Our long-term garage just got a new member – the Kia Syros – and it’s been drawing quite a few curious glances already. The version that’s joined the Autocar India fleet is the top-of-the-line HTX Plus (O) 1.0-litre turbo-petrol with the 7-speed DCT gearbox. On paper, it seems like a sweet spot between practicality and premium appeal, and after spending a little time with it, there’s already plenty to talk about.
Let’s start with the way it looks. I’ll admit I wasn’t instantly taken by the design when I first saw it. The Syros is boxy, and its quirky lines give it a rather unconventional stance. But the more time I spend around it, the more it’s starting to grow on me. There’s something inherently likeable about its squared-off, upright proportions; they lend it a certain personality that’s missing in the more rounded, soft-edged SUVs we’re used to. It’s not pretty in the traditional sense, but it’s definitely distinctive.
What pleasantly surprised me, though, was the space inside. From the outside, the Syros doesn’t look particularly large, yet the cabin feels airy and far more accommodating than expected. Kia has done a commendable job of packaging here. Step inside, and the first thing that strikes you is how well-thought-out the layout is. There’s a pleasing simplicity to the dashboard; it’s modern without trying too hard. The big win for me is the use of physical buttons for most of the key functions. In an age where manufacturers seem obsessed with touchscreens, Kia’s decision to retain tactile controls feels refreshingly practical. The buttons are large, clearly marked and easy to reach even on the move.
The wireless charging tray deserves a special mention, too. It’s positioned at just the right height, and the rubberised base with subtle support lines ensures my phone stays put even over bumps, without interrupting charging. The dual-screen setup that houses the instrument cluster and infotainment system looks slick and premium, and the graphics are crisp and legible. The resizable cup holders are a useful touch that click open with a push of a button and come in handy for the different sizes of beverages I end up buying. I’m also quite fond of the light grey interior theme; it’s minimal, feels airy, and thankfully avoids the loudness some cabins tend to fall into these days.
A highlight, especially in this top HTX Plus (O) variant, is the ventilated seats; they are offered at the rear too, although only for the base. Still, it’s better than not having anything at all. Rear seat comfort, in fact, has been a frequent topic of discussion among family and colleagues alike. Everyone who’s sat back there has come away impressed by the generous knee room, reclining backrest and, of course, the ventilation. Add the panoramic sunroof to the mix, and the cabin feels far more upmarket and spacious than you’d expect from a compact SUV. With the sunshade fully retracted, the interior transforms completely.
It’s not all flawless, though. The ride quality is one area where the Syros could do with polish. The ride is on the firm side, so it feels composed on smooth tarmac, but the suspension transfers some jolts into the cabin over larger potholes and sharp edges. It’s not uncomfortable per se, but you do need to slow down over broken patches to keep things from getting jarring. The other aspect that could use improvement is the NVH insulation. Road and wind noise are noticeable at highway speeds, and there’s some engine sound that seeps into the cabin when you push it. None a deal-breaker, but it’s worth noting given how refined some of its rivals are.
As for performance, the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine has been more than satisfactory. It’s not a firecracker, but it has enough punch for everyday city driving, and the 7-speed DCT gearbox complements it beautifully. Shifts are smooth and timely, and the dual-clutch unit rarely gets caught out, even in stop-go traffic. It feels more practical than playful, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing for an urban commuter.
Fuel efficiency has been ok, hovering around the 9-10kpl mark in mixed city use. I’ll have a clearer idea of its efficiency in time, but for now, it’s doing a fine job of balancing performance and economy.
For the moment, the Syros has largely been my weekday companion for the office run and the occasional city errands. And in that role, it’s proving to be an easy, comfortable, and very likeable partner. There’s a sense of maturity in how it goes about things. I’m really looking forward to see how it fares on a longer highway trip soon, where we’ll get to test its cruising ability and check out its ADAS features in more detail. Stay tuned as we clock in more kilometres with the Syros and see if its charm continues to grow with time.
| Kia Syros HTX Plus (O) test data | |
|---|---|
| Odometer | 9254km |
| Price | Rs 15.29 lakh (ex-showroom, India) |
| Economy | 9.5kpl (overall) |
| Maintenance cost | None |
| Faults | None |
Also see:
2025 Audi Q5 long term review, 7500km report
2025 Mercedes E 450 long term review, 4,500km report
