Kia Syros: How Is It Different From Sonet And Seltos And What Does It Bring To The Table?

Popular Korean automaker Kia has revealed the Syros SUV ahead of its launch on February 1, 2024. It comes with a unique design, plenty of features and multiple powertrains while being available in many colours and different variants to choose from. 

In India, we already have plenty of subcompact and compact SUVs that lie in a similar price bracket in which the Syros is expected to be launched. So, what makes the Syros unique? How has Kia positioned it? And what is its relevance in the market? Read on as we answer all these questions and more…

Positioning In Kia’s Lineup 

The Syros has been placed between the Sonet subcompact SUV and the Seltos compact SUV. While it has greater dimensions than the Sonet, it still is under 4 metres in terms of length and this makes it smaller than the Seltos. However, it provides a more premium experience when compared to the entry-level Sonet and is on par with the Seltos when you compare the premium quotient. While the Sonet’s pricing starts from Rs 8 lakh (ex-showroom) and the Seltos is priced from around Rs 11.5 lakh, we expect the Syros to be priced from Rs 9.7 lakh. 

What Does It Bring To The Table?

The Syros essentially competes with subcompact SUVs like the Sonet, Nexon, Venue, and the newly launched Kylaq, but it's a more premium offering in the segment. Subcompact SUVs in India are known for not having a spacious rear seat, and that is where the Syros step in! It offers a complete rear seat experience with plenty of knee room, headroom and leg room. 

So if you were in the market looking for a subcompact SUV, but needed something more spacious, you might want to consider checking out the Syros at your nearest showrooms. Not just space, it even offers segment-first features like rear seat ventilation! Apart from that, it also gets sliding and reclining seats giving the rear passenger a truly comfortable and enjoyable experience. 

In terms of powertrain, it gets the 1-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5 diesel unit that we have already seen on the Sonet. The diesel engine is also shared with the Seltos. It misses out on the 1.2-litre NA petrol which is avaialble with the Sonet. For performance-seekers, the Seltos gets a more powerful 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, providing a more thrilling experience. 

Loaded With Features 

Yes, SUVs in the subcompact space are loaded to the brim with features, but not all of them get all the features that have been introduced in the segment. The Syros on the other hand, brings every possible high-end feature thereby justifying its premium sub-4-metre tag. Right from convenience to safety, it takes care of all your necessities and desires. 

Its top features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch driver’s display, a 5-inch touchscreen for climate control, a panoramic sunroof, wireless Apple CarPlay front and rear seat ventilation, a wireless charging pad, a four-way electronically adjustable driver’s seat, 64-colour ambient lighting, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. 

In terms of safety, it gets 6 airbags, Level 2 ADAS, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), a 360-degree camera; front, side, and rear parking sensors; and an electronic parking brake with auto hold. 

In fact, it even gets a few extras over the larger Seltos! These include rear seat ventilation, sliding rear seats, larger displays and an extra display for climate control. The Seltos on the other hand gets bits like a heads-up display, a dual-zone climate control and more ways of adjusting the driver seat. 

Design Differentiation 

The Syros’ design language is completely unique and has that tall-boy stance which will remind you of an iconic Maruti hatchback! That being said, its design elements are inspired by the new-age Kia cars and look modern and premium, to say the least. Compared to the Seltos and Sonet, there are almost no similarities between the designs and Syros has a look of its own. It also gets bits like flush door handles that are not available on both Sonet and Seltos. 

Here is a detailed comparison vs the Sonet: Kia Syros vs Sonet: A Detailed Comparison Of The Two Sub-4m SUVs

Comparison with the Seltos: Kia Syros vs Kia Seltos: Can The New Kia Subcompact SUV Outshine Its Bigger Sibling?

Price And Rivals 

The Syros is expected to be priced between Rs 10 to Rs 17 lakh (ex-showroom). It competes with subcompact SUVs like the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Skoda Kylaq, and the Hyundai Venue, while it also goes up against SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate, and Tata Curvv.

We believe that the Syros brings a new flavour to the sub-4-metre SUV space, while it also punches above some of the compact SUVs in terms of amenities. It can be considered if you want something that offers a premium cabin, have tall people in your family and spend time in the rear seats as your priority. For a detailed review of the Syros, tap here. 

What would you pick among the three Kias? Let us know in the comments.