India is the launchpad for the Kia Syros, and it’s hard not to draw comparisons. It feels like a grown-up WagonR but with a lot more swagger and tech to back it up. Think of it as the WagonR that went to the gym, learned some gadgets, did dharam parivartan to Kia and now shows off its Level 2 ADAS features as a major USP.

Kia Syros feels strange. Not in a bad way, but it’s definitely unique. What Hyundai did with the bold and unusual design of the Verna, Kia seems to be taking further with the Syros, EV9, and other models. It’s like they’re playing a game of “How unconventional can we make it?”

If you squint at the Syros and tilt your head slightly, you might feel a déjà vu moment—something about its tall, boxy stance gives Japanese WagonR vibes. Yep, those tiny kei cars Suzuki made for Japan that looked like refrigerators on wheels but were somehow insanely lovable. The Syros, of course, is much bigger, but there’s definitely a “kei car cousin vibe coming from it.

Kia Syros Design analysis: Design commentry by Industry expert

While I can’t say for sure who exactly designed the Kia Syros, it’s safe to assume that Karim Habib, Kia’s chief designer, had some influence on its styling.

The rear passenger compartment of the Syros feels oddly disconnected. It’s almost like it belongs more to the boot than to the front cabin. This creates a subtle but noticeable vibe, something reminiscent of a van or a goods-carrying MPV.

This isn’t something most people would consciously notice, but as someone from a design background, I can tell you it doesn’t sit right.

When it comes to cars, people naturally compare designs. We tend to look for familiar patterns and shapes that evoke a positive reaction. This phenomenon is linked to something called anthropometric pareidolia, where we see faces or human-like features in objects, even in cars.

In the case of the Syros, this could backfire. The disjointed feel of the rear might unconsciously remind people of something they don’t associate with comfort—like a commercial vehicle. This subtle negative perception could impact how buyers feel about the car, even if they can’t quite put their finger on why.

Last time when I wrote an article on why Citroen basalt and Tata Curvv might not work in India, I stated the fact the the form factor of Coupe SUV itself isn't practicle, and thus might not work. It went true for both, Tata and Citroen. While I ain't an astrologer, but it feels like Syros might become what Curvv became for Tata.

Designing cars is a balancing act. Push too far into unconventional territory, and you risk alienating buyers. Verna is a live example.

Design is always subjective, but it does influence sales. How people accept the Syros will depend on whether they find its unconventional style appealing or just odd. Kia is taking a risk here, but maybe that’s part of the plan.

Kia Syros as a gap filler between Sonet and Seltos

To be honest, the Kia Syros feels like a direct sibling to the Sonet, rather than a true bridge to the Seltos. With the same length as the Sonet, it raises a big question: is Kia creating unnecessary competition within its own lineup? This overlap could risk a Toyota-like moment, much like when Toyota introduced the Innova and unintentionally killed off the Qualis, one of its best-selling models.

The Syros, with its shared length and feature-rich appeal, could inadvertently hurt the Sonet’s market share. Buyers might gravitate toward the Syros for its added flair and premium touches, leaving the Sonet to struggle. This overlap creates the risk of one model cannibalizing the other’s sales, similar to what Toyota faced with the Qualis and Innova.

This feels like Zen and Alto situation to be very honest.

Kia Syros interiors: Yep it's awesome and tech-enabled

The Syros takes interior premiumness seriously. From the quality of materials to the layout of the cabin, it’s clear that Kia has put thought into making this a standout space. The reclining rear seats and thoughtful ergonomics make it a comfortable ride, while features like a panoramic sunroof and a sleek dashboard elevate the overall ambiance.

The Syros also brings a big touchscreen infotainment system and 4 speakers from the base trim. This feature-packed approach reflects a growing trend in the market. Even Honda recently joined the club with its updated Amaze, offering a touchscreen from the base variant. It’s clear that automakers are putting Karol bagh's ka dhandha at risk.

Kia Syros safety

When it comes to safety, Kia has set a benchmark with the Syros—6 airbags come standard from the base variant itself. In a time when safety is a big talking point, this move makes the Syros one of the better preferences for safety-conscious buyers. Kia has made it clear that premium safety features shouldn’t be limited to higher trims, and that’s a win for everyone.

Kia Syros price- Expect it to be around INR 9-15 Lakhs

Here's an interesting observation about sub-4 meter car pricing: if they aren’t starting under ₹10 lakh, the value proposition feels a bit off, especially when we're talking about a FWD SUV.

The real kicker is this: once you cross ₹10 lakh, you start entering the territory of mid-size SUVs like the Grand Vitara, Seltos, and Creta. These cars, while still reasonably priced, offer better space, more power, and a more premium feel compared to fully loaded sub-4 meter models.

Even though a sub-4 meter car might be packed with features, like the Kia Syros or similar models, the fact is that an upmarket mid-variant of a larger SUV could become a strong alternative choice. Buyers may opt for a mid-size SUV that offers a more spacious cabin, better road presence, and, of course, that extra power, all for just a little more money.

It’s no wonder why cars like the Creta and Grand Vitara are among the top 10 best-selling cars in India.

Kia Syros images