KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Kia Syros makes global debut today.
- It offers first-in-segment features that are not available in the Seltos.
- Now, people who don't want to switch to a bigger segment but want all the features have a great option.
Kia Syros, a new sub-4 meter SUV, was unveiled today, and the brand has done a tremendous job with its interior and exterior design. Earlier, we were assuming that it would be a miniature version of the EV9, but looking at it now, we can see a lot of EV6 in this car. The Kia lineup has become extremely interesting because, now, they have two sub-4 meter SUVs to sell: the Syros and the Sonet.
So, let's check out the main differences between these two cars in terms of features and mechanicals. In the meantime, make sure to join the 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel to never miss out on automotive updates.
Also Read: Kia Syros Unveiled in India: Worthy Brezza Rival?
Kia Syros
This SUV brings some of the hottest features, which you won't even find in some Rs 25 lakh cars. For starters, it is the only SUV in its segment that offers a rear seat ventilation option, a 30-Inch Trinity panoramic display panel, and ADAS Level 2 with 16 autonomous features. Now, let's break it down and check each special feature with its explanation.
30-Inch Panaromic Display
Forget Sonet and Seltos, this humangous screen is only available in Kia Carnival or EV9. You' find this huge piece of screen in any other mass market cars. To make it easy for you, 12.3 Inch HD infotainment touchscreen + 30.48 cm (12) MID + 5 fully automatic air conditioner control. So, three screens are integerated into a single panel, which appears like a giant TV screen.
In the Sonet, Kia offers a 10.25-inch screen and a 10.25-inch driver's display. To add to that, the Maruti Brezza only offers a 9-inch infotainment screen with an analog tachometer.
ADAS Level 2
ADAS Level 2 with 16 autonomous features that's what you get in the Syros. This includes features like a 360-degree parking camera, smart cruise control, blind view monitor, front collision warning, and driver attention warning, along with several other advanced features. This setup is straight from the top-spec variants of the Kia Seltos, as in the Sonet, customers get ADAS Level 1 with 10 autonomous features.
In other sub-4 meter SUVs, ADAS is offered only in the Venue, and that too with Level 1.
Panaromic Sunroof
This will be a dealbreaker for several customers, as the panoramic sunroof is available in the Siro. This is a feature typically found only in higher segments, but Kia wants to shake up the market. Again, this is not available in the Sonet, but in the Seltos. So, why would anyone need a Seltos now?
Talking about rivals, the Tata Nexon is the only car in the segment to offer a panoramic sunroof, which they added recently. All other competitors are still sticking to a single-pane sunroof.
Rear Seat Ventialtion
Kia thinks ahead. They know that all the cool features are usually reserved for the front row, but what about passengers in the scorching heat who sit in the second row? So, they've introduced rear seat ventilation. Even cars like the BMW 3 Series or 5 Series don't offer this - let alone the Creta or any other car in this segment. This is a big step up, and kudos to the automaker for thinking about people who sit in the rear seats.
Rear seat ventilation isn't available in the Sonet or any other car in the sub-4 meter segment.
OTA - Over The Air
The infotainment screen in this car will update automatically, as the chipset inside it will receive updates from time to time. This car offers all of that because it also comes with features like Kia Connect Diagnosis, a wake-up command, and multilingual VR commands. None of its rivals or Sonet offers this feature.
Electronic Parking Brake With Auto Hold
Again, here's another segment-first feature: Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold. This is a fantastic feature that elevates driving comfort, and once you get used to it, there's no turning back to a manual parking brake. Again, none of its competitors offer this tech.
Other Features To mention:
- 64 colour ambient lightning
- Streamline (Flush) door handles
- Harman Kardon Premium 8 Speakers Sound System
Also Read: Tata Harrier EV Spied In Near Production Form; Launch Likely Soon
Verdict
Understanding this car is complex, as it offers features usually found in cars triple its price, yet remains in the sub-4 meter segment. I think Kia aims to dominate the rivals in the sub-4 meter category who can't afford to move fully into a larger segment but still want all the features. This strategy could hurt them, as this vehicle offers better tech than the Seltos, which is a bigger car at a higher price. It will be extremely interesting to see how this car is received once its pricing is revealed and bookings begin.
