Kia Teases New SUV For India; Is This Syros Or Clavis?

Kia India has released the first teaser of its upcoming SUV, which is expected to debut in early 2025. This new model, likely to be called the "Syros" or “Clavis” following Kia's recent trademark application, will be positioned above the Kia Sonet in the brand's lineup. Kia’s upcoming SUV will bring a new body style to the sub-4 metre SUV segment, distinguishing itself from established competitors like the Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Maruti Fronx, both of which target similar market demands. 

The teaser images reveal a unique silhouette with a tallboy design, inspired by Kia's recent models such as the EV9 and Carnival. The vehicle appears to have a clamshell bonnet that slopes downward into a tall, upright front nose, giving it a bold look. The window line features a sharp upward kink at the rear quarter glass area, which, combined with a body-coloured break at the B-pillar, resembles the styling seen on older models like the Skoda Yeti. 

Additional design elements include flush-fitting door handles, EV9-inspired vertical LED daytime running lamps, functional roof rails, and high-mounted L-shaped LED tail lamps that wrap around the rear windshield. The SUV is also expected to have slightly flared wheel arches and body cladding for a rugged, off-road-ready appearance.

Kia has not revealed any interior images or provided specific details about the cabin layout. However, reports suggest that the "tallboy" design is intended to maximise rear-seat comfort and space—an area where the Kia Sonet has faced criticism. Kia has described the interior as "lounge-like" with “futuristic features and an innovative seating layout,” suggesting a focus on rear passenger comfort. It’ll be interesting to see if Kia takes the MG Windsor route by offering reclining seats.

Potential interior features may include an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated and powered front seats, and a fully digital interface, likely reserved for higher-spec variants. These premium features could align the Syros or the Clavis more closely with larger, more expensive SUVs in terms of comfort and technology. 

While Kia has not disclosed official powertrain details, we expect the upcoming SUV to be available in both Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and electric (EV) versions. The ICE variants are expected to launch first, with the EV model arriving at a later date. Both versions will be built on the same platform, with front-wheel drive as the standard configuration.

Kia has not yet provided pricing information or confirmed the official name of the SUV, though the "Syros" or “Clavis” nameplates are widely anticipated given Kia's recent trademark filings.