Kia Syros 1.0 Turbo Petrol: 6000 km Long-Term Review – Final Report!

The Kia Syros was part of the carandbike garage for about three months, and during that period, I used it as a daily driver, support car for shoots, intercity commute, and much more. I have already shared my ‘45-Days’ drive report and real-world fuel efficiency report – if you haven’t read it already, do check it out on the car&bike website. I lived with the Syros for more than 6000 km, over 3 months, and in this final report, I am going to talk about the Pros, the Cons, and everything in between.

Also Read: Kia Syros 1.0 Turbo Petrol DCT Automatic: 45 Days Long Term Report

Looks and Practicality

Visually, the Syros is quite polarising; you either like it or you don’t. In any case, it is a car that gets attention. People stop, stare, and ask questions. The styling is bold, all LED lighting helps it stand out, and the dual-tone alloys with chunky cladding give it a tough look. The roof rails are usable too and can take up to 50 kg.

However, there is one practical flaw in the design. The LED headlamps and taillamps sit at the extreme corners of the car, which makes them vulnerable to damage. I found this out first-hand. I am also not a fan of the flush door handles. If both your hands are full, carrying bags or a big box, opening the door itself is quite a task. Giving motorised handles that pop out upon unlocking the car would have been smarter, but also expensive.

Cabin Comfort and Space

On the other hand, the long wheelbase and short overhangs give it a more substantial stance than a typical sub-4-metre SUV. That also translates to more cabin room. You can comfortably accommodate five adults inside. The rear seats slide and recline, which helps create more legroom when needed. In the top trim, the driver’s seat offers 4-way power adjustment. But height adjustment is still manual.

Also Read: Kia Syros 1.0 Turbo Petrol DCT Automatic: Real-World Mileage Tested

What works well is that most of the everyday essentials are standard across the lineup. You get electric power steering with tilt, all four power windows, a central armrest, day night IRVM, electrically adjustable ORVMs, and rear AC vents. Move up the variants and the list gets longer with - push button start, one-touch up/down windows, a sunroof, front ventilated seats, rear ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera setup, and Level 2 ADAS.

Visibility was also a big highlight for me. The upright windscreen and large side windows offer a wide field of view. The auto-dimming IRVM (top-spec) works very well during nighttime driving, or even during bad weather. And yes, the 360-degree cameras are also among the best you will find in this price range, or even in a segment higher.

Features, Tech & Safety

The Syros pampers you with all its features and tech. The 12.3-inch touchscreen is smart and gives you access to all in-car controls. Yes, there is a smaller display for the Air-Con system as well in the top-spec model, but I always ended up using the physical buttons. The diver cluster is also quite crisp and informative, and easy to read on the go.

Also Read: Kia Syros Review: 3 Reasons To Buy And 3 Reasons To Avoid

You get wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which is a big plus in my books, and the 8-speaker surround sound system from Harman Kardon is possibly the best in this segment. Things like the large cup holders, cooled glovebox, wireless charger, and multiple Type-C USB ports also add a lot of day-to-day convenience. The only real miss is rain-sensing wipers, which don’t even come in the top-spec model.

Safety is a major highlight. The Syros is rated 5 stars by Bharat NCAP and gets six airbags, ESC, ABS with EBD, and three three-point seatbelts for every passenger. A rear camera is standard, while the top HTX Plus O adds a 360-degree camera. It is also the only car in its segment to offer Level 2 ADAS.

Driving Experience & Efficiency

Now, the Kia Syros with the 1.0 turbo petrol engine and DCT automatic is a great combination if you like spirited driving, and I have talked about it in my earlier reports. What it’s not is frugal. As mentioned in my last report, the city mileage of the car is about 9.54 kmpl, while on the highway, it can return about 14 kmpl. And these numbers are just about acceptable. But when you consider the fact that the same engine and gearbox set-up in the Sonet is at least 50 per cent more fuel efficient, it does pinch a bit.

If efficiency is your priority, the diesel is the clear pick. It is one of the most frugal engines in the segment and has already proven itself in other Kia models. Performance is strong too, with 114 bhp and 250 Nm. If I were buying the Syros for myself, I would choose the diesel.

Ride quality needs some tuning. At low speeds, it feels stiff. At higher speeds, it can get bouncy and a bit unsettled, especially with a full cabin. Kia needs to refine this part of the package.

Price and Variants

The Kia Syros is offered in six key variants, and around 13 different trim options depending on engine and transmission choices. Prices for the petrol variants begin from Rs. 8.67 lakh and go up to Rs. 15.29 lakh. The diesel range at the same time starts from Rs. 10.14 lakh, and goes up to Rs. 15.94 lakh (all prices are ex-showroom).

Verdict

After living with the Kia Syros for a few months, it is clear that it does not feel like a typical sub-4-metre SUV. The space, the features, and the overall presence give it an edge in the segment. It is practical for everyday use but premium enough to feel worth the money.

The turbo petrol is fun but not very efficient. The diesel is efficient and strong. The price is on the higher side, but the experience you get in return makes it feel justified. The Syros is a modern car built for modern buyers, and if you choose the right engine, it fits a wide range of needs without much compromise.