India, in the form of the Syros compact SUV. The Syros will slot right in between the Sonet and Seltos SUVs, as a butch-styled alternative in the compact SUV space. The Syros , pronounced Cirr-oss, will share much of its mechanicals with the Sonet, but will be larger, with more street presence, and also more features.

For now, we know that the Syros will be offered with two engine options, both borrowed from the Sonet. The petrol motor will be the 1 liter, triple cylinder turbocharged unit with 118 Bhp-172 Nm, and the diesel will be the 1.5 liter-4 cylinder turbocharged unit with 115 Bhp-250 Nm.

6 speed manual gearboxes will be standard with both engines while the turbo petrol will get a 7 speed twin clutch automatic as an option. The diesel will get a 6 speed torque converter automatic option.

Kia Motors has put out a slew of teasers in the run up to the Syros’ launch, and most features that the SUV will come with have already been unmasked through these teasers. For now, we know that the SUV will feature triple LED headlamps set in the front bumpers while boomerang-shaped DRLs will give the Syros an unmistakable look up front.

A short but high set bonnet, and styling similar to what we have seen in the top-of-the-line eV9 are two other elements that have been revealed so far. The Syros is likely to have body cladding all around, emphasizing its SUV lines.

On the profile, 17 inch alloy wheels, flush type door handles, and a unique silhouette with high set roof rails are expected to give the Syros a very distinct look – somewhat similar to what the Skoda Yeti looked like.

At the rear, Xmas light DRLs and a sculpted hatch lid are elements expected to stand out. The Syros will get a panoramic sunroof – a feature that India simply can’t get enough of, Overall, the Syros seems like a breath of fresh air – a compact SUV that isn’t afraid to go bold,  and be different from the usual fare in the budget segments.

On the inside, the Syros will get a slew of features such a powered driver’s seat, touchscreen AC controls, ventilated front seats, a reclining rear seat, wireless charging, Type-C charging ports,  a high-end stereo with Bose speakers, ambient lighting, a TFT driver information display and a floating infotainment unit. Terrain modes and Level 2 ADAS are two features that will differentiate the Syros from the Sonet.

As for pricing, the Syros is expected to be about Rs. 1 lakh dearer than the Sonet, variant to variant. A high amount of localization is expected to keep both the initial purchase price and long term ownership costs affordable. The Syros will be manufactured at Kia Motors’ Anantapur factory in Andhra Pradesh, alongside the Sonet, Seltos, Carens and Carnival models.

An all-electric version of the Syros is also said to be in the works, for a launch sometime by the end of next year. Kia Motors has been emphasizing that the Syros is nothing like any SUV in the segment. Will the automaker pull off a surprise by introducing an all wheel drive layout? We can’t wait for find out. We’ll be live from the launch floor. Keep an eye out on this space for more details.