Kia Syros

The Kia Syros grabs attention with its bold, unconventional styling which is also different from Kia Seltos. The headlights and taillights sit lower on the bumpers—a design choice aimed at improving pedestrian safety by reducing impact during collisions.

If you look at the front, the EV-inspired grille and dual-tone wheels give it a modern look, while flush door handles and a shark-fin antenna add a sleek touch. The squared wheel arches and sharp creases on the rear doors gives a distinctive look and this SUV is easily recognizable.

From the side profile, it looks really tall and it compliments well with quarter glass windows. And below you can see the chunky skid plates and L-shaped pilot lamps. All these details make sure that this SUV stands out in the compact SUV market.

There are two engine options available both in Petrol and Diesel, the 1.5-liter diesel engine delivers 114bhp and 250Nm of torque, paired with a smooth six-speed automatic or manual transmission. Start it up, and the diesel clatter fades quickly into near-silent idling—a rarity for oil-burners. On the road, power builds linearly, and gearshifts are seamless, even over rough patches.

For petrol fans, there’s a peppy 1.0-liter turbo (118bhp) with a seven-speed DCT that’s surprisingly quick off the line, though the diesel’s low-end grunt feels better suited for city commutes and highway cruising.

Inside the car you get a premium feel just like Seltos. There are Soft-touch plastics, matte orange accents, and a fresh "Double D-cut" steering wheel elevate the cabin. The star here is the "Trinity 30-inches Display"—a trio of screens for the driver cluster, infotainment, and climate controls. Practical touches like retractable cupholders, rear sunshades, and a hidden phone pocket behind the front seats show thoughtful design.

The panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and 360-degree camera add luxury, though the rear seat ventilation only cools the base (not the backrest)—a miss in hot climates. The second-row seats slide, recline, and offer decent legroom, but three adults might feel squeezed for shoulder space.

Safety is not compromised in terms of price range and you get 6 standard air bags and Level 2 ADAS features. In which there is adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and a sturdy chassis designed for crash safety. The electronic parking brake and engine start button take some getting used to (they’re oddly placed near the AC vents), but the electrically adjustable driver’s seat—though slow—adds convenience.

Small details, like ambient lighting and window controls on the key fob (which didn’t always work for us), highlight Kia’s effort, but quirks like a stiff rear armrest and no USB-A ports remind you it’s not perfect.

Despite its 17-inch wheels, the Syros rides on the bumps comfortably. Body roll is minimal, even at higher speeds, and the light steering makes parking a breeze (though it takes three turns lock-to-lock).

The diesel’s refined nature shines here—you’ll only hear the engine when pushing hard. The ADAS suite works reliably, with lane-keep assist gently nudging you back into line. For a sub-four-metre SUV, it balances agility and comfort better than most rivals.