While Kia Syros’ standout feature in sub 4m SUV space is rear seat ventilation, only the thigh part is ventilated and not backrest
While Kia India had Sonet sub 4m SUV on sale for some time now, the company felt the need to launch a second offering in this segment. Enter, Syros SUV, which is underpinned by a platform shared with lower-tier vehicles, but packs features and technology from higher-tier segments. This is an interesting mix and match and Syros also looks like nothing else sold in Indian market.
This could either prove beneficial for the brand in distinction or might emerge as radical. Interior of Syros is rather nice as it looks modern and upmarket. While design and appeal are subjective, we can compare objective stuff like dimensions, storage space, specifications, performance and features with immediate rivals and see how Syros fares.
Kia Syros Vs Rivals
Comparing Kia’s Syros with Sonet resulted in noticeable advantages towards Syros in terms of space and size. However, the sub 4m SUV space is very competitive. Syros is just as wide as a Nexon and is narrower than XUV3XO. Syros is a tall-boy design and is its highlight element, but Brezza is marginally taller. Kia didn’t yet disclose Syros’ ground clearance.
Syros has wheelbase advantages over other smaller K1 and K2 platform vehicles within Hyundai Group, but Skoda Kylaq and Mahindra XUV3XO pack longer wheelbase. Wheel size of Kia Syros goes till 17-inches and is on par with what Skoda and Mahindra are offering. Notably, Brezza offers 16-inch wheels and 215-section tyres as standard.
All the contenders in this segment follow a generic formula of being a high-riding FWD vehicle and Syros is no different. However, only Syros and Sonet offer ESP-based traction modes with automatic variants. Only Nexon and XUV3XO have been crash-tested and they’re both 5 Star rated vehicles. Boot is largest with Syros, but with adjustments. Without adjustments, Kylaq emerges on top.
On paper, Brezza has the biggest engine, but it is also the least powerful one as it lacks forced induction (turbo). Syros shares powertrains with Venue and Sonet and offer slightly unique gearbox combinations. XUV3XO is still the most performant in this segment. Just like Venue and Sonet, Syros also gets a diesel engine option, something which Brezza and Kylaq lack altogether.
Which one is more feature-rich?
In safety department, Kia Syros pulls slightly ahead of XUV3XO’s camera-based Level-2 ADAS with a radar-based system. The only other contenders with ADAS are Sonet and Venue with camera-based Level-1 systems. Notably, only the XUV3XO offers rear disc brakes as standard. TPMS is present on all contenders, except for Brezza.
Kia Syros misses out on fog lights and Nexon is the only one with cornering lights. Nexon, Syros and XUV3XO offer panoramic sunroof, if you’re into it. Brezza, Syros, Venue and Sonet still doesn’t offer rain-sensing wipers. XUV3XO is the only one in this segment with dual-zone climate control. Brezza, XUV3XO and Kylaq miss out on an air purifier.
Brezza, Venue and XUV3XO miss out on ventilated seats while Syros, Sonet, Nexon and Kylaq offer it. Syros is the only one to offer rear seat ventilation, but the implementation is only for thigh and not for backrest. Surprisingly, Venue still misses out on auto-dimming IRVM. Kylaq and Venue both miss out on 360-degree camera. Syros and Venue N Line offer a dashcam.
Rear-seat ventilation on Syros!
Venue has the smallest 8-inch infotainment screen and Sonet interestingly misses out on wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Others offer larger 10-inch systems with wireless smartphone integration. Only Brezza has a HUD, which is a very useful feature. Kia is the only brand here to offer rear window shades on Syros and Sonet.
Sonet, Syros, Venue and Kylaq offer electrically adjustable driver’s seat. All vehicles in this segment offer front and rear armrests. Syros one-ups competition with rear reclining and sliding seats, offering a flexibility of more space or larger boot.
