Reinvigorating the Compact SUV

The Kia Syros is the Korean automobile company's second weapon for a segment with which it is already familiar

- Joshua Varghese

THE SUB-FOUR-METRE compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) space seems to be the one to watch out for in 2025.

Kia are no strangers to success in this segment. The Sonet continues to be among the popular choices here but now they are offering something better. Does that mean the Sonet is no longer relevant? Not at all. The Syros will be placed just above its sibling, as a more premium product that offers more space and features. On paper, it has enough to sway some of the mid-size SUV buyers too. To get a first-hand experience, we landed in Gurugram (formerly Gurgaon) for a drive.

On the road, the Syros cannot be mistaken for anything else. It does not even resemble its closest siblings. Perhaps, in a bid to make its premium nature evident Kia have sought inspiration from their flagship EV9 for this one. The result is a unique yet polarising appearance not seen so far in this segment. Regardless of how one may take to the boxy design and flat rear end, the Syros appears proportionally sound with 17-inch alloy wheels filling the wheel-arches nicely. It helps that the stance is upright and confident too. The flush-fitting doorhandles are a nice aesthetic touch but not as easy to use as conventional pull-type doors.

Space is the first thing that seems abundant when one steps into the cabin.