New Kia compact SUV could be named Syros
Kia has trademarked the Syros nameplate in India, and sources tell us that this name will be used for the upcoming compact SUV codenamed AY. Kia had previously also trademarked the name 'Clavis' for the said model.
- Kia compact SUV will have both petrol and electric powertrains
- Top-spec variants will get panoramic sunroof, ADAS suite
- Launch expected early next year
Kia Syros: new compact SUV for 2025
Sources say that the Clavis name was already finalised internally, but as a name starting with ‘C’ isn’t in line with the brand’s naming strategy (Seltos and Sonet), the Korean carmaker has changed it to ‘Syros’. The upcoming Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter rival's name is ‘Accepted and Advertised’ as on April 29, 2024. Interestingly, Kia's MPVs like the Carens and Carnival start with the letter C.
Kia Syros: what do we know so far
Previously sighted test mules have hinted at a tall and upright stance with high ground clearance, beefy body cladding and roof rails. The interior of the Syros has also been spied before, and in typical Kia fashion, it will come well equipped with Seltos-like twin infotainment screens, ventilated seats, 360-degree camera, a sunroof and even an ADAS suite. The Syros will likely be more spacious than the Sonet, and that should bode well with buyers who find the latter’s interior rather cramped.
As we’ve reported earlier, the Syros will be offered with both petrol and electric powertrains, with the EV expected to join the line-up six months after the ICE model. A hybrid version could be introduced in the future, and all versions will be front-wheel drive only.
Kia Syros India launch details
Sources say the petrol-powered Syros will debut this year end, and go on sale early next year; the Syros EV is expected to launch by mid-2025. While the Syros will be a sub-4m SUV specifically developed for India, a few units will be exported as well. The compact SUV should also be priced competitively owing to localisation and its size, but expect it to cost a slight premium over the Sonet, which is currently priced from Rs 7.99 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi.
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