Kia Syros 2025 is Kia India’s newest compact‑SUV and the brand’s second sub‑4‑metre model after the Sonet. Unveiled in December 2024, the Syros sits neatly between the Sonet and the Seltos in the line‑up, and bookings open on 3 January 2025 with deliveries slated for February. By introducing what it calls “a new species of SUV”, Kia aims to tempt urban buyers who want a city‑friendly footprint but premium design, tech‑laden interiors and the reassurance of Level‑2 ADAS.business-standard.cometnownews.com
Boxy, EV‑Inspired Exterior
Kia Syros 2025 Kia’s latest “Opposites United” design language gives the Syros a bluff, Tonka‑toy stance reminiscent of the larger EV9. A vertical “Digital Tiger Face” grille is flanked by triple‑stack LED headlights and upright DRLs. Squared wheel‑arches swallow 17‑inch dual‑tone alloys, flush door handles keep the surfacing clean, and at the rear the wrap‑around L‑shaped LEDs create a wide, planted look. The overall effect is more mini‑Telluride than Sonet, ensuring the Syros stands out in a crowded segment.business-standard.cometnownews.com
Clever Packaging and Dimensions
Although its overall length is limited to 3,995 mm to qualify for India’s tax benefits, the Syros rides on a 2,550 mm wheelbase—50 mm longer than the Sonet—and is 1,800 mm wide. That matches or beats most rivals and, along with the tall, upright glasshouse, liberates generous cabin room. A class‑leading 465‑litre boot means a family’s weekend luggage or a cycle fits without folding the rear seat, while the 60:40 split‑fold bench lets owners juggle cargo and passengers easily.financialexpress.com
Lounge‑Like Cabin with Segment Firsts
Step inside and the Syros feels more EV than ICE. Front and centre is a sweeping, 30‑inch panoramic display: a 12.3‑inch digital instrument cluster flows into a 12.3‑inch touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Kia backs this up with 64‑colour ambient lighting, a panoramic dual‑pane sunroof, wireless phone charging, and an eight‑speaker Harman Kardon audio system with OTA update capability. Rear occupants are pampered with segment‑first sliding, reclining and ventilated seats, dual USB‑C chargers, dedicated AC vents and a near‑flat floor. Overall material quality, soft‑touch dash plastics and neatly textured door pads push the Syros to the top of the sub‑compact class for perceived luxury.livemint.comfinancialexpress.com
Powertrains Tuned for the City and Beyond
At launch, two familiar but tweaked engines power the Syros. The 1.0‑litre three‑cylinder turbo‑petrol produces 118 bhp and 172 Nm, mated to either a six‑speed manual or a seven‑speed DCT. Buyers who prefer a torquier drive can pick the 1.5‑litre four‑cylinder diesel, good for 116 bhp and a stout 250 Nm, paired with a six‑speed manual or six‑speed torque‑converter automatic. Kia hasn’t quoted economy yet, but based on identical powertrains in the Sonet, expect circa 18–19 km/l for the petrol‑DCT and up to 22 km/l for the diesel‑AT. Suspension revisions and a wider track promise a flatter stance through corners and improved bump absorption compared with the Sonet.business-standard.comlivemint.com
Safety, ADAS and Connectivity
Built on a reinforced version of Kia’s K1 platform, the Syros uses 38 per cent high‑strength steel for better crash performance. Twenty standard safety features—six airbags, ESC, hill‑start assist, VSM, all‑wheel disc brakes and ISOFIX mounts—are joined by Level‑2 ADAS with 16 functions. The suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane‑keep and lane‑departure assist, blind‑spot monitoring with a 360‑degree camera, forward collision‑avoidance assist and rear cross‑traffic alert. Kia Connect 2.0 brings more than 80 connected‑car functions, from remote engine start to geo‑fencing and stolen‑vehicle tracking, all updateable over the air.etnownews.comfinancialexpress.com
Variants, Pricing and Market Position
Kia will offer six trims—HTK, HTK(O), HTK+, HTX, HTX+, HTX+(O)—mirroring the Seltos and Sonet strategy. Pricing is due to be announced during the Bharat Mobility Show in January 2025 and is expected to span ₹9–17 lakh (ex‑showroom). That positions the Syros squarely against the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Brezza, Mahindra XUV3XO and forthcoming Skoda Kylaq. Early social‑media buzz and more than 10,000 expressions of interest suggest Kia may have another waiting‑list success on its hands.business-standard.cometnownews.com
Verdict: Why the Syros Matters
The 2025 Kia Syros doesn’t merely plug the gap between the Sonet and Seltos—it moves the goalposts for the entire sub‑4‑metre SUV segment. By marrying big‑SUV design cues to small‑car dimensions, topping them with lounge‑class rear seats, a giant twin‑screen dash, Level‑2 ADAS and punchy turbo engines, Kia has created one of the most well‑rounded compact crossovers yet. For buyers who want upscale features without stretching to a midsize SUV, the Syros could well be the sweet spot of 2025.
