Car Reviews
The best Syros to buy today
More than a year since the launch of the ICE variant of the Syros, the EV is here as well, and it makes its debut at a time when India is in a conundrum of sorts when it comes to E20 making the headlines.
The Kia Syros was launched in India on February 1, 2025, and it offered concept-car-like looks, excellent build quality and was just a good car overall. It received a buffet of features and the option of a petrol or a diesel powertrain. But, since the very beginning, it deserved to receive an electric powertrain as well. Because the rest of the car looked and felt futuristic, why limit its propulsion to fossil fuels? And someone at Kia was listening. And the Syros EV was launched. What’s new? Except that it's now fed electrons. Let’s have a look.
Kia Syros EV Styling
It looks like it is from the future, with a wheel at each end pushed all the way out, very little overhang, minimalistic styling and, most importantly, a massive glass house that gives it the appearance of a car that has rolled just out of a car show. At its launch, the car was criticised for looking similar to the Wagon R, but even a year later, it looks fresh. New alloys to distinguish it from the ICE variant would have been nice, though.
The interiors remain the Syros EV’s strongest suit: well-appointed, up-market, very well put together, same as the ICE variant only darker, Onyx Black and Hunter Green being the options. Since it is now an EV, the switch to electric has ensured that the centre console has freed up a ton of space to give way for more storage. Knick-knacks, snacks, your plants- get creative. Instead, the gear lever and the start-stop button have now been moved to the right-hand side of the driver. The rest of the interior is carried over from the ICE variant, with the rear seat being super comfortable, with ample recline and ventilation function, that remains industry-leading.
Kia Syros EV Powertrain
The Syros EV gets two battery options: 42kWh and 51.4kWh. The claimed ARAI range is 443km and 526km respectively. Estimated AC fast charging is 4 hours for the standard range and 4 hours 50 minutes for the extended range. It also gets best-in-class 10.8 kW onboard charging. The Syros EV produces 169bhp and 255Nm. Turn the traction control off, floor the gas and brake pedal simultaneously, and you will be greeted by a tyre-screeching launch.
Kia Syros EV performance and driving impressions
The ICE variant of the Syros was never the poster child of the thrill of driving, due to the tall body and soft suspension, but it wasn’t bad to drive either. It handles its boxy body with elegance and is a loyal servant to its commander behind the wheel. You could cut through traffic with ease due to the large glass area, and feedback from the steering wheel is confidence-inspiring. But with an electric powertrain added to the mix, the concoction has suddenly become extremely appealing. Since there is a sense of urgency and effortlessness in the way the Syros EV delivers its power, the car now becomes a whole lot more interesting to drive. Kia claims to have retuned the suspension to accommodate the weight of the battery and motor. And the efforts are evident.
Kia Syros EV prices and verdict
The Syros EV is indeed promising. Since the powertrain is now electric, it will now be cheaper to run and maintain, even though you pay a hefty cost for it upfront. While the ICE version of the Kia Syros starts at ₹8.42 lakh, the EV starts at ₹13.50 lakh. And the price delta between the two cars can only be justified if you drive for more than 60 km every day and if you intend to keep the car for more than five years. But overall, the Syros EV indeed is one of the better EVs to purchase, and easily the best Syros of the lot.
