Kia Syros: The demand for SUVs in Indian has been growing at a very fast pace and Kia Motors has been fast enough to bring in multiple SUV offerings in the country.
Following the success of the Sonet and Seltos, the company has brought in a new nameplate — the Kia Syros.
Positioned as a fresh, contemporary and young urban SUV, the Syros is targeted at the young and discerning customers who desire modernity and a fusion of futuristic design, with advanced technology and spacious practicality in the sub-4-metre segment.
But it may come as a surprise to learn that, despite its tiny footprint, it manages to punch well above its weight in both space, technology and comfort.
Bold and Distinctive Design
Despite its boxy and modern silhouette, the Kia Syros is striking at first sight. It has a squared-off design language with a high bonnet line, vertical LED headlamps and a wide grille and looks quite muscular.
The chunky wheel arches and body cladding get the proportion looking upright, while the roofline gives it a touch of sportiness.
Road presence is enhanced by LED DRLs and smart looking alloy wheels.
The syros isn’t like the curvy designs of many of its rivals instead bringing an individual identity that makes it look mean and expensive.
The design is sharp and the SUV-ish stance of the car is not for everyone, but some people would have it no other way.
Technology-Laden Premium Cabin
Once inside, the Kia Syros surprises with a cabin that’s bigger than I’d expect based on the outside dimensions – closer to a mid-size crossover than a compact one.
There are dual 12.3-inch displays in the dashboard, one for the instrument cluster and one for infotainment, which is housed beneath a single piece of glass.
The center console is clean and modern; with touch-style HVAC controls and soft-touch materials front and rear.
There’s an obvious emphasis on comfort here. The rear seats are not only roomy but also recline and slide, a segment-first feature. In fact, even taller passengers will enjoy more than sufficient knee room and headroom.
They are combined with front ventilated seats, premium sound system with 32 speakers, ambient lighting and wireless charging pad for a rich in-cabin experience.
Under 4m long, the Syros is actually very practical with clever storage spaces all over the place and a flat floor in the second row.
Strong Engine Choices and Seemless Powerdelivery
The Syros will be available with two engine options from under the hood of Kia – a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine making approximately 120 bhp and a 1.5-litre diesel engine that churns out 116 bhp.
The two engines are sophisticated and optimized for stop and go traffic and highway cruising, and offer a variety of transmission options — five-speed manual, automatic, and DCT.
The turbo-petrol is sprightly in regular use, offering seamless power delivery and little in the way of turbo lag.
It’s great for city driving, and is also up to the occasional highway run. The diesel, meanwhile, is better for people interested in fuel economy and torque (for long commutes).
The suspension is a tad firmer than I like, so while the car feels rock solid at higher speeds, you can feel the sharper bumps in the cabin.
The steering is light in town and loads up nicely on the highway so the Syros is fine to drive in most situations.
Safety and Features
Kia didn’t skimp on safety. The Syros is equipped with six airbags, electronic stability control, hill assist, 360 degree camera and Level-2 ADAS tech such as lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and auto emergency braking.
Previously the reserve of luxury cars, these are additional assets that now boost the Syros as a great value for money.
There are also other practical add-ons that you might want and more, like an electric parking brake, rear sunshade, digital instrument cluster and over-the-air software updates for new features down the line.
Pros:
Daring and Individual Styling modelled on an SUV
Luxury interior with gobs of features, dual screens and smart tech.
Large cabin with rear seats that recline
A variety of powertrain choices with well-controlled refinement
Powerful yet smart safety suite
Cons:
Average design might be too ho-hum for some conservative shoppers
Ride can be a little harsh on rough roads
Thick pillars in the back could provide better visibility as¦hos in the front are very thin.
Petrol-CVT not an option for laid-back city dwellers
Kia Syros: Final Verdict
The Kia Syros raises the bar for the compact SUV segment in India by packing big car features into a small size.
Paired with its aggressive good looks, luxury interior and high-tech cockpit, it’s the partner of choice for urban families on the move and tech-savvy individuals alike.
Its look and price may not be for all, but for those searching for a futuristic and comfortable urban SUV, the Syros should be a very attractive proposition come 2025.