1. Introduction & Positioning
The Kia Syros is a sub‑compact crossover SUV developed by Kia India exclusively for the Indian market. Unveiled on December 19, 2024, it sits between the Sonet and the Seltos in Kia’s lineup. Bookings began on January 3, 2025, with deliveries starting in February 2025. Built on Kia’s strengthened K1 platform, it shares underpinnings with models like the Hyundai Casper and Exter. The name “Syros” is inspired by the picturesque Greek island, conveying elegance and sophistication
2. Design & Exterior Styling
Embracing Kia’s global “Opposites United” design philosophy, the Syros channels visual DNA from flagship models like the EV9 and Carnival, yet scales down to fit the sub‑4‑meter length of 3,995 mm. The front fascia features vertically stacked Ice Cube MFR LED headlamps integrated with Starmap LED DRLs, creating a futuristic and bold look. The upper portion of the front grille is almost sealed—giving an EV‑like appearance—with air intakes in the lower blacked-out bumper area.
From the side, Syros exhibits a tall‑boy silhouette with a flat roofline, thick cladding on wheel arches, flush door handles, roof rails, and 17‑inch Crystal‑Cut alloy wheels. A distinguishing kink in the rear quarter glass and blacked‑out pillars enhance the visual uniqueness. At the rear, L‑shaped LED tail lamps are mounted high, while secondary lights sit low on the bumper, flanked by contrasting skid-plate styling.
Syros is offered in up to eight colour options, including Glacier White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl, Frost Blue, Pewter Olive, and others. Booking trends show Glacier White Pearl leading with ~32% of orders, followed by Aurora Black Pearl and Frost Blue.
3. Dimensions & Space
Despite its sub‑4‑m length, the Syros delivers class‑leading interior space thanks to its 2,550 mm wheelbase—longer than both its sibling Sonet and direct rivals like the Brezza, Venue, and Nexon. Its tall‑boy design ensures excellent headroom, legroom, and shoulder room for all occupants.
Boot capacity ranges from about 390 L to 465 L, depending on rear seat positioning; fully slid forward, it reaches 465 L—a significant improvement over the Sonet’s 385 L
4. Powertrain & Performance
The Syros offers two internal‑combustion engine options:
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1.0 L Smartstream turbo‑petrol (G1.0T‑GDi) producing around 120 PS (≈118 bhp) and 172 Nm torque, paired with a 6‑speed iMT manual or 7‑speed DCT automatic.
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1.5 L Smartstream diesel (D1.5 CRDi VGT) delivering about 116 PS (≈114 bhp) and 250 Nm torque, offered with 6‑speed manual or 6‑speed torque‑converter automatic.
Mileage estimates:
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Petrol: ~18–19 km/L
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Diesel manual: ~20.8 km/L
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Diesel automatic: ~19.5 km/L
Ride comfort is prioritized with refined suspension and plush high‑speed comfort, though body roll is noticeable due to its tall stance. Steering is light and easy around town, though less precise at higher speeds.
5. Interior & Technology
The interior is loaded with segment‑first and premium features:
Display & Connectivity
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A 30‑inch Trinity Panoramic Display unifies a 12.3″ HD instrument cluster, 12.3″ touchscreen infotainment, and a 5″ climate control display.
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Kia Connect 2.0 offers over 80 connected‑car features, including OTA updates for 16 (or 22) controllers, remote diagnostics, voice assistant (“Hey Kia”), real-time guidance, and more.
Comfort & Convenience
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Panoramic dual‑pane sunroof, 64‑colour ambient lighting, soft‑touch materials, and leatherette upholstery with grey‑tone trims enhance the premium ambience.
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Segment‑first sliding, reclining rear seats with seat ventilation (ventilation only on seat base at rear), rear AC vents, sunshade curtain, and centre armrest improve rear‑seat comfort.
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Ventilated front seats, 4‑way powered driver seat, wireless charging pad, Harman Kardon 8‑speaker sound system, in‑built dashcam, air purifier with AQI display, pincushion valet mode, drive & traction modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, Sand/Mud/Snow), paddle shifts, Auto‑glare rear-view mirror, and more.
Practical Touches
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Kia added thoughtful details such as remote window control via app, resizable cup holders, and find‑my‑car with surround‑view monitor.
6. Safety & ADAS
Syros arrives with robust passive and active safety equipment:
- Level‑2 ADAS, offering 16 autonomous driving aids including Smart Cruise Control (Stop & Go), Forward Collision-Avoidance with pedestrian/cycle/junction detection, Lane Keep/Follow Assist, Parking Collision Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Blind‑View Monitor, High‑Beam Assist, and more.
- 20 standard safety features, including 6 airbags, ABS with EBD & Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Tyre Pressure Monitoring, Parking Sensors, and ISOFIX child-seat mounts.
- It achieved a 5‑star rating for both adult and child occupant safety in Bharat NCAP—a first for a Kia in India.
- Variants & Pricing
Available in six trims: HTK, HTK (O), HTK+, HTX, HTX+, HTX+ (O) across petrol and diesel versions; prices range approximately between ₹8.99 lakh to ₹17 lakh (ex‑showroom) depending on engine, transmission, and trim. Level‑2 ADAS is an optional ₹80,000 package over the top trim.
- Ownership & After‑Sales
Kia offers several innovative ownership and service programs:
- My Convenience, My Convenience Plus, and Secure packages covering maintenance, roadside assistance, extended warranty, and wear‑and‑tear parts.
- Scratch Care Program: one free repair within the first year.
- Standard 3‑year roadside assistance, extendable up to six years.
- OTA software updates and remote diagnostics mean fewer dealership visits and a more seamless ownership experience.
- Early Market Reception
In May 2025, Kia sold 3,611 units of the Syros in India, showing early acceptance and potential to grow sales over time. Drive toward a 20% SUV segment market share is underway.
- Summary & Verdict
Kia Syros is a bold gamble in India’s highly competitive sub‑compact SUV segment. It blends futuristic styling and SUV‑level road presence with segment‑clearing features:
- Space & Comfort: unmatched headroom and rear-seat flexibility,
- Technology: panoramic smart displays, OTA updates, advanced connectivity,
- Safety: 5‑star Bharat NCAP, L2 ADAS,
- Comfort: ventilated seats (front and rear), Harman Kardon sound, panoramic sunroof,
- Value: competitive pricing with premium features usually reserved for higher segments.
It aims to disrupt the segment by bridging the gap between the compact Sonet and the mid‑sized Seltos, offering the best of both worlds. If you seek roomy rear occupants space, high-tech cabin, and top-flight safety in a bold design package—Syros delivers.
