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Photographs by Siddharth Dadhe

It would be an understatement to say that Kia India has firmly established itself in the Indian automotive market over the past few years. From its successful entry into the SUV segment with the Seltos, to its foray into the compact SUV space with the Sonet and its introduction of the Carnival, Kia has focused on innovation, design, and customer requirements. With the Syros, Kia has taken another bold step, once again shifting the boundaries of what we can expect in the SUV market. This new offering isn’t so much another model in an existing category; it’s an attempt at carving out an entirely new segment, since there are no direct competitors in this niche—at least for now.

A first glance at the Syros leaves a lasting impression; many onlookers mistakenly believed Kia had launched an electric vehicle. Its futuristic – and very quirky – design does give it an EV-like aura, but a closer look reveals something entirely new. It looks like it’s been plucked straight out of an anime comic book, but from the front, the design draws some visual cues from the Tata Punch, particularly with the headlamps’ design. However, as you move towards the front three-quarter angle, there’s a resemblance to the Land Rover Defender, and when viewed from the side, it echoes the styling of the Honda Pilot, even though that model isn’t available in India. What’s particularly interesting is the visual link to the recently showcased Tata Sierra concept.

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The Syros does have a lot going for it in terms of design, in that there is simply nothing else like it on the road today. Kia’s signature elements are still present, including the ‘tiger nose’ front grille and the ice cube-style LED headlights and tail lamps. Despite its unconventional details, the design feels fresh, and as you spend more time with the car, it grows on you. There is one thing you’ll need to be careful about, though – the lighting clusters front and rear are fairly low down, so they’re vulnerable to being scratched/bumped by errant traffic.

Inside the cabin, Kia has clearly focused on maximising space and providing a premium experience. Thanks to its boxy design, the Syros has a cabin that feels very airy, spacious, and comfortable. The panoramic sunroof further amplifies the feeling of openness, and lets in a generous amount of light and air, enhancing the overall experience for both front and rear passengers. The seats are impressively comfortable, with carved-out backs that provide adequate support, especially on longer journeys. One of the standout features is the segment-first feature of ventilated seats for all four passengers (in the top end variants).

In terms of practicality, the Syros doesn’t disappoint. The rear seats offer reclining capabilities and can be slid forward and backward to optimise boot space, or provide extra legroom for passengers. The rear seats are also split 60:40, allowing for a flexible cargo area depending on your needs. Kia has certainly kept in mind the importance of versatility for family buyers, and those who carry large amounts of cargo.

Up front, the cabin features dual-tone finishes and high-quality materials. The fit and finish are excellent, offering a more premium touch than you might expect in this category. Kia has also integrated an 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system that enhances the in-car experience; it’s a good shift for the brand, which traditionally offers Bose audio systems. For tech-savvy users, the 12.3-inch dual-display setup is a highlight. One display serves as the driver’s instrument cluster, while the other acts as the infotainment system, both offering sharp, intuitive graphics. It’s refreshing to see that Kia hasn’t abandoned physical buttons for essential controls, making the car user-friendly and easy to operate while driving.

When it comes to safety, the Syros is loaded with features. Kia is offering a range of Level 2 ADAS features, like Lane Keep Assist and Forward Collision Braking. Additionally, the car is equipped with six airbags as standard, an electronic parking brake, rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system. The 360-degree camera is especially noteworthy, featuring 3D renderings of the car that can be rotated on the screen to give you a full view of your surroundings. This feature is something typically seen in higher-segment vehicles, and its presence in the Syros is a big plus. The graphics on the 360-degree camera are impressively detailed, showing not just the car’s surroundings but also the movement of the wheels in response to steering input.

Under the hood, the Syros offers a range of engine/transmission options, ensuring that there is something for every kind of driver. The petrol variant comes with a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine that produces 118 bhp and 17.53 kgm of torque. Paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed DCT (Dual-Clutch Transmission), this engine strikes a balance between power and efficiency. The petrol engine is a lot of fun to drive, with a rev-happy nature and a smooth power delivery that makes it ideal for both city commutes and long highway drives. Kia also offers a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine, producing 114 bhp and 25.49 kgm of torque. This engine is available with either a 6-speed manual or a torque converter automatic gearbox. As a diesel fan myself, I particularly appreciate Kia’s decision to offer this engine, as diesel engines are hard to beat in terms of torque output, making them ideal for highway cruising and long-distance drives; there’s also the undoubted joy of seeing great fuel efficiency numbers.

During our drive in Gurugram, we tested both engine options and were quite impressed. The diesel engine, in particular, delivered excellent torque, making it a joy to drive. Kia claims an impressive 20 kpl for the diesel variant and 17 kpl for the petrol variant, with real-world figures closer to 23 kpl on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. These fuel efficiency figures are exceptional, especially considering the size and performance of the car. While the diesel engine does introduce some cabin noise, it’s minimal and doesn’t detract from the overall driving experience. We found the diesel to be particularly enjoyable on highways, where it displayed excellent power delivery and cruising ability.

On the other hand, the petrol variant, although not as torquey as the diesel, is lighter and more agile, making it ideal for city driving. The petrol engine provides a more playful driving experience, with a noticeable difference in ride quality compared to the diesel variant. The petrol variant has a slightly floaty, bouncy ride quality, which we found less composed than the diesel version, but this is a personal preference. The diesel variant’s firmer suspension offers better composure, particularly when driving at higher speeds or over rough patches of road. The Syros proved to be nimble in city traffic, making it an excellent choice for urban dwellers. Its compact footprint, especially considering the cabin’s space, ensures that it doesn’t feel cumbersome in crowded traffic. The car’s manoeuvrability in tight spaces is also impressive. The suspension is on the softer side, but it absorbs bumps and rough surfaces well, ensuring that passengers are comfortable on both short city drives and long highway trips. The car’s overall footprint strikes the right balance between providing adequate space and not feeling unwieldy in stop-and-go traffic.

Positioned between the Seltos and the Sonet, the Syros offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and technology. Its innovative design, spacious cabin, and advanced tech offerings make it a standout in its class. Kia’s approach with the Syros proves that it is listening to customer needs and adapting quickly to market demands. Its positioning means it’s not directly competing with anything else at the moment, giving it a strong first-mover advantage. As a result, it could well be another winner. For buyers who want something with more features than the Sonet, but who don’t need the size of the Seltos, the Syros offers a great balance. With its arresting design, segment-first features, and dependable engines, it could well attract a wide range of buyers, and potentially even disrupt segments above it.