Kia Syros is EV9’s ICE-powered little brother made for Indian market

Kia has introduced its latest compact crossover, the Syros, which will compete in the Indian market. Although it may resemble the EV9, the automaker’s latest offering is powered by an internal combustion engine paired with a manual transmission.

It is also significantly smaller compared to the colossal electric SUV, measuring 3,995 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,665 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,550 mm. The Syros is built on the K1 platform, which is also used by the Hyundai Casper.

Despite the size difference, the Syros incorporates several design elements found in the EV9, such as ice cube-shaped LED headlights, Starmap LED taillights, and Kia’s Digital Tiger Face.

Its futuristic appearance is further enhanced by 17-inch Crystal Cut alloy wheels, flush door handles, and puddle lights with Kia logo projection.

The interior layout is also reminiscent of the EV9, albeit on a smaller scale. According to Kia, the Syros is equipped with various segment-first features, including a 30-inch Trinity Panoramic Display comprised of two 12.3-inch screens and a five-inch climate control display.

Additionally, it offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, a Harman Kardon premium sound system with eight speakers, and a 64-colour ambient lighting system.

Kia stated that the Syros also comes with a call center-assisted navigation system that allows drivers to receive real-time guidance. Software and connectivity features will be updated over the air (OTA).

Another segment-first feature introduced by the Syros is the sliding and reclining, 60:40 split rear seats, which also come with ventilation. Behind the rear seats is a fairly large boot space with a capacity of 465 litres.

In terms of safety, the Syros comes with six airbags and a Level 2 ADAS system that includes 16 features such as Front Collision Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Follow Assist, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, among others.

Customers can choose between two available engines: a Smartstream 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine producing 120 PS and 172 Nm, or a CRDi 1.5-litre diesel engine with 116 PS and 250 Nm. In addition to a manual transmission, an automatic transmission option is also available – both tasked to drive the front wheels.