Key highlights
- Kia Syros enters the compact SUV space with bold styling and a premium interior.
- Powered by a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine paired with a 7-speed DCT automatic.
- Offers a mix of city convenience and highway punch, but pricing places it at the premium end.
Design and Presence
At first glance, the Kia Syros doesn’t hide its ambition. It carries a striking design language with a wide grille, sharp LED lighting, and a muscular stance that gives it more road presence than you’d expect in this segment. The proportions sit neatly between a hatchback crossover and a full-fledged SUV, making it an appealing option for urban buyers who want practicality without compromising on style.
The 17-inch alloys and sculpted bodywork add to the premium character, while the rear tail-lamp design feels borrowed from larger Kia SUVs, giving the Syros a family resemblance that many will appreciate.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside and the Syros impresses immediately. The cabin is thoughtfully laid out with a wraparound dashboard, soft-touch materials, and a feature-rich infotainment system. The 10.25-inch touchscreen is crisp and intuitive, supporting both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Space at the front is generous, and the driving position offers good visibility. Rear passengers, however, may find knee room adequate rather than abundant. Boot space is practical for weekend getaways, though not class-leading. Kia has ensured the Syros feels a cut above hatchback crossovers with touches like ventilated seats, a premium audio system, and a sunroof.
Engine and Performance
The Syros Turbo Petrol is powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 118 bhp and 172 Nm of torque. Mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT), it offers brisk acceleration when you need it. In city traffic, the gearbox feels smooth and responsive, though at crawling speeds you occasionally notice slight hesitation, a trait common to many DCTs.
On highways, the engine comes alive past 2,000 rpm, delivering confident overtakes. The refinement levels are decent, though the typical three-cylinder thrum can be heard when you push it hard. Kia claims efficiency figures in the 16–17 km/l range, but expect around 12–13 km/l in real-world mixed driving conditions.
Ride and Handling
The suspension has been tuned for comfort, soaking up potholes and uneven patches well. At higher speeds, the Syros feels planted, though sharp undulations can unsettle the rear slightly. Steering is light for city use but weighs up adequately on highways, making it a good balance between everyday usability and long-distance stability.
Features and Safety
Being the top-spec turbo petrol automatic variant, the Syros packs in equipment like:
- Ventilated front seats
- Wireless charging
- Bose premium sound system
- Connected car tech with remote functions
- Six airbags
- ESC, hill-start assist, and rear parking sensors
This feature-rich package puts it up against strong rivals like the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, and Tata Nexon.
Final Thoughts
The Kia Syros turbo petrol automatic makes a strong case for itself as a stylish, feature-loaded compact SUV. It shines in design, comfort, and equipment, while the turbo-DCT combo ensures it’s no slouch on the road. The premium pricing may deter some, especially when naturally aspirated or manual versions of rivals come cheaper, but for buyers seeking a compact SUV that feels a notch more sophisticated, the Syros deserves a spot on the shortlist.
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