Kia India has been extensively testing a new sub-4 metre SUV that will sit below the Sonet in its product portfolio. The official name and details of the upcoming Kia compact SUV are yet to be revealed. However, the company has trademarked the ‘Kia Syros’ and ‘Kia Clavis’ nameplates, and one of them is likely to be used for the model. Numerous spy images and videos have revealed a handful of its design and interior details. The new Kia Syros will have a boxy, upright stance somewhat similar to the Maruti Suzuki WagonR.
With the Syros, Kia’s major focus will be on “rear-seat space and comfort,” an area where the Sonet has often been criticized. Its tall-boy design will ensure ample headroom for all occupants. However, it will be interesting to see how Kia creates enough legroom for rear-seat passengers. The interior is likely to be well-equipped with features such as a 10.25-inch dual screen setup (similar to the Seltos), leatherette upholstery, ventilated and powered front seats, a panoramic sunroof, traction modes, a Bose audio system, and more.
The higher trims of the new Kia compact SUV are likely to come with the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) suite. Its safety kit will also include six airbags, ABS with EBD, a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and rear disc brakes.
Initially, the Kia Syros will be offered with a petrol engine only. The subcompact SUV will also be introduced with an electric powertrain at a later stage. It will come with the standard FWD (front-wheel drive) system.
The new Kia compact SUV is likely to go on sale towards the end of this year or early next year. Since the model will be designed and developed specifically for India with a high level of localization, its prices are expected to be competitive.
