On Thursday afternoon, Kia, a Korean automaker, unveiled the Syros, a small SUV (sports utility vehicle). The model is primarily targeted at the Indian market, but it is being marketed as a global launch with export intentions to Southeast Asia and maybe Africa.
The Kia Syros is more than just a sub-4-meter SUV; it has a striking new look and is packed with goodies. It is based on the same platform as its previous small SUV model, the Sonet. Bold yet useful designs are the concept.
This includes 20 strong standard safety packages, level-2 ADAS, 17 autonomous safety features, and a clean appearance. The segment-first adjustable rear seat is one of its best features; it can move and recline to accommodate additional luggage that won’t fit in the boot if necessary.
Gwanggu Lee, MD and CEO of Kia India, stated, “With Syros, we are further expanding our product portfolio, offering a new species of SUV that combines superior comfort, cutting-edge technology, and bold design.”
With the introduction of Syros, Kia expects to boost sales. The pricing announcement is anticipated to be competitive, but it won’t happen until the Auto Expo next month or around that time.
The concept of a small SUV (sub-4m, a class that purists do not even classify as an SUV) is popular in India due to cheaper taxes, which attracts budget-conscious Indian buyers and increases volume to span the nation’s expanding SUV market. After the Syros is released onto the market, Kia hopes to boost sales from 2.5 lakh to 3 lakh next year.
Lee added that the business is thinking about releasing an electric version of the car in the future.
Though marketing chief Hardeep Singh Brar was careful to emphasise that it wouldn’t affect Sonet sales, it’s interesting to note that Syros falls into the same category as Kia’s Sonet.
He declared, “We’re not considering cannibalising [the Sonet].” “This customer [for Syros] is very different; they want value for money and new age design.” The Syros’s pricing positioning—below or perhaps somewhat above the Sonet’s—will then determine a lot.