Kia Motors has formally launched its latest SUV, the Kia Syros, in India, priced starting at ₹8.99 lakh ex-showroom. This significantly positioned model fills the gap between Kia’s compact Sonet and the slightly larger Seltos, establishing itself firmly within the competitive sub-compact SUV segment.
The launch of the Kia Syros was anticipated for several months, with its debut occurring earlier in December. Interested customers can now visit authorized dealerships to explore the new offerings, and deliveries for the SUV are set to commence soon.
Several noteworthy features set the Syros apart, including its choice of two engine types: a powerful 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel option. The turbo petrol engine delivers 118 bhp with 172 Nm of torque, providing ample power for urban and highway driving. On the other hand, the diesel variant produces 115 bhp and peak torque of 250 Nm. Each of these engines is mated to different transmissions—a standard 6-speed manual gearbox accompanies both options, but the petrol gains the choice of a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, whereas the diesel is paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
Fuel efficiency is another highlight of the Syros, with the petrol engine achieving 18.20 kmpl with the manual and slightly less with the automatic, at 17.68 kmpl. Meanwhile, the diesel engine displays even greater efficiency, offering up to 20.75 kmpl with the manual gearbox and 17.65 kmpl with the automatic variant.
Moving on to the other attributes of the Syros, it’s available across four variants: HTK, HTK+, HTX, and HTX+. The base HTK variant is priced at ₹8.99 lakh, and the more desirable top HTX+ variant goes up to ₹15.99 lakh. A comprehensive range of eight exterior colors, including the likes of Glacier White Pearl and Intense Red, has been introduced to appeal to diverse customer tastes.
The SUV’s design is modern and muscular, taking aesthetic cues from Kia's flagship EV9, marked by features like the familiar tiger nose grille and aggressive LED headlights. Inside, the Kia Syros is equipped with luxurious elements, such as leatherette upholstery and significant legroom enabled by its generous 2,550mm wheelbase. Rear seat passengers are treated to both sliding and reclining positions, showcasing comfort often overlooked by competitors.
A standout element is the dual-pane panoramic sunroof, which many Indian buyers have come to admire. The technology integrated within is impressive—featuring dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless charging, and connectivity options like wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Further enhancing the experience, Kia offers ventilated seats for both front and rear passengers, showcasing the company’s commitment to inclusivity and customer comfort.
Safety has not been compromised either; the Kia Syros is replete with features you’d expect to find only on more expensive models. Among these are electronic stability control, multiple airbags, and advanced driver assistance systems with Level 2 ADAS, which includes 16 adaptive features such as lane keeping assist and hill start assist. All these advancements reflect Kia’s approach to keeping safety at the forefront of their design philosophy.
With its competitive edge and attractive pricing, the Kia Syros seeks to carve out its share of the competitive sub-compact SUV market, going head-to-head with established names like the Skoda Kushaq, Hyundai Creta, and Tata Nexon. Kia's decision to price the Syros aggressively is indicative of its strategic aim to attract more buyers, especially those who may be contemplating options from its rivals.
Through this latest launch, Kia reinforces its commitment to delivering vehicles packed with features and modern technology, successfully targeting both performance and safety without compromising on style and comfort. The recent introduction of the Syros not only signifies Kia's growth in India's automotive sector but also highlights the increasing competition within the SUV segment, challenging other manufacturers to innovate and stay appealing to consumer needs.
Overall, the Kia Syros appears to be set for success as it positions itself within the market; only time will tell how well it performs against its established competition, but initial reviews and interest show promising signs.