At the upcoming Auto Expo 2025, Kia’s pavilion will have two important new models – the Syros compact SUV and the EV6 facelift. The Syros globally debuted last month, and it will make its first public appearance at the upcoming event alongside the EV6 facelift. Kia’s existing crop of cars, such as the EV9 electric SUV and the Carnival MPV will also be present.
Kia Syros
The Syros is Kia’s second model in the compact SUV space after the Sonet, with the distinction being the focus on rear seat comfort. A longer wheelbase, the tallboy design and segment-first features, such as sliding and reclining functions for the rear seats and a ventilation function for the seat squab, differentiate it from the existing crop of compact SUVs.
Under the hood, the Syros gets the familiar 120hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine or the 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel mill. An electric version will follow in about a year’s time. In terms of design, the Syros draws inspiration from the flagship EV9 SUV, but its radical styling is likely to divide opinion. When viewed in profile, the Syros’ look is also a nod to the Skoda Yeti from the early 2000s.
Kia EV6 facelift
Kia will also be showcasing the EV6 facelift at the Auto Expo. It was globally revealed in May last year, and the updated model brings a new fascia with revised, more angular lighting elements. The front bumper and lower grill also get a fresh look that blends well with other changes. The interior gets tech upgrades – digital rear-view mirror, an improved head-up display, along with an AI-based navigation setup – and a new two-spoke steering wheel. Also, there’s a larger 84kWh battery with more range.
On the mechanical front, the EV6 facelift gets a larger battery. It now uses an 84kWh battery, which replaces the pre-facelift car’s 77.4 kWh pack. The larger battery has a claimed range of 494km, up from 475km earlier (Korean test cycle). The EV6 RWD gets a single motor with 229hp and 350Nm of torque, while the dual-motor variants are good for 325hp and 605Nm. It also gets frequency-selective dampers that improve ride comfort. Expect Kia to officially launch the EV6 sometime later in 2025.
Kia EV9
Lastly, also on display will be the EV9 which went on sale in October last year at an ex-showroom price of Rs 1.30 crore. The Auto Expo will be an opportunity for the public to experience what is Kia’s flagship offering globally and comes to India as a CBU import. Measuring over 5 metres long, it has a rather imposing presence. On the inside, the EV9 has a 6-seater layout, with the second-row seats being captain’s chairs. The India-spec EV9 gets a 99.8kWh battery pack that powers dual electric motors, which produce a total of 384hp. It has an ARAI-certified range of 561km.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
