New Kia compact SUV was internally named Clavis previously; will go on sale early next year.
Kia has trademarked the ‘Syros’ nameplate in India, suggesting it could be used for a future model here. Sources tell us that this name will be used for the upcoming compact SUV codenamed AY. Kia had previously also trademarked the ‘Clavis’ name for the said model, but is now understood to have settled with ‘Syros’ that’s more in line with the brand’s model nomenclature.
- Kia compact SUV will have both petrol and electric powertrains
- Top-spec variants will get panoramic sunroof, ADAS suite
- Launch is expected by early next year
Kia Syros: new compact SUV for 2025
Sources say that the ‘Clavis’ name was already internally finalized, but the name starting with ‘C’ wasn’t quite in line with the brand’s naming strategy. Kia’s ICE SUVs in India have names starting with an ‘S’ (Seltos and Sonet), which is why the brand has now resorted to ‘Syros’ for the upcoming Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter-rival. As on April 29, 2024, the name stands ‘Accepted and Advertised’. The initial ‘C’ is instead seen on Kia’s MPVs such as the Carens and Carnival.
Kia Syros: what do we know so far
Previously sighted test mules have hinted at a tall and upright stance with high ground clearance, and rugged design elements such as beefy body cladding and roof rails. The interior of the Syros has also been spied before – 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 also 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 have both petrol and electric powertrains, with the latter expected to join the line-up about six months after the ICE. Both versions will be underpinned by the same platform and a hybrid version could also be introduced at a later stage, however, all versions will be front-wheel drive models.
Kia Syros India launch details
Sources say the petrol-powered Syros will debut towards the end of this year, and it will 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 earmarked for exports 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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