The Kia Syros EV has been spied testing in India with some design differences compared to the ICE model. The upcoming EV will be built on the Inster-derived K1 platform and will be offered with an FWD setup. It is expected to be launched in the country this year and is likely to be the manufacturer’s most affordable all-electric model, positioned below the much larger Kia Carens Clavis EV.
- Spy shots reveal a boxy silhouette and charging flap position
- Revisions to rear bumper, brake caliper and roof rails also visible
- Interior yet to be spotted but is likely to be similar to that of the ICE Syros
Kia Syros EV spied: What was spotted?
EV test mule sports revised design for rear bumper, brake caliper, roof rails
Although the test mule is heavily camouflaged, its Syros-like boxy silhouette and a charging flap on the front left quarter panel indicate it is the subcompact SUV’s EV version. The alloy wheels look identical to the ICE’s 17-inch units but feature neon green brake calipers like the Seltos. The rear bumper seems different with a mix of body-coloured and black panels, but the camouflage hides this distinction well. The roof rails are also revised, likely for improved aerodynamics.
The vertically stacked LED headlights with L-shaped LED daytime running lamps (DRLs), the front bumper design with an ADAS radar sensor and a 360-degree camera, and the LED tail-lights are similar to the ICE Syros. However, in the production-spec model, Kia might offer a revised front bumper to differentiate between the ICE and EV versions.
Interior not yet spotted but likely to be similar to that of the ICE version
What community is saying on the Syros EV?
While the upcoming Syros EV’s interior design has not been spotted yet, it is likely that Kia will retain the ICE version’s layout, as it did with the Carens Clavis’ ICE and EV versions. The feature list could be similar, save for the likely addition of some EV-specific offerings such as vehicle-to-load (V2L) and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) capabilities. Notably, the Syros ICE comes with dual 12.3-inch screens, a touch-based AC control panel, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless phone charger, and ventilated front and rear seats. Safety features are also expected to be the same for both iterations of the Syros.
Kia Syros EV expected powertrain options
Battery pack unknown; FWD setup, K1 platform are confirmed
It is known that the Kia Syros EV will be offered in a front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup only and will share its K1 platform with the Hyundai Inster EV available overseas. While exact powertrain details are not yet confirmed, the Inster is offered with 42kWh and 49kWh options with a maximum claimed range of 369km.
The Kia Syros EV is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom) and rival the Tata Nexon EV, MG Windsor EV and Mahindra XUV 3XO EV.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
