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Namaste India, and welcome back to Dream Machine! We know you've been eagerly awaiting this one, and the wait is finally over. Today, we're diving deep into the highly anticipated KIA Syros. Is it the car for you? Why should you consider it? We're here to give you all the clarity you need to make an informed decision. So, without further ado, let's hit the road!
A New Category Challenger••
First, let's talk about where the Syros fits in. Positioned smartly between the Sonet and the Seltos, the Syros carves out a new niche in the Indian automotive market. While the Sonet traditionally competes with compact SUVs like the XUV3XO, Nexon, Brezza, and Venue, the Syros aims higher. Its unique positioning means it's packed with more features, and naturally, comes with a slightly higher price tag. Interestingly, its size is quite similar to the Sonet, which could offer tax benefits, making its expected top model price of around Rs. 20-21 lakhs a compelling proposition compared to the Seltos, which can go up to Rs. 24-25 lakhs.
Design: Unique and Purposeful••
The Syros boasts a distinctive design that immediately catches the eye. While it might give the impression of split headlamps, the lighting elements are actually integrated, drawing inspiration from the sophisticated design of the Kia Carnival, especially with the higher variants sporting sleek LEDs. A unique design element is the black strip on the roof – not a rubber patch, but a glossy plastic element that adds a touch of premium flair.
Higher variants roll on stylish 17-inch wheels, while the lower trims come with 16-inchers. On the topic of wheels, tire choice is crucial for both performance and safety. For exceptional road grip, impressive performance, and best-in-class handling and braking without compromising on tire life or mileage, we highly recommend the Apollo Apterra Cross. This dedicated range of SUV tires is a perfect fit for the Syros, offering a superior driving experience. You can explore the
From the side, the Syros presents a truly unique profile. The higher variants come equipped with a camera on the ORVMs. The overall side silhouette is reminiscent of several vehicles known for their practicality and spacious interiors, such as the WagonR, Defender, and Skoda Yeti, hinting at the Syros's tall-boy design philosophy focused on maximizing interior space and comfort. The rear styling is equally distinctive, featuring vertical, split tail lamps and an extended spoiler. A shark fin antenna and a panoramic sunroof further elevate its appeal.
Interior: Maximizing Space and Comfort••
Don't let the Syros's exterior dimensions fool you. Kia has cleverly engineered the interior to maximize space. The boot, while not appearing exceptionally large at first glance, expands significantly when the front seats are reclined, making it one of the largest in its segment. By optimizing the bonnet area, Kia has ensured more usable cabin space. The rear of the Syros features a total of six parking sensors, a thoughtful addition for urban driving.
The second row is surprisingly wide, accommodating three adults with decent comfort, though only two adjustable headrests are provided. The AC vents are well-positioned, ensuring good airflow to the rear occupants, and knee room is impressive, surpassing even some vehicles in higher segments like the Seltos and potentially the XUV700. The rear seats also offer a recline function for enhanced comfort, along with ventilation for two seats and practical sun blinds – Kia truly hasn't held back on features. Rear passengers also benefit from a phone holder and two Type-C charging ports, alongside an air purifier, further emphasizing the car's focus on passenger comfort and convenience. The headroom is ample, even for taller passengers, and thigh support is excellent.
The dashboard••
though compact to prioritize cabin space, boasts good fit and finish with a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch elements in key areas. The large panoramic sunroof creates an airy and open cabin feel. We're particularly pleased that Kia has retained physical buttons for AC controls, avoiding the frustration of touchscreen-only interfaces. A digital instrument cluster, distinct from other Kia models, adds to the premium feel. Wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a 360-degree camera, and a Harman Kardon speaker system (the second in this category to offer this) are all on offer. An electronic parking brake, a growing necessity in today's market, is also present. Kia's intelligent design has minimized the central console, freeing up more overall cabin width and space. Front passengers enjoy ventilated seats and partial electric seat adjustment.
While a detailed discussion on build quality was not provided, the infotainment screen is intuitive and responsive, with good brightness and clarity. The reverse camera offers a clear view, enhancing usability. Storage is a strong point, with generous space in the armrest, front console, and adaptable cup holders. The door pockets can comfortably hold 1-liter bottles. However, the AC is single-zone, and we feel a car in this category should offer dual-zone climate control.
Driving Dynamics••
Comfort-Oriented Performance
Under the hood, the Syros offers two engine options: a 1.0-liter turbo petrol with a DCT gearbox (similar to the Sonet's setup) and a 1.5-liter diesel engine. The advantage here is the availability of powerful turbo petrol and diesel options, foregoing the less potent 1.2-liter non-turbo. While there's a slight delay in acceleration, the Syros pulls strongly once it gets going.
It's important to note that the Syros isn't built for outright, aggressive performance like some of its rivals. Instead, it prioritizes comfortable daily driving and family tours. The ride quality is excellent, absorbing bad roads with ease – a significant improvement over Kia's typically stiffer setups like the initial Seltos. While there's a noticeable engine noise, especially from the diesel, the overall driving experience is refined. Cruising at 100-120 kmph, the car feels stable with minimal cabin noise, though its somewhat boxy shape might contribute to a slight aerodynamic hum.
Handling is decent for a family-oriented vehicle; while it won't encourage aggressive cornering, it feels secure and predictable. Unlike the Seltos, the Syros doesn't give you the feeling of sitting very high, making it feel more like a car to drive rather than a towering SUV.
The Syros features a Level 2 ADAS system, benefiting from both camera and radar for enhanced accuracy. While the lane-keeping assist can be a bit assertive in pulling the car back into the lane on highways without an indicator, the front collision warning system is highly effective, applying brakes smoothly when needed. This ADAS system feels significantly more refined and effective than previous Kia iterations, including the Seltos.
The Verdict: Is the Syros for You?
So, should the KIA Syros be on your radar? If you're looking for a compact car that offers a fantastic blend of performance, comfortable ride and handling, and exceptional interior space, the Syros is a strong contender. For those who want the practicality of a spacious interior without opting for a sedan or a full-blown 7-seater, the Syros fills that void perfectly.
While the exact pricing isn't out yet, if the top model lands in the Rs. 20-21 lakh range, some might find the compact design challenging to justify at that price point. However, in darker shades like black or dark blue, the Syros truly comes into its own, presenting a very neat and appealing aesthetic.
For chauffeur-driven individuals, the Syros offers a comfortable and feature-rich experience. It brings advanced technology that might not be available in other cars at a similar price point as the Seltos. While the top-end might take some getting used to in terms of price-to-compactness ratio, we believe the mid-range variants could see significant traction.
That wraps up our detailed review of the KIA Syros! If you still have questions about whether the Syros, Sonet, or Venue is the right choice for you, don't hesitate to reach out.
That's all for now, guys! We'll be back tomorrow with another exciting video. Take care, and bye! Thank you 😊