The Kia Syros was one of my favourite launches from last year. It offered the kind of space, features and premium feel that you only expect in significantly larger and more expensive SUVs, and in a way, the Syros redefined the way buyers looked at compact SUVs. Unfortunately, it did not exactly click with buyers, perhaps due to the premium it commanded over other direct rivals, and also its quirky design. That being said, we always knew that an electric version was in the works, and finally, the Syros EV is here.
Unsurprisingly, Kia has not changed the design, and admittedly, the quirky and futuristic design suits the EV better. You thus get the same face without a grille to say so, and the same ‘star map’ LED DRLs and ‘ice cube’ headlamps. The ‘intake’ above the front number plate is slimmer and the front bumper is slightly different though. Move to the sides and you’ll also notice the charging port on the left fender, which is in fact the only change on the sides, besides the battery pack being visible from underneath, as the EV uses the same 17-inch wheels the Syros was launched with. What’s worth noting is that ground clearance is 197mm here, which is 7mm more than the ICE version! There are no changes at the rear though, and again, the rear-three quarter is the best angle to look at the Syros EV from.
The cabin also looks identical to what we’ve seen before, meaning you get the same high quality plastics and same dashboard design, but with minor changes to surface finishes. You also get the same single glass panel housing triple screens, and a massive panoramic sunroof. The cabin thus offers the same upmarket feel, helping the Syros EV offer the feeling of belonging to a higher segment. The highlight here, once again, is the sliding and reclining rear seat, besides the copious amounts of legroom and kneeroom in the second row which isn’t just class-leading, it’s also better than a few midsize SUVs!
The Syros EV also comes loaded with the long list of features we’ve seen in the petrol and diesel versions, giving it a direct edge over rivals. This also means you get the usual wireless charging, wireless smartphone connectivity, 360-degree view, ADAS functions and more. Again, a highlight here is the ventilated second row, a feature you’ll only see in high-end luxury cars. Safe to say, the Syros EV is one of the most feature-rich mass market SUVs in the country!
The Syros EV is on offer with the same 42kWh and 51.4kWh battery packs that also power the Carens Clavis EV and Creta Electric. This results in excellent range, and Kia claims 443km per charge for the smaller battery and 526km for the larger one. These aren’t numbers just highest in the segment, they’re also higher than the Carens Clavis EV and the Creta Electric both! The Syros EV can also go from 10 percent charge to 80 percent in just 39 minutes, using a 100kW DC fast charger. We only drove the Syros EV with the 51.4kWh battery, where the single electric motor powering the front wheels offers 171PS and 255Nm, making it the most powerful compact electric SUV in the country. It’s also the quickest, because claimed 0 to 100kmph time is just 8.1 seconds! It feels very quick off the line thus, and in fact, turning traction control off has the Syros EV smoke its front tyres effortlessly!
Kia has also made changes to the chassis and suspension, to improve dynamics. The Syros EV is also significantly heavier thanks to the additional weight of the batteries, and all these changes together help in making it a more confident handler. The Syros EV also feels more planted at speeds, besides handling better around corners, though admittedly, there is more room for improvement on the handling front, especially when it comes to stability at triple digit speeds. Ride quality has improved too, and overall, there’s noticeable improvements on the ride and handling front.
There’s no two ways about the fact that the Syros EV is very strategic for Kia in India. And that’s not just because it’s Kia’s second mass market EV in India after the Carens Clavis EV, but also because it offers the kind of space, features and premium feel that’s missing even in some midsize SUVs and EVs from a segment above. And then there’s the excellent performance and range it offers, ensuring the Syros EV is a cut above direct rivals. This is besides the ‘Battery as a Service’ option that helps in reducing ownership costs, and of course, Kia’s assured buyback scheme. Prices begin from ₹13.5 lakh ex-showroom upfront, and ₹7.99 lakh plus ₹3.3 per kilometre under BaaS. Clearly, Kia has set a new cat among the pigeons this time!
Words Abhay Verma
Photography Saidatta Naik, Tanmay Vartak
