Kia Syros EV

While Kia has introduced some fully electric vehicles like the EV6 and EV9 in India, the only mass-market electric model that’s on sale is the Kia Carens Clavis EV However, that is going to be changed as the Kia Syros EV has just been unveiled ahead of its imminent launch.

It is based on the existing Syros with a very similar design, features and space packaging. It will rival the Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV 3XO EV and the Vinfast VF6. 

Given that the Syros is a masterpiece in space packaging, giving you the room and conveniences similar to SUVs from a segment above, the Syros EV takes those qualities and adds refinement and performance to its experience.

The overall shape and size of the Syros EV remain unchanged when compared to the ICE model. You get a similar boxy silhouette in profile, with big glass window areas. The nose is largely identical to the vertical LED headlights, which are still placed on the edge of the bumper. The easiest way to tell the Syros EV from its ICE sibling is the green number plate it will be flaunting. 

Coming to the side profile, the only change is the alloy wheel design, which looks quirky with its unique triangular-like rim design. Wheel sizes vary variant-wise, but the top model sits on 17-inch alloy wheels. Apart from that, the silhouette is similar to what we have seen with the regular Syros. 

At the rear, it continues to get split LED taillights, just like the standard Syros gets. The only difference is the addition of an EV badge.

As for colours, you get to choose from 9 hues: Ivory Silver Matte, Gravity Grey, Glacier White Pearl, Ivory Silver Gloss, Aurora Black Pearl, Frost Blue, Magma Red, Pewter Olive, and Matte Graphic (exclusive to X-Line variant). 

The Kia Syros has one of the most premium cabins in its segment, and the good news is the electric version gets the same dashboard. You get the same dashboard with a three-screen layout and splashes of ambient lighting to give it a rich feel. Kudos to Kia for offering dedicated buttons and knobs for both the climate control and infotainment system, as it makes usability much easier. The only change when compared to the regular Syros is that the electric version gets a 3-spoke steering wheel that’s inspired by the more premium EV6.

Kia continues to offer the slide and recline rear seats in the Syros EV as well. This particular feature made the second row experience of the Kia Syros the best in its class, and the same is expected here as well.

The electric Syros packs all the goodies of the standard Syros. Highlighting features of the Syros EV include dual 12.3-inch screens with a touch-based 5-inch AC control panel in between, a panoramic sunroof, 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, front and rear ventilated seats, 64-colour ambient lighting, rear sun shades, connected car technology, Type-C ports and a wireless phone charger. 

Being an EV, it also comes with vehicle-to-load (V2L), where you can power appliances using the charge in your vehicle’s battery pack. 

The Syros EV gets 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), hill start assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera with dynamic guidelines, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

It also comes with all-wheel disc brakes and an electronic parking brake as well. The top-spec variant also comes with Level-2 autonomous driving assistance (ADAS) features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring with blind spot view, lane keep assist and traffic sign recognition.

The Kia Syros EV packs the same powertrain options that are offered with the Hyundai Creta Electric and Kia Carens Clavis EV. You get 42 kWh and 51.4 kWh battery packs, paired with a front-wheel drive e-motor with varying outputs. Here’s a look at the detailed specifications:

Charging the Kia Syros EV via a 100 kW DC Fast charger from 10 to 80 percent takes around 39 minutes. 

The Kia Syros is a benchmark in its segment. Beyond its polarising looks is genuine space engineering, practicality, features, tech and attention to fit and finish that is better than products double its price. Considering that the Syros EV retains those traits and blends them with slightly better ride comfort than the ICE version, and the guaranteed effortless drive experience and refinement that is associated with an electric powertrain, the Kia Syros EV is likely to be the best family car to exist in its footprint. What remains to be seen is its pricing, which is expected to be announced soon.