When it comes to crossovers and SUVs, Kia Philippines has a pretty robust lineup. There’s the underrated Sonet that’s slowly but surely gaining traction, the reasonably priced Seltos, the rather handsome Sorento that should be due for a facelift locally by now, and the flagship EV9.
The brand has pretty much every segment and size category covered nowadays. But given the automotive landscape right now, it doesn’t hurt to add another model in the crossover and SUV portfolio.
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Recently, the Kia Syros made its world debut in India. It’s primarily made for that market, but the South Korean automaker made an announcement during the rollout of the first production units. It has now been confirmed that this subcompact crossover will be a global model.
Per the company’s statement, it ‘plans to expand the Syros's availability to markets in the Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East regions.’ With our region mentioned, it opens up the possibility of this model coming to the Philippines. But where exactly will it slot in?
Given its dimensions, it should be just under the Sonet at 3,995mm long, 1,800mm wide, and 1,665mm tall with wheelbase of 2,550mm. For comparison, the Sonet measures 4,110mm long, 1,790mm wide, and 1,642mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,500mm. The Syros is shorter than the Sonet, but marginally wider and taller.
Styling is, perhaps, the main draw of the Kia Syros with its boxy and upright exterior. There are quirky details such as the corner mounted headlights, the kicked up windows, and the L-shaped vertical tail lights. Inside, there’s an expansive dashboard with dual 12.3-inch displays and a handy shelf.
Other highlights in the cabin include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging and over-the-air updates. Higher specification variants gain a panoramic sunroof, a Harman Kardon surround sound system, and advanced driver assist systems such as adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking. As for unique features, there are ventilated seats for the front and rear, and the second row has the ability to slide forwards and back. Kia claims those two features are firsts in the segment.
Despite what the looks suggest, the Syros isn’t an EV. Instead, there are two engine options available, one gas and the other being diesel. The gas-fed engine is a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder turbo that makes 120hp and 172Nm. Meanwhile, the diesel unit is a 1.5-liter mill with 116hp and 250Nm. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual (for both), seven-speed dual-clutch (1.0 turbo), and six-speed automatic (1.5 turbodiesel)
Pricing is still up in the air but estimates in India range from 970,000 rupees (9 lakhs) to 1,650,000 rupees (16.5 lakhs). Converted to local currency, that’s a wide spread of about P680,000 to P1,112,000.
