Tag - Syros

Key highlights 1.5 L CRDi VGT, 85 kW (116 PS) & 250 Nm 6‑speed torque‑converter automatic, FWD only Claimed mileage: 20.75 km/l (MT), 17.65 km/l (AT) Level‑2 ADAS, ventilated seats for all four occupants, 17‑inch wheels Think of the Syros as Kia’s “tall‑boy” alternative to the Sonet: still under four metres, yet visually closer to the Seltos in cabin height and presence. Boxy proportions, 17‑inch alloys and wide‑contact JK tyres give it a planted stance; the distinctive LED DRL signature and dual‑screen cockpit push it several notches above the traditional sub‑compact SUV brief. In the line‑up it will sit above the Sonet, below the Seltos, and – at least for the moment – without an EV badge. Cabin & Tech The Syros trades flamboyance for functionality. A twin‑screen layout (10.25‑inch instrumentation + 10.25‑inch infotainment) is flanked by a third touch‑panel for climate control – clever use of otherwise blank real estate. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, four‑way seat ventilation, a panoramic 360° camera feed and Level‑2 ADAS (adaptive cruise, lane‑keep, forward collision warning) round out a tech list that would embarrass some larger SUVs. The one ergonomic miss: a narrow dead pedal that wider shoes simply overhang. https://youtu.be/tGyhGCTpQmM Powertrain & Performance Under the bonnet, Kia’s familiar 1.5‑litre four‑cylinder diesel (250 Nm from just 1,500 rpm) pairs with a six‑speed torque‑converter auto. On paper it’s the same drivetrain you find in larger Hyundai‑Kia offerings, but here it feels livelier thanks to the Syros’s lower kerb weight. In Eco mode the gearbox short‑shifts under 2,000 rpm, letting the engine hum along at 1,600 rpm and 100 km/h. Switch to Sport and throttle responses sharpen; 0–100 km/h sprints land in the low‑10‑second bracket – quick for a family runabout – while manual paddle control lets you hold gears for confident overtakes. Real‑world economy impressed: after 100 km, mixed between Gurgaon traffic, idling and steady 100‑km/h cruising, the trip computer showed 15.1 km/l. Settle into an 80‑to‑100 km/h cruise and you’ll see 20‑plus. NVH, Ride & Handling At cold start there’s a mild diesel clatter, but once warmed the cabin is well insulated; wind noise only creeps in beyond 100 km/h, tyre roar more so thanks to the wide rubber. The suspension leans comfort‑first: 17‑inch wheels and generous travel iron out expressway joints, yet a slightly soft rear can fidget over big undulations. Expect body‑roll if you attack corners, but steering is light, predictable and backed by all‑disc brakes with good, progressive bite. ADAS Road Test Adaptive cruise is the headline act: set to 120 km/h, the Syros maintains lane centre and distance, auto‑brakes to match slower traffic, then accelerates back once the lane clears. The system’s camera‑radar blend is smooth, never snatchy, and makes long highway slogs genuinely relaxing. Lane‑keep nudges are gentle, though there’s no blind‑spot monitoring from the rear. Verdict The Syros arrives as a compelling halfway house between the city‑sized Sonet and the do‑it‑all Seltos. It marries big‑SUV feature depth (ventilated seats, 360° cameras, Level‑2 ADAS) with hatchback‑rivaling manoeuvrability and diesel range that flirts with 1,000 km a tank. Apart from a tight dead pedal and some start‑up clatter, there’s little to fault. https://youtu.be/1EVuJQ7bwfo Looking for a sub‑compact SUV that can genuinely munch miles while pampering you with tech? The 2025 Kia Syros Diesel AT should be on your short‑list – just don’t expect rally‑car dynamics, and you’ll drive away impressed. Also read: Kia Sonet 1000 km Review