Kia Syros HTK Plus (O) Diesel 1.5L Turbo Automatic (TC)

2026 Syros feels like a "mini-luxury" car with its 8-speaker Harman Kardon system and 64-color ambient lighting. The exterior design is futuristic with those vertical LED DRLs, and the interior quality puts many mid-size SUVs to shame. In terms of value for money, the mid-spec trims offer the best balance of tech and price. I’m getting a decent mileage of 17.5 kmpl from the Turbo-Petrol manual. handling has a bit of body roll in sharp corners, and the infotainment software occasionally lags when wireless CarPlay is connecting.

1.5L Diesel Syros is a gem; the performance is smooth and the 250 Nm torque makes highway overtakes effortless. The handling is light and easy for the city, and the 360-degree camera is the best I've used in this segment. Inside, the comfort of the reclining rear seats is a game-changer for my parents. range and efficiency are superb, the dual-pane panoramic sunroof makes the cabin heat up quite a bit under the direct afternoon sun, putting extra load on the AC.

I bought the Syros for its 5-star safety rating and the Level 2 ADAS, which makes highway driving so much more relaxed. The exterior design is definitely polarizing—you either love the boxy look or you don't—but the 190mm ground clearance is perfect for tackling monsoon-ruined roads. The mileage on the Diesel AT has been impressive, giving me around 21 kmpl on the highway, though city traffic drops it to 12 kmpl. The quality of the cabin materials is top-notch, though white/grey upholstery is a nightmare to keep clean with kids.