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The Kia Syros is an attractive package in the compact SUV segment. Its bold design, feature-packed cabin, and versatile performance make it a strong contender.
Kia Syros. (Photo: Samreen Pall/News18)
The SUV segment in India has seen a huge boom over the past few years, with car manufacturers constantly bringing in new models that combine style, comfort, and performance.
Kia has been a prominent player in this space with models like the Sonet and Seltos. Now, they’ve introduced a new contender: the Kia Syros. Positioned slightly above the Sonet, the Syros is set to woo customers with its fresh design, powerful engine options, and advanced features.
Kia recently opened the doors for bookings, and while the prices are yet to be revealed, early bird customers can reserve the model with a booking fee of Rs 25,000. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in mid-February, and the final price tag will be announced on 1st February.
News18 Auto had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the Kia Syros for a first-hand experience. Here’s a detailed review based on our drive across the city and highway.
Kia Syros: Design
The first thing that strikes you about the Kia Syros is its boxy yet sleek design. The angular stance, high squared shoulders, and chiselled bonnet give it an imposing presence on the road. The upright posture and futuristic look set it apart from the usual SUV designs, though we must admit, it’s a bit of a departure from Kia’s traditional soft curves. But once you’re inside, the spacious cabin makes you rethink the initial impression of its unusual exterior.
The front of the Syros boasts the Kia Signature Digital Tiger Face, flanked by Ice Cube MFR LED Headlamps with Starmap LED DRLs. The rear end is equally impressive with flat, angular lines and the Starmap LED Tail Lamps that add to the car’s modern appeal. However, one thing that might be a bit of a hassle are the flush door handles. They require a bit of effort to operate, and personally, we prefer the older, simpler versions.
Kia Syros: Dimensions
In terms of dimensions, the Kia Syros make it a comfortable and practical option for both city drives and longer journeys. With a width of 1805mm, a length of 3995mm, and a height of 1680mm, it’s got the right proportions for an SUV that offers plenty of room inside.
Kia Syros: Interior
Stepping inside the Syros, the first thing that struck us was the cabin’s spaciousness. The large windows allow plenty of natural light, and the dual-pane panoramic sunroof only enhances this airy feeling. The seats are incredibly comfortable, with all four seats being ventilated, making long drives much more pleasant.
The rear seats, however, are a tad compact, and while it’s comfortable for two passengers, three might have to squeeze a bit. The boot space is generous, offering 390 liters that expand to 465 liters with the rear seats folded down in a 60:40 split configuration.
Kia Syros: Features
In terms of features, the car is loaded. The variant we drove came with a dual 12.3-inch screen setup for the infotainment and instrumentation, ambient lighting, an 8-speaker sound system, wireless charging, and powered driver seats.
One of the standout features is the level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) tech. The Syros is equipped with a blind spot monitor, which adds a layer of safety during city commutes. This is something that’s becoming increasingly important as the automotive industry shifts toward more intelligent and autonomous systems.
Kia Syros: Performance and Driving Experience
Now, let’s talk about the driving experience. The Kia Syros comes with two engine options: a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 118 bhp and 172Nm of torque, and the 1.5-litre diesel engine that we drove. The motor generates 114 bhp and 250Nm of torque. On highways, this engine does a stellar job, providing ample power for overtaking and smooth acceleration.
However, when stuck in heavy traffic, we did feel the need for a bit more power. The 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission ensures smooth gear shifts, but you may notice a slight lag when accelerating quickly from a standstill.
In terms of suspension, the Syros excels in absorbing bumps, potholes, and speed breakers, offering a relatively smooth ride. The front McPherson Strut with Coil Spring and rear Coupled Torsion Beam Axle suspension setup help maintain stability, though there is a bit of a thud when you hit a speed bump at higher speeds, indicating that the suspension is a bit on the softer side. The body roll is well-controlled, and the vehicle offers good angular and departure angles, making it a competent option for mild off-roading.
The brakes are reliable, with discs on all wheels for the automatic variant, while the manual variant gets disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear. All in all, the Kia Syros is a versatile SUV that is comfortable both on city streets and open highways, and it can even handle some light off-roading without breaking a sweat.
Verdict
The Kia Syros might look unconventional at first, but once you experience it firsthand, you’ll find it to be a well-rounded package that offers comfort, style, and performance in one impressive package.
Whether navigating city streets, cruising down highways, or handling mild off-road conditions, the Syros performed admirably. It stands out as a futuristic SUV that’s equally practical and fun to drive. With its spacious cabin, tech-forward features, and powerful engine options, the Syros is certainly one to keep an eye on in the competitive SUV market.
While the price is expected to be just under Rs 10 lakh, making it around Rs 1 lakh higher than the Sonet, the Kia Syros seems well worth the investment, especially for those looking for a vehicle that combines style, technology, and performance.
