All-New Kia Syros Review; Shaking Up The Sub-Compact SUV Segment

Quirky, obnoxious, stand-out! These are some of the adjectives that may come to your mind when you look at the all-new Kia Syros. Whether you like it or not, is entirely up to you but there's no denying the fact that the Kia Syros is going to get you second looks wherever you go. Kia believes that there is a gap that exists between the Sonet and the Seltos, so the Syros slots into that gap and the other reason is the fact that the sub-compact SUV segment is seeing maximum growth and despite the perfect competition scenario with many rivals, there is still space for the segment to expand.

Also Read: Kia Syros Mileage Revealed

Kia Syros Design 

So, the overall styling and stance of the Kia Syros is something that you don't see every day. The tall boy stance coupled with the modern yet boxy design is something that offers the appeal of an SUV with a subcompact footprint. Inspired of course, by the Kia EV9. The front end doesn't get a typical grille so to say, but the vertically stacked ice-cube LED headlights and the starlight LED DRLs lend a futuristic look to the car. Viewed in profile, yes, it may remind you of the WagonR but the cladding on the wheel arches gives it a butch look, or at least try to. Another cool design element are the flush-fitted door handles, which are first-in-class. 

Viewed from rear, the Syros comes across as a boxy car, with thick C-pillars and small quarter-panel glass area. The flared, boxy arches above the wheel and the boxy design on the alloys might feel a bit old but gel well with the overall design. The slab-sided rear with high-mounted stop lamps and a thick skid plate on the bumper offer that beefy look.

Also Read: Kia Syros Bookings Begin 

Kia Syros Features & Cabin 

So yes, we have the top-spec models of the Kia Syros and the interior is a nice place to be. It gives you the feel of a premium car, with a neat layout and a clean design. And of course, the main draw of the cabin are the features and more importantly, the space. In typical Kia fashion, the Syros is packed to the rafters with features and then some more. The highlight is the 30-inch Trinity panoramic display which includes the instrument console behind the steering wheel, the controls for the AC and then the infotainment system. 

Features include ventilated front and rear seats, cup-holders, wireless phone charger, panoramic sunroof, 64-colour ambient lighting and electric adjustment for the driver seat. Then there is wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and an 8-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system along with an air purifier. 

Kia offers a total of 16 level 2 ADAS features on the Syros which include forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, smart cruise control, blind view monitor and much more. Safety features include 6 airbags which are standard. The Syros also gets Kia Connect 2.0 connectivity system with over-the-air update capability.

Also Read: Kia Syros vs Kia Sonet; Differences Explained 

Kia Syros Rear Seating Space 

Now Kia claims that the Syros gets the best-in-class space inside the cabin. To start off with, the cabin definitely feels airy and bright, thanks to the big windows and glass areas. The seats themselves are comfy and the space, particularly at the rear is good. The tall boy design means there's enough headroom and my knees were decently far away from the front seat. Kia says it reduced the size of the engine bay on the K1 platform, which underpins the Hyundai Inster and increased the wheelbase, which means more space liberated inside the cabin. It doesn't stop here, the rear seats can be pushed back and can be reclined too, a feature that is definitely first-in-class.

Kia Syros Engine & Performance 

The Syros gets two engine options. A 1.0-litre turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. The turbo petrol gets either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT while the diesel gets a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. We drove the 1.0-litre turbo petrol and the experience was a mixed bag of sorts. Now, the engine is refined and the NVH levels are decent. 

But there is an anaemic reaction from the motor when you try and take off from a standstill. The power delivery at the bottom end is not peppy but the moment you cross the 3,500 rpm mark, the engine comes into its own and offers a strong surge of power, making it easier to build up speed and make quick overtaking manoeuvres. The Syros isn't exactly engaging but then it isn't supposed to be either.

Kia Syros Ride & Handling 

What we really liked is that the Syros is an easy car to drive around in the city. There's good visibility from the driver's perch and the steering is nice and light. Its compact footprint and agility allow you to manoeuvre it in traffic and tight spaces. For most parts, the Syros offers a comfy ride and does a decent job of absorbing bumps and undulations. But at times, the suspension feels a tad too soft, particularly at the rear. It isn't a deal-breaker but a touch of firmness would have helped with better stability.

Kia Syros Pricing and Rivals 

The prices of the Kia Syros will be revealed on Feb 3, 2025 and we were told that the prices will be closer to that of the Seltos than the Sonet. We expect prices of the Kia Syros to start just below Rs. 10 lakh and go up to Rs. 17 lakh for the top-spec fully loaded variant. Kia has received over 10,000 bookings with 60 per cent of them for petrol variants. The variants with rear-seat ventilation are seeing good traction. The Syros will have its work cut out, taking on the likes of the Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV3XO, Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite and the newly launched Skoda Kylaq.

Kia Syros Verdict 

There is no doubt about the fact that the Kia Syros is an exciting product in the sub four-metre space. The design is quirky and may not be to everyone's liking but the overall package in terms of space, comfort, features and practicality cannot be overlooked. I mean there are quite a few first-in-class features. Everything on the Syros, apart from the sub 4-metre footprint points to a car which is from a segment or two above and that is what Kia is aiming for! But of course, all of this will come at a cost. The Syros has the potential to make a dent in the Sonet's sales and make a mark for itself in the segment. 

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