In order to appeal to Indian consumers, Gwanggu Lee, the MD and CEO of Kia India, emphasized the value of interior space over external aesthetics during the Syros compact SUV’s global debut. Lee told Autocar India, “People may ignore the radical design for a spacious cabin,” highlighting the Syros’ emphasis on functionality and family-friendly features.
Kia Syros tall boy design philosophy
The Syros has a wheelbase of 2,550mm and dimensions of 3,995mm in length, 1,800mm in width, and 1,665mm in height. Compared to its sibling, the Kia Sonet, this is 50 mm longer in the wheelbase, 10 mm wider, and 55 mm taller. As a result of these modifications, the cabin is not only more spacious but also has a 20% larger boot capacity (465 liters). With class-leading rear-seat space and the tax advantages of sub-four-meter cars, the Syros sits above the Sonet and can compete with the larger, 4.3-meter Kia Seltos.
“The Syros has potential because of its size,” Lee said, elucidating the strategic reasoning behind this approach. The demand for the Sonet segment is significantly higher than that of the Seltos (longer than 4 meters). There is an opportunity for new clients in the small SUV market as the Indian economy, which includes the middle class, expands. Families and children especially benefit from making the most of interior space. We must ensure that the interior is comfortable for the client.
The “tall-boy” design concept that characterized the success of cars like the Hyundai Santro and Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is also carried over into the Syros. Families and taller travelers alike will appreciate the excellent headroom, convenient ingress and egress, and spacious cabin that this upright design offers. Kia thinks the trade-off is worth it because of its usefulness, even though its unusual shape might not be to everyone’s taste.
Both ICE and EV versions of the Korean brand’s Soul crossover, which maximizes interior space by utilizing vertical space, are available for purchase in foreign markets. A few years ago, the 4.2-meter-long model was being considered for an Indian launch, and the name was also registered here. In order to gauge consumer reaction, Kia also displayed the third-generation Soul EV at Auto Expo 2020. However, the company has chosen to use the Syros to enter the more lucrative compact SUV market.
Kia Syros variants, features:
Premium features like dual 12.3-inch infotainment and instrumentation displays, reclining and ventilated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, dual dashcams, and Level 2 ADAS are all included in the Syros to further increase its allure. Interestingly, Kia chose to launch the Syros lineup with the HTK version rather than the entry-level HTE, so even the base model has plenty of features.
Kia Syros diesel, EV powertrains
Kia’s decision to keep offering a diesel powertrain, which is unusual in this market, is another noteworthy aspect. Long-distance commuters who appreciate a diesel’s efficiency and torque can choose from this option. Later, the Korean company plans to introduce an all-electric model to the Indian market. “When the kids grow up, they may move to the larger Seltos,” Lee said, summarizing the Syros’ distinctive positioning. In contrast, Sonet concentrates more on individual customers. The Syros is positioned to carve out a distinct niche in India’s compact SUV market by appealing to families who value comfort and space thanks to its bold design, tall-boy functionality, and high-end features. For the time being, its cost is the main unresolved question.