New Kia compact SUV teased with EV9-like styling

Kia India has just dropped the first teaser of its upcoming compact SUV, hinting at a tallboy design inspired by its latest launches in the market, the EV9 and the Carnival. The upcoming sub-4m SUV will be positioned above the Sonet with a greater focus on rear seat comfort and space, and will hit the market sometime in early 2025.

1. Kia compact SUV gets a design inspired by EV9 and Carnival 
2. Will have a more premium positioning than the Sonet
3. Will likely be offered with both ICE and electric powertrains

Kia compact SUV design highlights

The teaser images give us a glimpse of the profile and rear quarter of the upcoming compact SUV, which sports a rather unique silhouette. It appears to have a clamshell bonnet that sharply swoops down to the tall, upright nose. However, what really stands out is the window line that rises up with a sharp kink for the rear quarter glass area. The break in the window line at the B-pillar, finished in body colour, is somewhat reminiscent of the erstwhile Skoda Yeti.

Some other details visible are flush-fitting door handles, EV9-inspired vertical LED daytime running lamps, functional roof rails, and L-shaped LED tail-lamps positioned high up with a wraparound effect on the rear windshield. It also seems to have slightly flared wheel arches and it will likely sport some body cladding for that all-important SUV appeal.

Kia compact SUV interior, space and features

Kia hasn’t shared any interior images yet, nor have we seen any proper spy shots, but sources say the tallboy design is particularly aimed at prioritising rear seat space and comfort. The boxy and upright stance will liberate more vertical space, providing greater roominess in the cabin – something that has been a major shortcoming in the Sonet.

In Kia’s words, the interior will be “lounge-like”, with “futuristic features and an innovative seating layout”. One can also expect features like an ADAS suite, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated and powered front seats, and an all-digital interface on higher-spec variants.

Kia compact SUV powertrain options

There are no details on the powertrain front yet, but sources have previously said it will get both ICE and electric powertrain options. Kia will likely launch it with the internal combustion engines first, and the EV version will arrive later. Both versions will be based on the same platform and will be offered in front wheel drive guise.

Upon launch, the compact SUV could be called the Syros, as the name has been trademarked by the brand, and it's also in keeping with the brand’s SUV nomenclature for our market. The upcoming compact SUV will be positioned above the existing crop of the sub-4m SUVs, like the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Maruti Brezza, and also the recently launched Skoda Kylaq.