The Kia Syros is Kia’s latest offering in India’s compact SUV segment. It targets buyers who want style, space, tech and safety without going into large SUV territory. With its modern features, strong engines, and Kia’s growing service network, the Syros is a serious contender in the crowded Indian market.
Expanded Specification Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length / Width / Height | ~3,995 mm / ~1,805 mm / ~1,680–1,665 mm (varies by trim) ([turn0search10]) |
| Wheelbase | ~2,550 mm ([turn0search11]) |
| Ground Clearance | ~190 mm ([turn0search1]) |
| Boot Space | ~465 litres per media report ([turn0search10]) |
| Engines | 1.0L Turbo Petrol (≈118 bhp/172 Nm) ; 1.5L Diesel (≈114 bhp/250 Nm) ([turn0search3], [turn0search1]) |
| Transmissions | 6-MT, 7-DCT (Turbo Petrol) ; 6-AT (Diesel) |
| Fuel Economy (ARAI) | Turbo Petrol ~18.2 kmpl ; Diesel ~20.75 kmpl ([turn0search3]) |
| Features | Dual 12.3″ screens (top), wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, AQI display, ADAS Level-2 (select) ([turn0search4]) |
| Safety | Up to 6 airbags, ESC, TPMS, ADAS Level-2 on higher trims ([turn0search0]) |
| Price (India) | ₹8.67 lakh – ~₹16.00+ lakh ex-showroom (varies) ([turn0search3]) |
Why the Kia Syros Stands Out for Indian Buyers
The Syros is important because it offers something fresh. It comes packed with features like ADAS, large screens, ventilated seats and a roomy cabin. It segments between smaller sub-compact SUVs and bigger models like the Seltos. The Syros gives value for money, strong build and future-proof tech. For young families, professionals and tech-savvy drivers, the Syros ticks many boxes.
Design & Exterior Highlights
The look of the Syros is bold yet refined. Its length is roughly 3,995 mm, width about 1,805 mm and wheelbase around 2,550 mm. This makes it compact enough for city driving but spacious internally. According to Kia, the Syros offers an upright stance, sharp LED lights, dual-tone paint options and muscular wheel arches. It borrows styling cues from larger Kia models but keeps a friendly size for Indian roads.
From the front you will notice the large grille and split LED lighting arrangement on higher trims. Side-profile shows a slightly floating roof and large alloys. At the rear the LED tail lamp strip and wide stance give the car presence without being massive.
Ground clearance is about 190 mm, which helps in town and occasional rough surfaces. The doors open wide, making entry and exit easy, especially for families.
Interior, Comfort & Practicality
Inside, the Kia Syros offers a well-finished cabin with tech-heavy layout. On the dash you’ll find large twin displays in higher trims: a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen infotainment unit. The materials are better than average for the segment, with soft touches and contrast stitching on mid and top trims.
Rear seat comfort is very good: thanks to the long wheelbase there is decent legroom, and higher trims even offer seat ventilation for rear occupants. Boot space is class-leading, somewhere near 465 litres per some media reports, making it highly usable for daily errands and weekend luggage.
Features such as smart air-purifier with AQI display, ambient lighting, wireless phone charging, ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof (on top trims) add to the premium feel. For Indian buyers, the mix of comfort, tech and practicality makes the Syros a strong all-rounder.
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Engine, Gearbox & Performance Options
Kia offers multiple engine choices for the Syros, catering to a wide range of users. The main options are:
- 1.0 litre Turbo Petrol (G1.0 T-GDi): This engine produces about 118 bhp and 172 Nm of torque. It suits buyers who do mixed driving and want a peppy feel.
- 1.5 litre Diesel (D1.5 CRDi VGT): This generator produces around 114 bhp and 250 Nm of torque in some tunes. It’s best for those who do long highway trips and need strong pulling power.
- 1.2 litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol: Possibly offered in lower trims in some markets for simpler and more economical ownership.
Transmission options include a 6-MT (manual), 7-DCT (dual clutch automatic) for the petrol turbo, and a 6-AT (torque converter automatic) for the diesel. Each combination offers something different: manuals for enthusiasts or budget buyers, DCT for urban automatic drive feel, and diesel for high-mileage users.
Driving feel is composed and refined. The turbo petrol brings good low-end punch and smooth performance in city traffic. The diesel is calm and stable on highways. Steering is light in the city and firms up on open roads. Suspension is tuned for comfort first, meaning the Syros handles Indian roads well though you may feel sharper edges on very bad patches, especially in top alloys.
Safety & Advanced Driver Assistance Features (ADAS)
Safety is one of the strong suits of the Syros. Kia has equipped it with up to 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Hill-Start Assist and more. Importantly, select trims offer ADAS Level-2 features including:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Blind Spot Detection
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- 360-degree camera and parking sensors
Such features are rarely found in this price band and give the Syros a competitive edge for buyers prioritising safety and future readiness. Media reports also suggest strong crash-test scores for this model.
Technology, Infotainment and Connectivity
Kia has loaded the Syros with modern tech. In higher trims you’ll find dual 12.3-inch screens: one for instrumentation and one for infotainment. The system offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Kia’s connected-car module (Kia Connect) allows you to monitor vehicle status, remote commands, navigation and vehicle tracking.
Other tech features include ambient mood lighting with multiple colours, smart air-purifier with AQI display (useful in Indian cities), ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof and premium sound system (Harman or Bose in higher trims).
These technologies make the Syros feel like a premium car rather than just a budget SUV. For tech-savvy buyers in India, these features are strong pull factors.
Fuel Economy, Running Costs & Ownership in India
Fuel economy differs by engine and gearbox. Official ARAI figures for the Syros list approximately 18.2 kmpl for the 1.0-litre turbo (manual) and about 20.75 kmpl for the 1.5-litre diesel (manual). Real-world mileage will depend on driving style, traffic and conditions.
Running costs are relatively moderate: the turbo petrol will cost less than diesel in cities; the diesel will shine on highways. Kia has a wide service network in India. The company recently extended its warranty to 7 years for selected models including the Syros, adding confidence for buyers. Some recent discounts and offers (up to ₹1 lakh off during festival seasons) further improve buy-in value.
Owning a Syros means access to Kia’s broad dealer and service ecosystem, many consumables that are commonly shared with other models, and warranty cover that’s becoming more generous.
Trim Levels, Variant Choice and Pricing in India
Kia offers the Syros in multiple variants: HTK, HTK(O), HTK+, HTX, HTX+, HTX+(O) (as per official variant listings). Buyers can choose from petrol manual, petrol automatic (DCT), diesel manual, and diesel automatic. Colour and dual-tone roof options widen the customisation mix.
Pricing (ex-showroom Delhi as an example) starts around ₹8.67 lakh for the base 1.0 turbo HTK manual. Upper trims reach approximately ₹16.00+ lakh for top-end DCT or diesel AT trims. On-road price depends on state taxes, RTO and insurance. Recent GST rate cuts have also made the Syros slightly more affordable.
To pick the right variant:
- For city use and budget focus: 1.0 Turbo manual in a comfortable mid-trim.
- For automatic convenience: 1.0 Turbo with 7-DCT.
- For high mileage or highway use: diesel manual or diesel AT trim.
- For full tech & luxury: top HTX+(O) trim with dual screens, ADAS and premium kit.
How the Kia Syros Compares with Rivals
In the Indian compact SUV space, rivals include Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Renault Kiger and Mahindra XUV3XO. Compared to these:
- The Syros offers stronger feature content especially in top trims.
- It offers ADAS in the price band earlier than many rivals.
- Space and boot are competitive (some reports cite 465 litres boot).
- The design is more modern and premium than some value-focused rivals.
- Service network and resale value of Kia are improving.
For buyers who value features, tech, safety and style, the Syros is a strong pick. For those prioritising lowest running cost or maximum engine choice, depending on variant, some rivals may offer slightly cheaper alternatives.
Ownership Tips & Practical Advice for Indian Conditions
When buying the Kia Syros:
- Test drive the specific engine and gearbox you expect to use (manual, DCT, automatic). The feel varies.
- Check real boot size and rear seat space especially if you often carry three passengers.
- Ensure your local service centre supports ADAS calibration for top trims.
- Look for festival offers and GST benefits (Kia recently cut prices by up to ~₹1.86 lakh).
- Choose higher trim if you value tech like dual-screens, sunroof and premium audio.
- For long highway use, ensure the transmission choice (diesel AT or petrol DCT) suits your needs.
- If you drive mostly city and <10,000 km/year, petrol manual or petrol DCT might suffice and save cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the real on-road price of Kia Syros?
A1. On-road price depends on state, RTO charges and insurance. Ex-showroom starts around ₹8.67 lakh. Add RTO, insurance and accessories to estimate on-road cost.
Q2. Which Syros engine is best for city driving?
A2. The 1.0 litre turbo petrol offers strong response and decent economy for city use. If you drive mostly in traffic and <10,000 km/year, that is a good choice.
Q3. Does Syros offer ADAS for safety?
A3. Yes. Higher trims offer ADAS Level-2 features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, blind spot detection and automatic emergency braking. Lower trims have standard safety kit.
Q4. How much boot space does Syros have?
A4. Boot space is around 465 litres on some trims making it very practical for family luggage and shopping.
Q5. Is the Syros easy to maintain?
A5. Yes. Kia has a growing service network in India. Fuel economy is respectable and consumables are shared with other Kia models. Extended 7-year warranty for some variants adds ownership comfort.
Q6. How rear seat comfort and space?
A6. Rear legroom and headroom are good for this class thanks to the 2,550 mm wheelbase. Rear seats slide/recline in some trims. Excellent for family use.
Q7. Should I lease or buy accessories at purchase?
A7. If you plan to keep the car 5+ years, buying accessories like dash-cam, alloy wheels under warranty makes sense. Kia often offers festival discounts and exchange bonuses — shop during offers.
Final Verdict — Is the Kia Syros For You?
If you are looking for a compact SUV in India that brings premium level features, modern tech, strong safety and a practical everyday car, the Kia Syros should be on your shortlist. It offers exceptional value, a youthful design and a wide engine/gearbox spread to suit different needs.
Consider it if you:
- Want a tech-forward cabin and modern design
- Do a mix of city and highway driving
- Care about safety and resale value
- Want a car that feels premium but still manageable in urban traffic
If you are mostly low-budget, occasional driver, or need seven seats, then look at alternatives. But for many buyers the Syros strikes a strong balance of features, performance and value.
Test drive the variant you are interested in, compare with rivals like Venue and Nexon, and check local service network and deal offers before booking. The Kia Syros has the potential to be one of the most sensible premium compact SUVs in India today.
