Kia Syros is a new entrant in the compact SUV field. It is stylish, well-featured and offered with an aggressive pricing strategy; the Syros is positioned between Sonet and Seltos in the lineup of Kia. But does it merit consideration? And can it actually shoot its way through an entire segment occupied by heavyweights such as the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Skoda Kushaq, and Hyundai Venue? Let’s analyse.
Pricing and Variants: A Syros for Every Budget
Kia has strategically priced the Syros to cater to a wide audience. The base HTK petrol manual starts at ₹9 lakh (ex-showroom), while the top-spec diesel automatic with ADAS reaches ₹17.80 lakh.
Kia Syros Price List (Ex-Showroom, Delhi)
| Variant | Petrol MT | Petrol AT | Diesel MT | Diesel AT |
| HTK | ₹9 lakh | – | – | – |
| HTK(O) | ₹10 lakh | – | ₹11 lakh | – |
| HTK+ | ₹11.50 lakh | ₹12.80 lakh | ₹12.50 lakh | – |
| HTX | ₹13.30 lakh | ₹14.60 lakh | ₹14.30 lakh | – |
| HTX+ | – | ₹16 lakh | – | ₹17 lakh |
| HTX+ (ADAS) | – | ₹16.80 lakh | – | ₹17.80 lakh |
- The ADAS package is optional on the HTX+ trim and costs an additional ₹80,000.
- Price-wise, the Syros positions itself between the Sonet and Seltos, making it a strong alternative to both.
Design: A Compact SUV with Big Attitude
The Kia Syros is inspired by global Kia SUVs like the EV9 and EV3. It features a tallboy design, just under 4 meters, making it ideal for city driving while maintaining a commanding road presence.
Key Design Highlights
- Vertical LED headlamps extending into the fenders
- Tri-petal 17-inch alloy wheels on higher variants
- Flush door handles for a sleek and modern look
- Black and silver-finished rear bumper for a sporty appeal
- L-shaped tail-lamps that frame the rear windshield
Available Colour Options
Kia offers the Syros in eight colour choices, catering to different tastes:
- Aurora Black Pearl
- Frost Blue
- Glacier White Pearl
- Gravity Grey
- Imperial Blue
- Intense Red
- Pewter Olive
- Sparkling Silver
Also Read: Kia Seltos: NCAP rating & Features
Interior and Features: Tech Meets Comfort
Kia has designed the Syros’ interior with a clean and minimalistic dashboard. The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital driver’s display dominate the cabin, separated by a 5-inch climate control panel.
Feature Highlights
- Ventilated front and rear seats
- Panoramic sunroof
- Ambient lighting
- Reclining and sliding second-row seats with a 60:40 split-folding function
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Wireless charging pad
- Electronic parking brake
- 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
Safety Features
Kia has packed the Syros with extensive safety features, including:
- Six airbags
- Electronic stability control (ESC)
- Front and rear parking sensors
- 360-degree camera
- Level 2 ADAS (only on top-end variant)
Engine and Performance: Power with Efficiency
The Kia Syros comes with two engine options, both available with manual and automatic transmissions.
Kia Syros Powertrain Options
| Engine | Power Output | Torque | Transmission Options |
| 1.0-litre Turbo Petrol (3-Cyl) | 120 HP | 172 Nm | 6-Speed MT / 7-Speed DCT |
| 1.5-litre Diesel (4-Cyl) | 116 HP | 250 Nm | 6-Speed MT / 6-Speed AT |
- The petrol variant offers a sportier driving experience with a 7-speed DCT automatic option.
- The diesel variant focuses on efficiency and torque delivery, with a 6-speed automatic transmission available.
Kia promises that the Syros will offer best-in-class fuel efficiency, though official mileage figures are yet to be revealed.
How Does It Compare to Rivals?
The Kia Syros competes in the subcompact SUV segment against the likes of:
- Tata Nexon
- Maruti Brezza
- Hyundai Venue
- Skoda Kushaq
Related: Kia Sonet Global NCAP rating: Safety Analysis
It sits between the Sonet and Seltos in Kia’s lineup, targeting buyers who want a premium compact SUV without stepping up to the larger Seltos.
Kia Syros: A Buy or Not?
The Kia Syros is another interesting contender in the compact SUV arena. It has all the desired features, strong safety tech, and some good engines to back it up, all at an aggressive price point.
Reasons to Consider the Syros:
- Dazzling looks derived from Kia’s overall SUV design character
- Very spacious and very loaded interior
- Multiple powertrain options, including the torque-heavy diesel
- High-tech safety features with ADAS
- Perfectly positioned between the Sonet and Seltos
Kia Syros is very good for a buyer who would want a compact yet premium SUV. It does just the right blend of performance, luxury, and practicality in a package that won’t drain your wallet.
