THE NEW GUYS

THE SYROS, KYLAQ AND 3XO ARE THE NEWEST SUB-4M SUVS YOU CAN BUY. WHICH OF THESE DOES IT BEST

- TUHIN GUHA

You can't be selling cars in India and not have a sub-4m SUV in your lineup.

There are about 14 such SUVs on sale now, of which these three are the newest. The Skoda Kylaq and Mahindra 3XO might be for someone who is looking for a bit of performance and driver engagement thrown in the mix. But if smart and sensible is at the top of your list of priorities, the Kia could be your thing. But which of these is best?

Styling, Dimensions

While all of these cars are exactly 3,995mm long, it’s the Kia Syros that seems to take up the most space on the road. Its polarizing shape has something to do with this, as it’s the tallest car here at 1,680mm. The boxy, slab-sided look is intended to be practical but the details mean you will have an opinion on it. We think it could have been toned down a bit but the blank frontal look and vertical headlamps give it a distinct signature. Yes, the placement of these lamps may make them vulnerable in traffic, but in the rains they also seem to catch grime easily.

The glass area with the asymmetrical B-pillar is reminiscent of the Skoda Yeti and is the least divisive element about the car. In fact, the tall roof, tapered C-pillar elements and square haunches give it the most character from this angle, even though at 1,680mm it’s the tallest car here. The rear is again quite a break from the norm with its flat bootlid and small lighting.