Kia Syros Design: Is It Quirky or Just Bold?

The initial design sketches of the Kia Syros were met with scepticism. That scepticism turned into a raised eyebrow, and eventually, a sense of relief upon seeing the car in person. While its design might seem odd to some, there’s no denying that it carries a certain quirky charm. In a good way.

A Refreshing Design Approach

The designers have clearly aimed to evoke a bold, modern, and youthful vibe. The angular design cues, split lighting elements, and a high bonnet line all add to the character. It’s refreshing to see a manufacturer take an adventurous approach to design. 

The Syros isn’t just another cookie-cutter SUV rather, it dares to be different. The boxy silhouette, oversized glasshouse, large 17-inch wheels, flush-fitting door handles, and full-LED lighting give it a concept-car aesthetic that rarely makes its way to a production-spec version.

Kia has seamlessly blended futuristic elements with rugged SUV proportions, ensuring the Syros stands out in a sea of generic crossovers.

Practicality V/s Quirkiness

But with great design comes great responsibility or, in this case, some practical concerns. Take the lamps placed at the extreme edges, for instance. While they look cool, how long before a casual nudge from a biker or rickshaw leaves a lasting dent or worse, ending up with a broken headlamp?

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Then there’s the placement of the indicators and the lone reverse light on the rear, which sits low on the bumper. This positioning makes them easy to miss, particularly in busy parking lots or bumper-to-bumper traffic. Sure, it adds to the aesthetic appeal, but does it compromise real-world usability? That’s a trade-off buyers will need to consider.

Maximizing the Platform

Details aside, what amazes us is how the Syros is maximizing the Hyundai-Kia K1 platform. With a wheelbase that’s stretched by 50 mm when compared to the Sonet, height increased by nearly 40 mm, and a wider track, Kia’s managed to seriously reinvent what a sub-4-metre-sized offering can be. 

This translates to a more spacious cabin, a confident stance, and improved road presence. Quite some tall-boy reference there.

Verdict: Bold or Bizarre?

The Kia Syros doesn’t play it safe and that’s what makes it intriguing. It dares to be different, and for that, Kia deserves credit. If you appreciate quirky, stand-out designs, you’ll love the Syros.

But if you prefer understated elegance, its unconventional styling might not be for you. Either way, one thing’s certain the Syros refuses to blend in.

So, is the Kia Syros’ quirkiness a hit or a miss? Let us know what you think about the design in the comments below.