When Kia entered India, they didn’t just participate; they disrupted. From the Seltos to the Sonet, they redefined what an Indian buyer expects in terms of features and quality. Now, with the Kia Syros, they are trying to carve out a new, more premium space within the cutthroat sub-4 meter compact SUV segment.
The Syros is not a facelift; it’s a completely new product that slots strategically between the Sonet and the Seltos, acting as the premium, tech-forward alternative in the crowded compact SUV market. It takes the familiar mechanical foundations we trust from the Hyundai-Kia family but wraps them in a distinct, tall-boy, almost boxy design.
But the real headline is its feature list. The Syros is Kia’s attempt to bring flagship technology—think Level 2 ADAS and dual 12.3-inch displays—down to the mass market.
The Ex-showroom starting price is highly competitive at Rs. 8.67 Lakh for the base G1.0T MT variant, while the top-spec Diesel Automatic with ADAS nudges close to Rs. 15.94 Lakh (Ex-showroom). Is it worth the premium over rivals? I spent a week driving both the 1.0L Turbo Petrol DCT and the 1.5L Diesel AT to give you the honest answer.
Quick Specs Table: Key Highlights
| Feature | 1.0L Turbo Petrol (G1.0T) | 1.5L Diesel (D1.5 CRDi) |
| Engine | 998 cc, 3-Cylinder Turbo | 1493 cc, 4-Cylinder Turbo |
| Max Power | 118 BHP @ 6000 rpm | 114 BHP @ 4000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 172 Nm @ 1500-4000 rpm | 250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm |
| Transmission | 6MT / 7-speed DCT | 6MT / 6-speed Torque Converter (AT) |
| Boot Space | 465 Litres (Best-in-segment) | 465 Litres (Best-in-segment) |
| Ground Clearance | 190 mm (Unladen) | 190 mm (Unladen) |
| Safety Rating | 5-Star Bharat NCAP | 5-Star Bharat NCAP |
Exterior Design & Road Presence: Bold and Boxy
In a segment dominated by aggressive, sloping rooflines (like its own stablemate, the Sonet), the Syros takes a refreshing step back toward the traditional, upright SUV silhouette. It’s got a tall, boxy stance that immediately separates it.
The front fascia features Kia’s signature Digital Tiger Face, but the vertically stacked LED headlamps and the L-shaped LED DRLs give it a sophisticated, almost futuristic look. The headlamps sit low on the bumper, a design cue borrowed from the Carnival/EV9, which works surprisingly well here. The almost sealed-off grille section lends it an EV-like clean aesthetic.
From the side, the design is clean. The biggest talking point is the inclusion of flush-fitting door handles—a segment first!—which is a feature you usually see on cars costing three times as much. The 17-inch Crystal Cut Alloy Wheels on the top trim fill the wheel arches nicely, and the chunky plastic cladding adds the necessary SUV muscle.
- Does it turn heads on the road? Absolutely. Its unique, tall stance, combined with the premium flush door handles and the distinctive L-shaped LED lighting signature, makes people stop and look. It has a mature, imposing presence that is arguably missing in the sportier-looking rivals. The 190 mm ground clearance also gives it a confident, high-riding look.
Interior, Comfort & Features: A New Benchmark
Step inside the Syros, and you realize where Kia has spent its money. This is easily the most premium and feature-loaded cabin in the compact SUV space, bar none.
Dashboard & Features
The centerpiece is the 30-inch ‘Trinity Panoramic Display’ panel. This is essentially two 12.3-inch screens seamlessly integrated: one for the infotainment and the other for the digital instrument cluster. It is sharp, responsive, and makes the cabin feel like a lounge from a segment above.
- Dashboard Quality: While the lower dashboard is hard plastic (standard for the segment), the dual-tone upholstery and the liberal use of soft-touch materials on key contact points elevate the feel. The quality of the switchgear and steering wheel controls is excellent, typical of Kia.
- Key Features: The list is exhaustive:
- Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof: Opens up the cabin beautifully (a segment killer).
- Ventilated Front Seats: Essential for the Indian summer.
- 8-Speaker Harman Kardon Sound System: Audiophile-grade music experience.
- Level 2 ADAS Suite: Includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Forward Collision Warning (FCW)—a massive safety and convenience booster.
- 360-Degree Camera with Blind View Monitor: Makes parking and city maneuvering a breeze.
Space & Comfort
This is the Syros’s strongest selling point over its close rivals like the Sonet. Thanks to its boxier profile and 2,550 mm wheelbase, the cabin is significantly more spacious.
- Front: Seats are large and supportive; the powered driver’s seat (4-way adjust) is a nice touch.
- Rear: Can three people sit at the back? Yes, better than most rivals. The biggest advantage here is the sliding and reclining function for the 60:40 split rear seats. You can choose between more boot space or more legroom—a practical game-changer. Crucially, the Syros also offers Ventilation for the rear seats (thigh area only), a first in this segment, adding huge value in hot climates.
- Boot Space: At 465 Litres, the boot is cavernous, easily swallowing weekend luggage for a family of four.
Engine Performance & Driving Dynamics
The Syros is offered with two tried-and-tested powertrain options: the 1.0L Turbo Petrol and the workhorse 1.5L Diesel.
City Drive Experience
The 1.0L Turbo Petrol (118 BHP, 172 Nm) with the 7-speed DCT is the pick for city commuting.
- Clutch/Steering: The electronic power steering is light and easy to maneuver in tight spaces and traffic jams. It is super easy to park thanks to the 360-degree camera.
- Engine: The turbo-petrol has minimal lag and the DCT is smooth and quick, especially in stop-and-go traffic. It never feels strained. You get paddle shifters and selectable drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport), giving you options for efficiency or quick bursts.
The 1.5L Diesel AT (114 BHP, 250 Nm) with the 6-speed Torque Converter is simply effortless. The Diesel’s higher torque of 250 Nm kicks in early (from 1500 rpm), making low-speed cruising and quick overtakes in city traffic incredibly smooth. This is the ultimate stress-free city machine.
Highway Drive & Suspension
This is where the Syros’s wider stance and strong diesel torque shine.
- Stability at 100kmph+: The Syros feels rock-solid and mature on the highway. There is minimal body roll for a tall-boy SUV, a commendable feat by Kia’s engineering team. The high-speed stability is reassuring, instilling confidence during long drives.
- Suspension: The MacPherson Strut (front) and Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (rear) setup is tuned well for India. The suspension absorbs potholes easily, especially at city speeds, filtering out the worst road imperfections. It is slightly on the softer side, which aids comfort, but it tightens up nicely at highway speeds. The 190 mm ground clearance ensures you clear almost every speed breaker and unpaved section without scraping.
Safety: Bharat NCAP 5-Star is the Shield
For years, safety was the chink in the armor of some Korean cars, but Kia has emphatically addressed this with the Syros.
- Build Quality: The Kia Syros has been awarded a 5-Star Rating in Bharat NCAP for both Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP). This is a massive stamp of approval for the platform and build quality.
- Safety Features (Standard):
- 6 Airbags (Standard across all variants)
- ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill Assist Control (HAC)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Advanced Safety: The optional Level 2 ADAS is the segment-leading safety feature, offering not just alerts but active intervention (steering and braking assist) in critical situations. This significantly reduces driver fatigue and enhances highway safety.
Real World Mileage: The Truth
ARAI figures are always optimistic, but they serve as a guide. The real-world figures are what count for the cost-conscious Indian buyer.
| Powertrain | ARAI Claimed Mileage (kmpl) | Real World City Mileage (kmpl) | Real World Highway Mileage (kmpl) |
| 1.0L Turbo Petrol MT | 18.2 kmpl | 12.5 – 14.0 kmpl | 16.0 – 17.5 kmpl |
| 1.0L Turbo Petrol DCT | 17.7 kmpl | 11.0 – 12.5 kmpl | 15.0 – 16.5 kmpl |
| 1.5L Diesel MT | 20.8 kmpl | 16.0 – 17.5 kmpl | 19.0 – 21.0 kmpl |
| 1.5L Diesel AT (TC) | 17.6 kmpl | 13.5 – 15.0 kmpl | 16.5 – 18.0 kmpl |
The Diesel is the clear winner for efficiency. The real mileage in heavy city traffic for the Diesel AT is surprisingly good, hovering around 4.5, making it very economical for long-term ownership, which is crucial in the Indian market.
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The Competition: Kia Syros vs Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Tata Nexon
The compact SUV space is a battlefield, and the Syros’s strongest rivals are the newly launched Mahindra XUV 3XO and the segment leader, the Tata Nexon.
| Feature | Kia Syros (1.0L Turbo DCT) | Mahindra XUV 3XO (1.2L TGDi AT) | Tata Nexon (1.2L Turbo DCA) |
| Price (Ex-showroom Top-Spec) | Rs. 15.94 Lakh | Rs. 15.49 Lakh | Rs. 15.60 Lakh |
| Engine Power | 118 BHP / 172 Nm | 129 BHP / 230 Nm (Segment Best) | 118 BHP / 170 Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed DCT | 6-speed Torque Converter (AT) | 7-speed DCA |
| ADAS | Level 2 ADAS (Camera + Radar) | Level 2 ADAS (Camera Only) | No ADAS |
| Safety Rating | 5-Star (Bharat NCAP) | 5-Star (Global NCAP) | 5-Star (Global NCAP) |
| Boot Space | 465 Litres (Best-in-segment) | 295 Litres | 382 Litres |
| Key Features | Dual 12.3-inch Screens, Ventilated Rear Seats, Panoramic Sunroof | Dual-Zone Climate Control, E-Brake, Panoramic Sunroof | 360 Camera, Ventilated Front Seats, Sunroof |
Winner: Value For Money (VFM)
- The Tata Nexon remains the default choice for pure, unadulterated safety and a massive service network, but it falls short on high-end features and the DCT is not as refined as Kia’s unit.
- The Mahindra XUV 3XO offers the best performance (most powerful engine) and a compelling package with ADAS and a sunroof at a slightly lower price point.
- The Kia Syros provides the highest perceived luxury and the most advanced tech. The combination of Level 2 ADAS, a 465L boot, a Panoramic Sunroof, and rear seat ventilation justifies the slight premium on the top-end models. The Syros wins for the buyer prioritizing features and space.
Final Verdict: The Luxury Compact SUV
The Kia Syros isn’t just another compact SUV; it’s an ambitious leap by Kia to redefine the segment. It addresses the key shortcomings of the Sonet (rear space and basic features) while offering technologies that its immediate rivals are yet to catch up with. It brings genuine luxury and premium-ness to a sub-Rs 16 lakh price point. If you were looking for a compact SUV but felt the need for more space and the features of a premium mid-size SUV, the Syros is tailor-made for you.
Buy it if:
- You want the maximum features and tech (Level 2 ADAS, Dual Displays, Panoramic Sunroof) in the compact SUV segment.
- You need the best rear-seat comfort and flexibility (sliding/reclining seats, rear ventilation).
- You prioritize the Diesel Automatic powertrain for torque and fuel efficiency.
Skip it if:
- You are on a very strict budget (the lower variants feel a bit stripped compared to the top trim).
- You want the absolute sportiest driving dynamics (the XUV 3XO’s TGDi engine is punchier).
- You prefer a naturally aspirated petrol engine for absolute simplicity and low maintenance.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Q: What is the estimated on-road price of the Kia Syros?
The estimated on-road price for the base Syros (HTK 1.0T MT) is approximately Rs. 9.8 – 10.3 Lakh, while the top-spec HTX Plus (O) 1.5L Diesel AT will likely cross Rs. 18.5 – 19.5 Lakh (depending on state RTO tax, insurance, and accessory packages).
Q: What is the current waiting period for the Kia Syros?
Since the Syros is a new and highly sought-after model, initial waiting periods can be high, especially for the top-end ADAS and DCT variants. Expect a current waiting period of 4 to 6 months post-booking, which might stabilize to 2-3 months after the initial surge.
Q: Does the Kia Syros come with a CNG option?
No, the Kia Syros is currently offered only with two engine options: the 1.0-litre Turbo Petrol and the 1.5-litre Turbo Diesel. Unlike some rivals (Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon), there is no factory-fitted CNG option available at launch.