Our long-term test fleet has a fascinating new resident: the Kia Syros. This isn’t just another compact SUV; it’s a statement piece with a boxy silhouette that promises something different. We’ve chosen the range-topping HTX Plus (O) variant with the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and 7-speed DCT gearbox, and after the first few weeks of city commuting, it’s already challenging our expectations.
First Impressions
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the design. The Syros doesn’t gently blend into traffic. Its upright, almost industrial proportions and quirky lines make it stand out. My initial reaction was mixed, but this is a car that grows on you. In a sea of curvaceous crossovers, the Syros’s confident, squared-off stance feels refreshingly honest. It has a unique personality that makes the common SUV design language seem a bit boring in comparison.
The Cabin
If the exterior is divisive, the interior is almost universally impressive. The real magic of the Syros is its Tardis-like quality—it feels far more spacious inside than its compact exterior suggests. Kia’s packaging engineers deserve a round of applause.
Stepping in, you’re greeted by a cabin that prioritizes logic and airiness. The light grey interior theme is minimalist and helps make the space feel open. The dashboard layout is a masterclass in user-friendly design. In an era where car interiors are becoming all-screen, the Syros’s generous use of physical buttons for climate and key functions is a welcome, practical choice. They are well-sized, logically placed, and you can operate them by feel without taking your eyes off the road.
Practical touches are everywhere. The wireless charger has a grippy, rubberised base that actually holds your phone securely over rough patches. The resizable cupholders, which deploy with a satisfying click, are a simple yet brilliant solution for everything from a small espresso to a large iced coffee. The dual-screen setup for the instrumentation and infotainment is sharp, responsive, and adds a premium feel.
A Focus on Passenger Comfort
Where the Syros truly wins hearts is in the back seat. It has quickly become the favourite spot for family and colleagues, and for good reason. The knee room is generous, the backrest reclines, and a standout feature in this top variant is the ventilated rear seats. While the ventilation is for the base cushion only, it’s a rare and incredibly appreciated feature in this segment. Combine this with the vast panoramic sunroof, and the cabin experience feels a class above what you’d expect.
The Driving Experience
On the move, the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and 7-speed DCT combination proves to be a capable partner for urban life. It’s not a performance powerhouse, but it offers smooth, timely power delivery that makes navigating city traffic effortless. The gearbox shifts intelligently, avoiding the hesitation that sometimes plagues dual-clutch units in stop-start conditions. It’s an drivetrain engineered for ease, not excitement, which is perfectly suited to its primary role.
However, no car is perfect. The ride quality is on the firmer side. While this lends composure on smooth roads, it means you feel sharper bumps and potholes more distinctly than in some rivals. It’s not harsh, but it does encourage a more cautious approach over broken tarmac.
Another area for improvement is noise insulation. At highway speeds, a noticeable amount of road and wind noise enters the cabin, and the three-cylinder engine makes its presence known when worked hard. It’s not overwhelming, but it’s a reminder that some competitors offer a more serene cruising experience.
Fuel efficiency in mixed city conditions has been acceptable, settling around 9-10 kmpl, which is reasonable for this class.
A Promising and Likeable Companion
So far, the Kia Syros has carved out a role as a dependable and surprisingly luxurious daily commuter. Its blend of standout style, a thoughtfully designed and spacious cabin, and a smooth city-friendly drivetrain makes it an easy car to live with. There are trade-offs, primarily in ride comfort and refinement, but its core strengths are significant.
The journey has only just begun. We’re eager to put more kilometres on the odometer, especially on a long highway trip where we can properly test its cruising manners and delve into its ADAS suite. For now, the Syros has firmly established itself as a practical and highly likeable member of our garage.
