KIA unveils the Syros EV, a compact electric SUV made in India

KIA has officially announced the launch in India of the Syros EV, a compact electric SUV designed specifically to meet the needs of this market. The brand has already opened advance bookings, which require a deposit of 25,000 rupees, roughly 227 euros at the current exchange rate.

As mentioned, this model has been developed specifically for India, but it is not out of the question that it could reach other regions in the future. In any case, the South Korean manufacturer has not confirmed plans to export it to other countries for the time being.

The Syros EV was developed from the internal combustion version of this same model, largely keeping its original design in order to control costs. Among the adjustments made, a revised front bumper and a smaller grille stand out, probably to improve aerodynamics. It also features a practical 16-litre front boot, and the charging port has been integrated into the left front panel.

It is a compact SUV measuring 3.99 metres long, 1.80 metres wide and 1.67 metres high, 10 mm lower than its petrol counterpart, while the wheelbase remains at 2.55 metres. The cabin keeps its general layout but offers two new two-tone upholstery options specific to the electric version: onyx black with beige and onyx black with hunter green. Another interesting detail is the inclusion of a V2L charging port under the rear seat, which allows external devices to be powered.

Two versions to choose from

KIA offers the Syros EV in two configurations that share components with the Carens Clavis EV and Creta Electric models. The standard-range version has a front-mounted motor producing 99 kW and 255 Nm, paired with a 42 kWh NMC battery that promises a range of 443 km. The extended-range version raises output to 126 kW, with the same 255 Nm of torque, and features a 51.4 kWh battery that allows it to cover, according to the manufacturer, 526 km on a single charge. The 0-100 km/h acceleration of this higher version is 8.1 seconds.

Both versions support fast charging, allowing the battery to go from 10 to 80 percent in just 39 minutes using a 100 kW DC charger. A very attractive feature is the lifetime battery warranty offered by the manufacturer, something unprecedented in the Indian market for packs of these capacities (42 and 51.4 kWh). For added peace of mind, the South Korean manufacturer will also offer a guaranteed buy-back programme.

In India, the Syros EV positions itself as a direct rival to the Tata Nexon.ev and the Mahindra XUV 3XO EV, surpassing them in performance and range. Although KIA has not yet announced final prices, it has confirmed that it will be available with the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) system, which will make the vehicle more accessible by reducing the upfront cost.