Kia India has been on a roll, and their next big thing, the Kia Syros, is gearing up to make waves in the compact SUV market. Slated for an unveiling on December 19th, the Syros slots itself snugly between the Sonet and the Seltos, promising to pack more space, features, and rugged style. Whether you’re already eyeing the Sonet or saving for Seltos, the segment-straddling Syros could be an interesting option. So, let’s break it down and tell you why this SUV might just be worth the wait.
Launch Date & Expected Price
The Kia Syros will officially make its grand entrance on December 19th, 2024. While Kia will showcase it at the Bharat Mobility Expo in January 2025, that’s when the pricing details will be revealed.
As for the likely price? Expect the Syros to start at around ₹9 lakh (ex-showroom), which positions it just above the Sonet but under the Seltos. The price difference makes sense because the Syros aims to bridge the gap between these two hugely popular models. Compared to the Sonet, it’s expected to be about ₹1 lakh more expensive, variant-to-variant.
Rugged Yet Modern Design
The Kia Syros stands out with its “tall-boy” design philosophy, promising a more rugged and SUV-like stance compared to its sibling Sonet. Think Skoda Yeti vibes – muscular, bold, and very SUV-like. Here’s what we know so far:
• Front Fascia: Boomerang-shaped LED DRLs surround stacked triple-LED headlamps for a striking, futuristic look.
• Side Profile: A floating roof design, squared wheel arches, and chunky cladding amplify its butch appeal.
• Rear Styling: L-shaped tail lights emphasize the height of the car, while the possibility of reflector strips instead of connected LEDs keeps things premium yet balanced.
With its taller profile and robust design cues, the Syros is here to exude presence on the road. It should offer more usable space than a typical compact SUV like Kia Sonet or Hyundai Venue or Tata Nexon for not too much more money.
Panoramic Sunroof – A Game-Changer
Kia knows what buyers want. The Syros comes equipped with a panoramic sunroof – a feature previously reserved for the pricier Seltos. This alone adds an upscale, airy feel to the cabin and sets it apart from the Sonet, which only offers a single-pane sunroof. Expect the top variants to feature this sought-after addition.
Reclining Rear Seats for Ultimate Comfort
One area where the Sonet often falls short is rear-seat space, and Kia has smartly addressed this with the Syros. The upcoming SUV will boast reclining rear seats and significantly improved legroom and headroom. Passengers can now enjoy a more comfortable ride, whether for city drives or long-distance journeys.
Advanced ADAS Level 2 – Safety First
The Syros takes a step forward in safety with ADAS Level 2, offering advanced driver assistance features like:
• Lane Keep Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
This is a notable improvement over the Sonet, which offers only Level 1 ADAS. Additional safety tech like multiple airbags, ABS, EBD, and traction control further sweeten the deal.
Powertrain Options – Petrol and Diesel
Under the hood, the Kia Syros will carry forward familiar yet robust engine options from the Sonet lineup. Here’s what you can expect:
1. 1.0-Litre Turbocharged Petrol
Power: 120 PS, Torque: 172 Nm and Transmission: 6-speed iMT and 7-speed DCT
2. 1.5-Litre Diesel Engine
Power: 116 PS, Torque: 250 Nm, and Transmission: 6-speed Manual or 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic
This lineup offers versatility for different driving preferences – be it city commutes or highway cruising.
Terrain Modes – Ready for Adventure
Here’s where things get interesting. The Syros introduces Terrain Modes for sand, mud, and snow. While an AWD system hasn’t been confirmed yet, the terrain modes signal Kia’s intention to enhance the SUV’s capability. This is particularly exciting for enthusiasts looking to take their Syros off the beaten path.
Feature-Rich Cabin
Kia has never held back on features, and the Syros continues this tradition. Some of the standout highlights expected in the cabin include:
• Twin 10.25-inch Screens: One for infotainment and one for the digital instrument cluster.
• Wireless Charging with USB Type-A and Type-C ports.
• Ambient Lighting to elevate the cabin’s premium appeal.
• Ventilated Front Seats for added comfort in Indian summers.
• Drive Modes: Separate from terrain modes, enhancing everyday driving dynamics.
The overall layout follows Kia’s modern and minimalist approach, with squared-off elements to match the SUV’s rugged theme.
Dimensions – Bigger and Bolder
Despite being in the sub-compact SUV segment, the Kia Syros promises a larger cabin feel. Thanks to its tall-boy design and clever use of width, the Syros ensures you won’t feel cramped. While it’s slightly over 4 meters in length (hence missing excise benefits), this allows Kia to prioritize comfort and space without cutting corners.
Electric Version on the Horizon
Adding to the excitement, Kia has hinted at launching an electric version of the Syros towards the end of 2025. While specifics remain scarce, it’s rumored to share its electric powertrain with the Carens EV. Expected range? Around 350 km per charge, making it a compelling option for future-ready buyers.
Should You Wait for the Syros?
If you’re considering a sub-compact SUV like the Sonet, the upcoming Syros is worth holding out for. Here’s why:
• More Space: Improved rear comfort and overall cabin room.
• Premium Features: Panoramic sunroof, reclining seats, and advanced tech.
• ADAS Level 2: Unmatched safety tech in this price range.
• Stylish Design: Rugged, tall, and very SUV-like.
With prices expected to remain competitive, the Syros is set to challenge not just the Sonet but also rivals like the Tata Nexon and Hyundai Venue.
Final Thoughts
The Kia Syros is shaping up to be an exciting addition to SUV options in India. With its premium features, varied engines, and spacious design, it strikes a good balance between practicality and premium-ness. We think Syros will upset the applecart—it could force price and feature revision in revision in both the segment below and above.
