Tech Check: New Kia Syros Promises Comfort and Connectivity

Kia’s brand new subcompact SUV, the Syros, has been unveiled for the first time in India and will soon make its way to other parts of the world. The company says it’s a whole new type of SUV, and it could carve out a niche for itself in terms of positioning. The Syros certainly looks different, and Kia claims it offers serious cabin space despite its compact overall dimensions. We don’t know the exact prices yet, but although it is expected to start at around the ₹9 lakh mark in India, many of the best tech features are only available with the top-end variants. 

Here are all the tech, comfort and safety features that caught our attention when we got our first look at the Syros at its launch.

Big screens

Kia boasts of a 30-inch “trinity panoramic display” on the higher variants. This is actually two screens – a 12.3-inch digital driver’s instrument cluster, and the main 12.3-inch touchscreen for in-car infotainment and control – with another 5-inch touch panel dedicated to air conditioning controls. You get Bluetooth plus wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support on all variants, so familiar apps and entertainment services will be just a tap away. 

8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system

We can’t wait to check out the audio quality of this sound system ourselves. Whether you’re in the driver’s seat or relaxing in the back, music should be clear and loud enough to enjoy on the go. Lower variants come with a 4-speaker system. 

Physical volume control

This roller in the centre of the console gets special attention because in a world of touchscreens, many drivers and passengers still prefer physical, tactile controls. Being able to quickly flip the volume up or down no matter what else is going on is a nice touch.

Adjustable, ventilated rear seats

This is a neat touch, especially at the Syros’ expected price point. The rear seats can recline slightly and slide forward or backward, and the cushions are ventilated for comfort over long road trips. With premium variants, you also get an integrated air purifier with AQI display. 

Kia Connect 2.0

The Kia Connect app is integrated deeply with its cars, and on the top two Syros variants, owners can get real-time diagnostics and remote assistance. Over-the-air software updates mean that owners will get regular improvements for better safety, comfort, and handling. Kia also showed off an interactive navigation system, with human assistants helping to direct customers over a call. 

Level 2 ADAS

The top-end HTX+(O) trim comes with 16 Level 2 ADAS features for autonomous driving and safety measures. These include front collision warning and avoidance, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, driver attention monitoring, parking collision avoidance, blind view monitoring, and a 360-degree camera view. All variants come standard with six airbags, ISOFIX anchors, ESC, hill-start assist, and three-point seatbelts with reminders for all seats.

Wireless and USB charging

There are two Type-C USB Ports in the front and two more in the rear so all occupants can charge a device. Some higher variants also include a wireless charging pad in the front centre console. 

Interior lighting

If you’d like to set the mood inside your car, the new Syros will let you choose from 64 colours for the LED light strips embedded throughout the cabin. There are also individual LED reading lamps for each occupant.