The Kia Syros has entered the competitive subcompact SUV market in India, bridging the gap between the Kia Sonet and Kia Seltos. It is available in six variants: HTK, HTK (O), HTK Plus, HTX, HTX Plus, and HTX Plus (O), with two engine options—a 1.0-liter turbo-petrol and a 1.5-liter diesel. In this in-depth comparison, we analyze the base-spec HTK and the top-spec HTX Plus (O) using real-life images, highlighting their exterior and interior differences, safety features, and powertrain options.
Exterior Comparison
Front Design
Both the base-spec and top-spec Kia Syros variants share a similar front design, but there are key differences in lighting and advanced features:
- HTK (Base Variant): Equipped with halogen headlights.
- HTX Plus (O) (Top Variant): Features full auto-LED projector headlights with LED daytime running lights (DRLs).
- Both variants include a silver skid plate on the bumper.
- The top-spec variant has an additional radar system for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which the base variant lacks.
Side Profile
The Kia Syros base and top variants differ significantly in wheel size and side features:
- HTK (Base Variant):
- 15-inch steel wheels with black plastic covers.
- Turn indicators positioned on the fender.
- HTX Plus (O) (Top Variant):
- 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.
- ORVM-mounted turn indicators.
- Roof rails for enhanced styling.
- Both variants share flush-type door handles and silver side cladding.
Rear View
The rear profile of the Kia Syros showcases notable distinctions between the base and top trims:
- HTK (Base Variant): Lacks LED tail lamps, rear defogger, and rear wiper.
- HTX Plus (O) (Top Variant): Comes with LED tail lights, a rear defogger, and a rear wiper.
- Both variants feature a black bumper with an integrated silver skid plate.
Interior Comparison
Dashboard and Cabin Layout
Both variants sport a dual-tone black and grey interior with a modern, driver-centric layout:
- HTK (Base Variant):
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
- Semi-digital driver’s display.
- Steering-mounted audio controls.
- 4-speaker sound system.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Manual AC with rear vents.
- HTX Plus (O) (Top Variant):
- Larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
- 12.3-inch fully digital driver’s display.
- An 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
- Automatic climate control with a dedicated 5-inch control screen.
- Ventilated front and rear seats.
- Panoramic sunroof.
- Wireless phone charger.
Seating and Comfort
- The HTK variant offers basic fabric seats without ventilation.
- The HTX Plus (O) variant enhances comfort with premium ventilated seats and adjustable lumbar support.
Safety Features
Both the base and top-spec Kia Syros variants come with essential safety features, but the HTX Plus (O) trim gets additional advanced driver assistance features:
- Common Safety Features:
- 6 airbags.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
- Hill Start Assist.
- Front and rear parking sensors.
- ISOFIX child seat anchors.
- Exclusive to HTX Plus (O):
- 360-degree camera.
- Level-2 ADAS features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
Powertrain Options
Kia offers the Syros with two engine options— a 1.0-liter turbo-petrol and a 1.5-liter diesel. Here’s how the powertrain configurations differ between the two variants:
| Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0L Turbo-Petrol | 120 PS | 172 Nm | 6-speed MT, 7-speed DCT |
| 1.5L Diesel | 116 PS | 250 Nm | 6-speed MT, 6-speed AT |
Powertrain Availability in Variants
| Variant | 1.0L Turbo-Petrol MT | 1.0L Turbo-Petrol DCT | 1.5L Diesel MT | 1.5L Diesel AT |
| HTK | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| HTX Plus (O) | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Pricing and Competitors
The Kia Syros is priced between Rs 9 lakh and Rs 17.80 lakh (ex-showroom, India). It serves as a premium alternative to other subcompact SUVs, including:
- Tata Nexon
- Kia Sonet
- Maruti Brezza
- Skoda Kushaq
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the key differences between the base and top-spec Kia Syros?
The base-spec HTK variant comes with halogen headlights, 15-inch steel wheels, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen, while the top-spec HTX Plus (O) features LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, and Level-2 ADAS.
2. Does the Kia Syros HTK variant come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, the Kia Syros HTK variant offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support through its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
3. What are the engine options available for the Kia Syros?
The Kia Syros is available with a 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine producing 120 PS and 172 Nm torque and a 1.5-liter diesel engine delivering 116 PS and 250 Nm torque.
4. Does the Kia Syros come with ADAS features?
Only the top-spec HTX Plus (O) variant includes Level-2 ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera.
5. How does the Kia Syros compare to the Tata Nexon and Maruti Brezza?
The Kia Syros offers a more premium feature set, especially in its top variants, compared to the Tata Nexon and Maruti Brezza, which focus more on affordability and fuel efficiency.
