Are you looking for a car that delivers a smooth drive in both city traffic and broad highways? Look no further than the Kia Syros. Its compact SUV design, modern features, and robust safety features make it an appealing choice for daily use or long road trips. This model is more than a revolution, with a futuristic touch and sleek, ground-breaking exterior.
Read on to learn more about the Kia Syros, including how it performs in different driving situations and how it feels behind the wheel.
Compact Build for City Ease
The Syros measures 3,995 mm long and 1,805 mm wide with a wheelbase of 2,550 mm. Its compact size makes it easier to park in tight spaces and manoeuvre through crowded streets. The impressive ground clearance of 189 mm ensures that the car glides over speed breakers without scraping the underside. The light and responsive steering helps to drive smoothly through slow-moving traffic.
Features like a 360-degree camera and rear sensors also make reversing in tight lanes a breeze. Drivers of the 1.0 T-GDi petrol version say city driving feels effortless and smooth, even when bumper-to-bumper.
Engine Choices for Urban Comfort
The Syros offers two engine options. The petrol engine is a 1.0-litre turbo unit. This engine works well in stop-start traffic and shifts smoothly during slow-speed moves and quick overtakes when paired with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. The diesel variant gets a 1.5-litre engine. Diesel is ideal if you want better mileage and fewer gear shifts in traffic. Drivers report that in the city, you can drive in second or third gear without much shifting. Overall, the Syros feels relaxed and easy-going in city driving.
Fuel Efficient
In real-world conditions, the petrol Syros’s city mileage is around 16 km/l, while the diesel version gives about 15–17 km/l. These numbers assume typical Indian traffic with slow starts and frequent stops. Still, users find this acceptable since the car feels calm and relaxed rather than jerky or strained. The combination of a responsive gearbox and light steering makes fuel waste less likely.
Suspension Setup for Urban Roads
Kia has enhanced the suspension of the Syros to help drivers ride through busy city roads and cruise through the highway smoothly. Driving through rough roads or potholes feels firm to handle, and it does not make the ride bumpy. You get better control over the body roll at slow speeds, and the car feels stable. Overall, it gives a comfortable balance between comfort and handling.
Highway Comfort and Stability
The Syros continues to impress when you drive through the highways. The turbo petrol engine pulls well when passing and merging at speeds of 100–120 km/h. The diesel remains refined even at higher speeds, with low noise and vibration levels. Paddle shifters in automatic variants offer extra control and could make overtaking feel more engaging. Drivers say long drives feel relaxing, with cabin insulation keeping highway noise under control. Fuel efficiency improves to around 14–18 km/l on open roads, making highway runs more economical.
Highway Fuel Efficiency
On highways, petrol versions provide about 14 km/l, and diesel versions achieve around 18 km/l. Diesel offers a bigger jump in efficiency, which is ideal for people who frequently cover long distances.
Ride Quality on the Open Road
Thanks to its wheelbase and suspension tuning, the Syros stays sure-footed at higher speeds. Stability remains good unless the roads get very rough; occasional bumps show through but are not bothersome. The steering feels stable at speed, and the car remains planted during lane changes or slight curves.
Safety and Driver Assistance on Highways
The Syros debuts as the first Kia model in India to earn a 5-star rating in Bharat NCAP testing for both adult and child protection. It also includes Level 2 ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and forward collision avoidance. These systems help reduce driver fatigue during long drives and improve highway confidence. Drivers report that smart cruise control with stop-and-go functionality works well in both city traffic and flowing highways .
Cabin Comfort for Long Drives
Thanks to ventilated front seats, lounge-style rear seats, and adjustable ambient lighting, long journeys remain comfortable. The panoramic sunroof in higher trims brings in natural light and breaks cabin monotony on long drives. Generous boot space (465 litres) helps on highway trips with luggage. Overall, the Syros keeps passengers relaxed even on full-day drives.
Navigation, Connectivity, and Infotainment
A large 12.3-inch touchscreen and matching digital cluster provide clear, easy-to-use controls. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay keep your apps running smoothly, and over-the-air updates ensure the system stays up to date. Voice controls and connected car features like remote locking or car tracking add to usability during highway travel.
Steering Between City and Highway
The Syros’ steering adapts well to the road type. It stays light and easy in slow city traffic and becomes more stable at higher speeds. This dual nature helps in tight urban navigation and confident highway driving without feeling disconnected or tiring.
Tyre Grip and Performance Feel
The 17-inch crystal-cut alloy wheels add style and traction, whether on wet city roads or highway lanes. All-season tyres grip well, and the tyre pressure monitoring system adds a safety layer. Braking feels strong and steady, with disc brakes on all four wheels and ABS with EBD ensuring stable stops.
Final Take
The Kia Syros is a balanced car that blends city ease with highway muscle. Its compact size, light steering, smooth gearboxes, and strong safety features make it perfect for daily drives and extended journeys. Petrol or diesel engines both offer ease in city traffic and steady cruising on the highway. ADAS features and cabin comfort add to the confidence of longer drives. The Syros handles real-world use well without making things complicated or costly.
