The Syros marks Kia’s strategic push to dominate India’s sub-4-meter SUV segment. Building on lessons from the Sonet’s success, it adopts a “boxy yet futuristic” design language inspired by Kia’s global EV lineup, particularly the EV9. This evolution reflects shifting consumer demands for urban-friendly SUVs that don’t compromise on space or style. As Kia’s second subcompact offering, the Syros bridges the gap between the Sonet and Seltos, targeting young families and tech-savvy millennials.
Kia unveiled the Syros at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, with bookings opening January 3, 2025. Deliveries began February 15, 2025, after a ₹25,000 token payment. Early demand saw 15,000 pre-orders within weeks, triggering a six-month waiting period. Positioned as a premium urban adventurer, its ₹9–17.8 lakh price range undercuts rivals while offering luxury features typically reserved for pricier SUVs.
The Syros stuns with its EV-inspired boxy silhouette, featuring vertical LED headlights, flush door handles, and a blacked-out C-pillar for a floating-roof effect. Measuring 3,995 mm long with a 2,550 mm wheelbase, it maximizes cabin space while retaining city-friendly proportions. Key highlights include:
- : Chrome accents framing tri-beam LED headlamps
- : Spans 80% of the roof for an airy cabin
- : Rugged design with gunmetal finish
- : Pewter Olive and Aurora Black Pearl stand out
Inside, quilted leatherette seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and 64-color ambient lighting create a premium vibe. The sliding/reclining rear seats—a segment first—offer limousine-like comfort.
Two engine options power the Syros:
| Engine | 1.0L Turbo-Petrol | 1.5L Diesel |
|---|---|---|
| 120 PS @ 6,000 rpm | 116 PS @ 4,000 rpm | |
| 172 Nm @ 1,500–4,000 rpm | 250 Nm @ 1,500–2,750 rpm | |
| 6MT / 7DCT | 6MT / 6AT |
The turbo-petrol’s 7-speed DCT sprints 0–100 km/h in 11.6 seconds, while the diesel’s low-end torque excels in stop-go traffic. Both variants get Drive Modes (Eco/Sport) and Terrain Modes (Sand/Mud) for light off-roading.
Kia loaded the Syros with tech that outclasses pricier SUVs:
- : Curved HD display with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
- : Radar-based system with 16 features including adaptive cruise control and junction collision avoidance
- : Projects camera feed into the instrument cluster when signaling
- : 8-speaker setup with subwoofer and Dolby Atmos
- : First-in-segment feature even in base HTK+ variant
Safety is non-negotiable:
- : Standard across all variants
- : With transparent bonnet view for off-road clarity
- : With hill-start assist and brake disc wiping
- : Reinforced bodyshell targets 5-star Bharat NCAP rating
The ADAS suite adds Parking Collision Avoidance and Driver Attention Warning, making it one of India’s safest subcompact SUVs.
Despite its robust build, the Syros impresses with frugality:
- : 18.2 kmpl | Petrol (DCT): 17.68 kmpl
- : 20.75 kmpl | Diesel (AT): 17.65 kmpl
Practical touches abound:
- : Expandable to 803L with seats folded
- : Including chilled slots in the center console
- : 15W fast charging with cooling fan
| Variant | Petrol MT | Petrol DCT | Diesel MT | Diesel AT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ₹9.00 lakh | – | – | – | |
| – | ₹16.80 lakh | – | ₹17.80 lakh |
Available via Kia’s Nexa dealerships, the Syros comes with a 3-year/unlimited-km warranty, extendable to 5 years.
| Condition | Petrol | Diesel |
|---|---|---|
| 14–16 kmpl | 17–19 kmpl | |
| 18–20 kmpl | 21–23 kmpl |
: How does the Syros compare to the Kia Sonet?
A: The Syros offers 50mm more rear legroom, ventilated rear seats, and a panoramic sunroof—features absent in the Sonet. However, the Sonet remains ₹1.5 lakh cheaper in base variants.
A: Absolutely. The radar-based system adds adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency braking—critical for highway safety.
A: The ₹13.3 lakh HTX petrol-MT includes dual screens, sunroof, and rear vents—perfect for budget-conscious buyers wanting premium features
A: With 190mm ground clearance, reinforced underbody, and multi-link rear suspension, the Syros tackles potholes better than most city-focused SUVs.
The Kia Syros isn’t just another subcompact SUV—it’s a masterclass in value engineering. By packing Seltos-level luxuries into a Sonet-sized package, Kia has created an urban warrior that redefines expectations. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast craving ADAS or a parent needing sliding seats, the Syros delivers without breaking the bank. In India’s cutthroat SUV market, this might just be the ultimate game-changer.