SYROS SURGE

The Kia Syros has created a new segment in the SUV market. Does it have the chops to be a true disruptor?

- Kurt Morris

It would be an understatement to say that Kia India has firmly established itself in the Indian automotive market over the past few years. From its successful entry into the SUV segment with the Seltos, to its foray into the compact SUV space with the Sonet and its introduction of the Carnival, Kia has focussed on innovation, design, and customer requirements. With the Syros, Kia has taken another bold step, once again shifting the boundaries of what we can expect in the SUV market. This new offering isn't so much another model in an existing category; it's an attempt at carving out an entirely new segment, since there are no direct competitors in this niche at least for now.

A first glance at the Syros leaves a lasting impression; many onlookers mistakenly believed Kia had launched an electric vehicle. Its futuristic and very quirky design does give it an EV-like aura, but a closer look reveals something entirely new. It looks like it's been plucked straight out of an anime comic book, but from the front, the design draws some visual cues from the Tata Punch, particularly with the headlamps' design. However, as you move towards the front threequarter angle, there's a resemblance to the Land Rover Defender, and when viewed from the side, it echoes the styling of the Honda Pilot, even though that model isn't available in India. What's particularly interesting is the visual link to the recently showcased Tata Sierra concept.