The following article is an advertorial.
Kia India has kicked off 2025 with a strong statement in the heavily crowded compact SUV segment as it announced the pricing of the all-new Kia Syros. The model, positioned between the Sonet and Seltos, carries a sticker price of Rs 9 lakh, ex-showroom, for the base-spec trim and tops out at Rs 17.80 lakh for the diesel and Rs 16.80 lakh for the petrol variants, ex-showroom.
The SUV is already creating ripples in the market. With over 20,163 bookings secured already, it’s clear that customers have taken a keen interest in Kia’s latest offering. Here’s a look at how it offers a perfect balance between premium appeal, versatility, and value for money across the lineup.
Kia Syros: Flexible, multiple powertrain options
One of the key highlights of the Syros is the flexibility it offers in terms of powertrains. It comes with both petrol and diesel engines, each available with both manual and automatic transmission options. In fact, the 120 hp, 172 Nm turbo-petrol unit has so far accounted for 67% of the bookings. Meanwhile, the diesel models have also found significant takers, making up the remaining 33%. It is clear that Kia India understands well that one size doesn’t fit all and that’s why the company has offered a bunch of powertrain options.
The 1-litre turbo-petrol motor option can be had with a 6-speed MT or a 7-speed DCT. On the other hand, the 1.5-litre diesel engine that makes 116 hp and 250 Nm can be paired either with a 6-speed MT or 6-speed torque converter. And of course, in a mileage-conscious market like India, the model’s fuel efficiency figures are commendable, with the petrol manual delivering 18.20 kmpl and the diesel manual going up to 20.75 kmpl as per ARAI.
Kia Syros: Design, unlike any SUV on sale
Following Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design language, the Syros takes inspiration from the brand’s global SUV lineup, including the flagship EV9. The sleek and modern exterior is complemented by stylish elements like streamline door handles and sharp LED lighting. Overall, the design is minimalistic yet very appealing due to its tall-boy look and a very unconventional front fascia that features a sophisticated, seemingly closed-off grille.
Signature elements include Kia Digital Tiger Face, Ice Cube MFR LED headlamps, and Starmap LED DRLs with integrated turn signals. At the rear, the Starmap LED combination tail lamps provide a distinctive lighting signature, giving it a very desirable look. Furthermore, it also packs some practical yet stylish additions such as bridge-type roof rails, streamlined door handles, and a shark fin antenna. The R17 crystal-cut alloy wheels further elevate its road presence.
It also offers a wide variety of colour options to choose from with eight monotone shades to pick from. In fact, as per the booking trends so far, customers have shown a clear preference for the Glacier White Pearl shade, which leads the bookings at 32%, followed closely by Aurora Black Pearl (26%) and the striking Frost Blue (20%).
Kia Syros: Tech and safety features? Loaded to the gills
Step inside, and the Syros welcomes you with a high-tech, well-appointed cabin. At the centre of the dashboard is a 30-inch trinity panoramic display that seamlessly integrates the infotainment system and driver’s display. The cabin layout is clean and modern, accentuated by thoughtful details such as a two-spoke double D-cut steering wheel with an off-center Kia logo. A standout feature is the highly adaptable rear seat, which not only reclines but also slides for better space management. It also comes with seat ventilation and rear AC vents, best-in-class legroom and headroom, thus ensuring comfort for rear passengers.
Speaking of comfort and practicality, the Syros prioritizes passenger comfort with its tallboy design, offering best-in-class headroom and legroom. The rear seat is particularly versatile, featuring recline and slide adjustments, a centre armrest, and sunshades for added comfort. It also offers a generous 465-litre boot capacity, thus ensuring your weekend getaways are going to be hassle-free.
More importantly, Kia India’s latest SUV comes with a suite of segment-first features. The Syros features 12 parking sensors (six on each side), a built-in dashcam, and OTA update capabilities for 16 controllers, ensuring that owners always have access to the latest software updates without having to visit the dealerships frequently. Other key highlights include ventilated front and rear seats, a 4-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, climate control, and a panoramic sunroof.
When it comes to safety, Kia has left no stone unturned. The Syros is equipped with radar and camera-based Level 2 ADAS, which includes 16 autonomous safety features such as Front Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist, and Parking Collision Avoidance Assist. Additional safety highlights include an Electronic Stability Program, six airbags as standard, and a robust package of 20 standard safety features.
Kia Syros: Value-for-money purchase
The Kia Syros delivers excellent value for money across its range, ensuring even the base HTK trim is well-equipped with features such as a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a rear-view camera, streamline door handles, electrically adjustable ORVMs, and all-door power windows.
Standard across all trims are dual front airbags, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, a highline tyre pressure monitor, ABS with EBD, BAS, ESC, VSM, HAC, ESS, child lock, and front and rear parking sensors. The Syros also gets speed-sensing auto door locks, impact-sensing auto door unlock, ISOFIX rear anchors, a rear occupant alert, and three-point seat belts with reminders for all seats.
As you move up the variants, the HTK(O) introduces a sunroof, while the HTK+ adds a panoramic sunroof, 60:40 split rear seats with recline and slide functions, and cruise control. Other notable, value-for-money features include rear door sunshade curtains, a driver seat height adjuster, a rear centre armrest with cup holders, and a rear parcel shelf. Besides that, the 16-inch crystal-cut alloy wheels further enhance the exterior appeal.
The HTX variant further enhances the package with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, LED headlamps and LED DRLs with integrated turn indicators, leatherette seats with front ventilated seats, rear wiper and washer, push-button start/stop, and all door windows auto up/down using the key fob. Higher trims like the HTX+ pack premium features, including ventilated front and rear seats, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a smart dashcam.
The top-spec HTX+ (O) further ups the ante with side parking sensors, Level 2 ADAS, and a 360-degree camera with a blind-spot monitor.
With features laid out in such an affordable manner, the Syros ensures a strong value proposition across all variants. The Kia Syros has definitely set a strong benchmark in the compact SUV segment. Whether you are looking for technology, comfort, or efficiency, it offers something for everyone.