While Kia Syros reminds us of a Hyundai Casper sold in global markets, it is a much larger vehicle and has a more powerful demeanour
Started with Seltos, Kia India’s journey has been a successful one. The company quickly expanded its portfolio to include Sonet, Carens, EV6, Carnival and even the flagship EV9. The newest entrant in Kia India’s portfolio is Syros SUV which has just broken covers, offering a unique design, not seen in Indian market.
The new Syros aims to carve out a niche for itself and offer a distinct design language for discerning buyers. It stands out among other crossover SUVs on sale in India. Syros aims to offer unique design, feature-loaded experience, tech-loaded personality, redefined safety proposition, and a premium appeal in this size bracket.
Kia Syros Breaks Cover
Where dimensions are concerned, Kia Syros is a sub 4m SUV. The proportions on Syros are that of a boxy and up-right crossover SUV that lends it a strong personality. Overall silhouette still reminds us of Hyundai Casper, but Syros is a larger vehicle. Because of this boxy silhouette, Kia can liberate a lot of space on the inside which will prove to be an advantage in this segment.
Design-wise, we have a lot to uncover. For starters, the fascia looks like it is out of this world. The high-set bonnet has muscular creases and looks imposing. There are vertically arranged LED headlight setups engulfed by massive LED DRLs. The lighting setup flank an upper grill and a lower grill. There’s a radar module for ADAS in lower grill.
At the sides, we can see a strong presence. Notable elements here include chunky B Pillar area, a practical rear quarter glass, flush door handles, flared wheel arches at the front, wide haunches at the rear, a fuel-filler cap on rear left quarter panel, tough-looking body cladding, roof rails, and a wrap-around type glass area at the rear.
Speaking of rear, we have a vertically arranged tail light signature flanking the rear windshield. This was a trend of the yesteryears and on a new and radical vehicle like this, it is quite a statement in the world where everyone has horizontal connected tail lights. Accrual brake lamps are in the bumper, though.
Futuristic Interiors
On the inside, Kia Syros has upped the game as it features a new theme seen for the first time in company’s Indian portfolio. For starters, we can see a new 2-spoke steering wheel with off-centre Kia logo, similar to that of EV3 and K4. There are twin 30-inch trinity display on the dashboard standing prominently.
Below the infotainment screen, we can also see a panel with a few physical buttons and toggles. Notable features of this vehicle include wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, front and rear ventilated seats, sliding and reclining rear seats, wireless charging pad, rear window sun shades, new sophisticated gear selector, soft-touch plastics, premium Harman Kardon audio system, Kia Connect 2.0 telematics and more.
Safety-wise, Kia Syros gets all the basics right. Primary highlight feature is that it gets a radar-based Level-2 ADAS with 16 autonomous features, 6 airbags, electronic parking brake, hill-hold assist, ABS, EBD and other shenanigans. Deliveries of Kia Syros will commence in February 2025.
Engines and Gearbox
Where powertrains are concerned, Kia Syros gets a 1.0L 3-cylinder Turbo Petrol engine that is capable of generating 118 bhp of peak power and 172 Nm of peak torque. There’s the tried and tested 1.5L Diesel engine that is capable of 114 bhp and 250 Nm. Gearbox options include a 6-speed MT, a 6-speed iMT and a 7-speed DCT. Offering the Turbo Petrol engine with manual gearbox combination with Syros is notable.
