Does The Kia Syros Handle Well? Here’s Our Verdict…

The Kia Syros is the latest SUV offering from the Korean automaker, entering a fiercely competitive market. While it promises a comfortable and refined drive, how well does it actually handle different road conditions? We put it to the test to uncover its strengths and weaknesses.

Kia Syros: The Strong Points

The Syros gets many things right. For starters, its light steering and high seating position make it incredibly easy to drive, especially for those new to SUVs. Manoeuvring through city streets or tight parking spots is a breeze, and its ergonomics ensure a comfortable driving experience.

Braking performance, while not exceptional, is adequate. It stops when you ask it to, and that’s what matters — though a little more bite wouldn’t hurt. The ride remains comfortable and composed at low speeds on smooth roads, just as expected from a Kia.

Technical Specifications

The suspension setup comprises a McPherson Strut with coil springs at the front and a Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA) with coil springs at the rear. The Syros rides on 215/60 17-inch tyres and offers a ground clearance of 190 mm. While the official kerb weight figures haven’t been revealed, it's expected to weigh somewhere between 1300 to 1400 kilos.

Kia Syros: The Shortcomings

Despite its strengths, the Syros isn’t without its flaws. Ride quality is where things get tricky. Over broken roads, the suspension tends to crash rather than absorb impacts smoothly. A seemingly harmless pothole can result in a noticeable thud which is not something you would want on long journeys.

On highways, the situation doesn’t improve much. At speeds above 80 kmph, the Syros exhibits vertical movement in the cabin, which only intensifies as speed increases. The ride would feel more composed if the suspension rebound was better controlled and settled quicker.

Verdict

The Kia Syros does a lot of things right. It’s user-friendly, decently equipped, and offers a smooth ride on well-paved roads. However, its suspension setup needs refinement to better handle broken roads and high-speed stability. If Kia tweaks the suspension for better rebound control, the Syros could become a more well-rounded package. It's a "Good Thing. Small Package." A quote rightly said by Arun, in his road test review. Read it here.

As for rivals, the Syros will have to prove themselves against the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Mahindra XUV 3XO, and the upcoming Skoda Kylaq. Will it hold its ground? Only time will tell.

So, would you pick the Kia Syros, or does another SUV catch your eye? Let us know in the comments below!