Kia Syros: Kia has a penchant for throwing curve balls — and the Syros is one of those big, bold swings straight at the heart of the contemporary urban driver.
This new crossover mixes micro-min practicality with futuristic design cues, tech-heavy innards, and a new electric powertrain that gives a good indication of where Kia is heading.
But yet to be officially released in many markets around the world, the buzz around the Syros is growing.
Targeting young professionals, eco-minded buyers, and urbanites who need more than a hatchback yet less than a full-fledged SUV, the Kia Syros straddles the line between segments and does so without apology.
Compact Footprint with Big Personality: Design
Just one glimpse at the Kia Syros and it’s obvious – this isn’t one to play it safe. Approach to styling is futuristic, with sharp cuts, pointy LED lighting details and an aerodynamic shape that’s almost EV-like, which it very well may be.
Its higher driving position and tough plastic cladding bring it a hint of crossover flavor, while the short overhangs and wide tracks suggest a city-friendly footprint.
This is contrasted by futuristic design of the newly familiar ‘Opposites United’ quirkiness that is Kia’s solid design language.
The grille itself actually, nothing (it’s an EV after all), flows into slim headlamps, creating a fairly aggressive, but refined face. If the finished car follows the concept drawings, it’ll be a stunner.
Interiors: Young, Smart and Surprisingly Premium
Jump inside, and the Syros is promised to have that familiar Kia magic we all know and love. Minimalist styling, floating screens, soft-touch materials and a good amount of ambient light should make this cabin both fresh and comfortable.
Whispers include dual screens, fancy materials, and connected car tech that gives even more expensive segments a run for their money.
It looks small in the space in which it is placed, but don’t be deceived by the size.
That clever packaging (particularly if it’s an EV with a flat floor), means there’s plenty of space for four adults and their bags in the Syros; just make sure it has enough boot space for your daily errands and weekend escapes.
Performance: Electric or ICE?
Kia has been tight-lipped about the syros’s powertrain, but there’s a strong buzz that it will be offered with both internal combustion and full-electric options.
The ICE model could also be mated to one of the low-displacement turbo-petrol engines (1.0-litre or 1.2-litre), perfect for city driving.
But the EV version is where the action is. Under Kia’s worldwide EV strategy umbrella, it seems probable that the Syros would provide a shorter 300-400-km range between charges with some fast-charging capability and, that’s right, plenty of low-end torque for city driving.
Don’t expect blistering speed, but do expect clever, quiet and peppy performance built for the city.
Ride and Handling
With its probable small wheelbase, and EV powertrain (if indeed one is available), the Syros will likely be a nimble driving experience.
Look for light steering, tight turning radius and a suspension tuned more for comfort over city bumps than carving your way down the highway. It’s made for the urban jungle, not higher-speed cornering.
Tech and Features
Kia is not known for shortchanging customers on amenities, and it won’t be surprising if the Syros continues that tradition. You can expect goodies like:
A massive touchscreen infotainment system
wireless android auto &apple carplay
Digital instrument cluster
ADAS (in higher trims)
Wireless charger, rear camera and more
It will probably be one of the most tech-savvy cars in its price point.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Sleek, futuristic design sets it apart
Probably would come in EV (from Fiat) but standrad fuel version also.
High-tech cabin that feels high-end
Small without being too tight — because you need the extra space for the city
Anticipated to be high on efficiency and low on running costs (for the EV version in particular)
Cons
Still Unreleased — Information Is Speculation
Performance might be average in the ICE iteration
Could carry premium pricing from tech and electric drivetrain
May not have enough ground clearance for off-roading
EV infrastructure lags behind in some Indian cities
Kia Syros: Final Verdict
The Kia Syros could be the compact urban mobility flasgship of the future;’ It claims to be the perfect blend of style, smarts and sustainability in a fun-to-drive package too.
Whether you’re interested in an eco-friendly EV or a well-appointed petrol crossover, the Syros seems to be a quite exciting new entrant. Watch this space — if it arrives, it could be a new benchmark for city crossovers.