Words Srinivasan S
The moment you lay eyes on the Kia Syros, it’s clear that this isn’t just another compact SUV. Its bold, upright stance and muscular design give it a commanding presence, while its compact dimensions make it perfect for navigating tight city streets. The Syros is a head-turner, and its quirky yet attractive design is sure to make it a favorite among urban drivers.
Exterior Design
Kia’s Design 2.0 philosophy shines through in the Syros. The SUV’s high squared shoulders, chiseled bonnet, and upright posture give it a robust and confident look. The front fascia is dominated by the signature Digital Tiger Face grille, flanked by Ice Cube MFR LED headlamps and starmap LED daytime running lights (DRLs). These elements not only enhance visibility but also add a futuristic flair to the design. The side profile is equally striking, with streamlined door handles, integrated spoilers, and 17-inch dual tone alloy wheels that add a touch of sportiness. At the rear, the L-shaped LED tail lamps and shark fin antenna complete the modern, premium look. The dual-pane panoramic sunroof is a nice touch, letting in plenty of natural light and adding to the SUV’s airy feel.
Interior Design and Features
Step inside the Syros, and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels both premium and practical. The 76.2 cm Trinity Panoramic display is the centerpiece of the dashboard, combining the infotainment system and instrument cluster into one seamless interface. This setup not only looks futuristic but also makes it easier to access key information while driving. The Syros introduces rear ventilated seats—a segment-first feature—that ensure passenger comfort during India’s scorching summers. While the ventilation is limited to the base of the seat, it’s still a welcome addition. The rear seats are also adjustable, offering both reclining and sliding functions to optimize comfort and cargo space. Storage is another area where the Syros excels. The cabin is dotted with clever storage solutions, including armrest storage, front door bottle holders, a rear AC console tray, and retractable cup holders. These small but thoughtful touches make the Syros a practical choice for everyday use. Other notable interior features include an air purifier, an 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and 64-color ambient mood lighting. These elements add to the overall premium feel of the cabin. The Syros also supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. One of the most refreshing aspects of the Syros is its use of tactile, mechanical buttons and knurled dials for controls like AC and volume. At a time when many car manufacturers are moving towards touch-sensitive panels, Kia’s decision to stick with traditional buttons is a breath of fresh air. The controls are well-marked, easy to use, and satisfying to operate, making the driving experience more intuitive and enjoyable. Performance During our test drive on the Delhi-Mumbai expressway, the Syros handled smoothly, with confident acceleration and stable handling. The suspension setup does a good job of absorbing bumps and potholes, ensuring a comfortable ride even on rough roads. The higher trims with automatic transmission come with paddle shifters, adding a sporty touch to the driving experience
Safety
Kia has equipped the Syros with a comprehensive suite of safety features, making it one of the safest options in its segment. The inclusion of Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) introduces 16 adaptive features, such as Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, and Smart Cruise Control with stop-and-go functionality. These features not only enhance safety but also reduce driver fatigue on long journeys. Standard safety provisions include six airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, and a 360-degree parking camera. The reverse camera is crisp and clear, and the surround view monitor, blind-spot monitor, and parking collision avoidance reverse feature make parking in tight spots a breeze. Kia has paid special attention to both driving and parking safety, incorporating 13 driving safety features and 3 parking safety features. This focus on safety underscores Kia’s commitment to passenger protection. Positioning The Syros carves out a niche between the compact and mid-size SUV segments. While it shares some similarities with the Sonet, it also competes with higher trims of the Tata Nexon and Hyundai Venue. Its premium features and compact dimensions make it an attractive option for buyers eyeing models like the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, or Honda Elevate. The Syros is positioned as a premium subcompact SUV, offering a blend of style, technology, and performance that’s hard to beat. Its strategic positioning allows it to appeal to a broad spectrum of customers, from young professionals to small families. Conclusion The Kia Syros is a well-rounded subcompact SUV that ticks all the right boxes. Its bold design, techpacked interior, and practical performance make it a strong contender in its segment. With segment-first features like the Trinity display and rear ventilated seats, the Syros is perfect for urban drivers looking for a stylish, feature-rich SUV that doesn’t compromise on space or safety. Kia has once again proven its knack for creating vehicles that resonate with Indian consumers. The Syros is a smart, stylish, and practical choice for city driving, offering a premium experience without the premium price tag. Whether you’re navigating crowded city streets or cruising on the highway, the Syros is a capable and comfortable companion. The Kia Syros is a game-changer in the subcompact SUV segment. It combines bold design, advanced technology, and versatile performance into a package that’s hard to resist. If you’re in the market for a compact SUV that stands out from the crowd, the Syros should be at the top of your list.
Availability
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