Kia Syros: 5 Absolutely Unique Features That No Other Sub-4 Meter Compact SUV Has

Kia India has taken wraps off the all-new Syros- the SUV that will sit between the Sonet and Seltos in the manufacturer’s domestic portfolio. The pricing hasn’t been revealed but what we know are the features and equipment that would be on offer upon launch. Kia seems to have packaged the Syros well, ensuring a clean, uncluttered and comfortable cabin experience. Here are a few features and tech on the Syros that make it stand out from the crowd. You wouldn’t see these on many cars, and many are first-in-segments as well.

OTA Updates, Connected Tech, And Call Center Assisted Navigation

For the first time in its segment, the Syros gets Over The Air (OTA) updates which let you keep the infotainment and other systems up to date. The vehicle gets the Kia Connect 2.0, which offers even more features than before. In addition to these, the Syros also comes with a Call centre-assisted navigation system which lets you dial up a help center in case you are lost and get navigational assistance. This seems to be quite a useful feature in the Indian conditions.

Level 2 ADAS With 16 Safety Features

The outgoing Sonet gets Level 1 ADAS suite, while the Seltos gets Level 2. On the other hand, the Syros comes with a level 2 ADAS pack, even while tucking under the 4-metre mark. The vehicle comes with disc brakes for all four wheels and a total of 16 ADAS features. Kia says that this vehicle gets a new, improved and better-calibrated ADAS suite than the Sonet.

30-Inch Trinity Screen (Infotainment+ Instrumentation+ Climate Control Display)

Booming along with the automotive sales these days are the screen sizes inside them. People seem to love the idea of connected / seamlessly integrated displays. The Sonet and Seltos had such units but with limitations. There, these displays were integrated into what looked like a single bezel but had a visible blank space in between them.

On the Syros, however, there is a bigger 12.3-inch touchscreen (Both the Sonet and Seltos get 10.25-inch units), and 12.3 inch digital driver’s display seamlessly integrated into each other. Avoiding any voids, there is a third 5-inch display in the middle, that displays climate control information. There are, thankfully physical controls in the centre console for added convenience. This is probably due to Hyundai Group’s recent decision to dump touchscreen/ touch-based controls and bring back physical buttons and knobs for better occupant safety and convenience.

Kia has rejigged the audio system as well. While the Sonet gets a 7-speaker BOSE sound system, the Syros gets an 8-speaker Harman Kardon unit.

Sliding Reclining Rear Seats

Space management and comfort offered inside the cabin deserve special mention on the Syros. Things have been wisely laid out. One good example is the rear seat which offers a 60:40 split design and ample occupant support. You can slide and recline these for added comfort and convenience. Plus, the rear portions of the front seats have been scooped out to generate maximum knee and leg room. The occupants also get to have a central armrest and rear AC vents.

Ventilated Rear Seats

Another major highlight inside the Syros is the rear ventilated seats. We have seen many vehicles offer ventilated front seats. This SUV, however, goes a step or two beyond and offers rear seat ventilation as well. This essentially means that you get four ventilated seats on the Syros. The brochure explicitly mentions that the ventilation at the rear is limited to seats alone- which could possibly mean that the middle passenger would not benefit from this feature.

BONUS: Window Roll-Down Via Keyfob

This is a feature made famous by many popular German cars. You press the buttons on the keyfob, with the vehicle still turned off, to roll the windows up or down. We had previously seen the same on the Hyundai Tucson as well. Certain mass market cars too offered it at some point in time. The Syros comes with this feature as well, democratising it further.

More Features

In addition to these, the SUV also comes with several other features like wireless charger, steering-mounted controls for drive and terrain modes, panoramic sunroof, 4-way powered driver seat (with manual height adjustment), Apple Carplay And Android Auto, ambient lighting and more.