Kia Syros

The Kia Syros landed in early 2025 as Kia India's sharpest compact SUV yet, threading a needle between feature richness and an accessible price tag. Sitting just under four metres in length, it punches well above its segment with a class-leading wheelbase, dual-screen cabin, Level 2 ADAS, and rear-seat creature comforts that shame several larger SUVs. It is a car that rewards the buyer who spends time in the back seat as much as behind the wheel.

Walk around the Kia Syros and it carries itself with a confidence unusual for a sub-four-metre machine. The squared-off shoulder line, muscular wheel arches, and connected LED light bar up front give it a presence that feels deliberate rather than merely fashionable. Step inside and the layout immediately impresses: twin 10.25-inch screens dominate the dashboard, physical controls for the climate system sit sensibly below, and the ambient lighting in upper trims adds a touch of evening sophistication. Kia has clearly prioritised perceived quality, and the cabin largely delivers on that promise.

The 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol is the powertrain most buyers will choose, and it is more than adequate for the role. Roughly 172 Nm of torque arrives early in the rev range, making city traffic feel effortless, and the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic keeps gearchanges crisp at pace. The catch is the DCT's tendency to hesitate and hunt in slow-moving traffic — a trait familiar to DCT owners across brands. The 1.5-litre diesel is the smoother highway companion: 250 Nm of torque makes overtaking a relaxed affair, and the six-speed torque-converter automatic is noticeably calmer than its petrol counterpart. ARAI figures of 18.2 kmpl for the petrol and 21.2 kmpl for the diesel look good on paper; real-world mixed-cycle driving typically yields 13–15 kmpl and 17–18 kmpl respectively.

The Syros earns its biggest distinction in the rear seats. The extended wheelbase translates into genuine legroom for six-footers, the seatback reclines meaningfully, and ventilated cushions are available from the HTX trim upward — a feature usually reserved for cars costing considerably more. ADAS capability, covering automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control, arrives from mid-spec HTK+ onward and works reliably on expressways, though the lane-centering function needs occasional recalibration in poorly marked urban stretches. The 10-speaker Bose audio system in the GTX+ is a genuine highlight for music lovers.

Ride quality is tuned for Indian road realities: broken tarmac is handled with composure, and the 200 mm ground clearance sees the car through typical urban obstacles without drama. High-speed stability is strong and wind noise is well-suppressed past 100 kmph. The 465-litre boot is functional for a nuclear family but trails the Tata Nexon's offering if you regularly load up for long weekends. Kia's connected car platform works seamlessly, and the dealership service network has matured substantially since the Seltos days.