Kia Syros vs Sonet: Kia India has recently unveiled the Syros, a new offering positioned between the Sonet and Seltos in its lineup. With prices starting at Rs. 9 lakh for the base petrol variant, the Syros aims to carve out a niche for itself in the competitive compact crossover segment. The Syros is available in both petrol and diesel powertrains, with seven petrol and four diesel variants to choose from. This makes it a versatile option for buyers looking for a blend of practicality, performance, and premium features.
When compared to the popular Sonet, the Syros offers a more spacious cabin, enhanced rear-seat comfort, and a broader feature set. However, the Sonet remains a strong contender with its SUV-like proportions, stylish design, and proven driving dynamics. The Syros petrol variants start at Rs. 9 lakh for the HTK MT variant, undercutting the Sonet’s base petrol variant, which starts at Rs. 9.15 lakh. However, the Syros quickly moves into premium territory with its higher-end variants, such as the HTX+ automatic, priced at Rs. 16 lakh, compared to the Sonet GTX Plus Dual Tone variant at Rs. 14.85 lakh.
The diesel variants of the Syros are priced higher than the Sonet, starting at Rs. 11 lakh for the HTK Option variant and going up to Rs. 17 lakh for the HTX+ AT variant. In contrast, the Sonet diesel range starts at Rs. 10 lakh and tops out at Rs. 15.70 lakh. While the Syros commands a premium, it justifies this with its larger dimensions, more versatile cabin, and advanced features. This article delves into the specifications, features, performance, design, and pricing of both models to help you make an informed decision.
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Specifications Kia Syros vs Sonet
Below is a detailed comparison of the key specifications of the Kia Syros and Sonet:
| Feature | Kia Syros | Kia Sonet |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.0L Turbo Petrol, 1.5L Diesel | 1.2L NA Petrol, 1.0L Turbo Petrol, 1.5L Diesel |
| Transmission | 6-speed MT, 7-speed DCT (Auto) | 5-speed MT, 6-speed MT, 7-speed DCT (Auto) |
| Power (Petrol) | 120 PS | 83 PS (1.2L), 120 PS (1.0L Turbo) |
| Power (Diesel) | 115 PS | 115 PS |
| Fuel Efficiency | 18-20 km/l (Petrol), 20-22 km/l (Diesel) | 18-19 km/l (Petrol), 20-21 km/l (Diesel) |
| Length | 4,300 mm | 3,995 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm | 2,500 mm |
| Boot Space | 450 liters | 392 liters |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Kia Syros vs Sonet Features
Kia Syros
- Interior: Premium upholstery, panoramic sunroof, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless charging, and ambient lighting.
- Safety: Six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and rear parking sensors with a camera.
- Comfort: Rear AC vents, ventilated front seats, and a fully digital instrument cluster.
Kia Sonet
- Interior: 10.25-inch touchscreen, Bose premium sound system, and wireless charging.
- Safety: Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera.
- Comfort: Rear AC vents, sunroof, and leatherette seats.
Performance
The Syros is powered by a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine, delivering 120 PS and 115 PS, respectively. The Sonet offers more engine options, including a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. While the Syros focuses on performance and refinement, the Sonet provides a balance between efficiency and driving dynamics.
Design
The Syros boasts a bold and modern design with a larger footprint, making it more SUV-like in appearance. The Sonet, on the other hand, is more compact and sporty, with sharp lines and a muscular stance. Both models feature LED headlights, alloy wheels, and dual-tone color options.
Price Details
| Variant | Kia Syros Price (Ex-showroom) | Kia Sonet Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol Base | Rs. 9 lakh | Rs. 9.15 lakh |
| Petrol Top-end | Rs. 16 lakh | Rs. 14.85 lakh |
| Diesel Base | Rs. 11 lakh | Rs. 10 lakh |
| Diesel Top-end | Rs. 17 lakh | Rs. 15.70 lakh |
Launch Date
The Kia Syros is set to hit Indian showrooms in [Insert Launch Date], while the Sonet has been available since [Insert Launch Date].
Unique Selling Points
- Kia Syros: Spacious cabin, premium features, and a focus on comfort.
- Kia Sonet: Compact design, sporty appeal, and a proven track record.
Kia Syros vs Sonet Conclusion
The Kia Syros and Sonet represent two distinct approaches to the compact crossover segment, catering to different buyer preferences. The Syros, with its larger dimensions, spacious cabin, and premium features, is aimed at those seeking a more practical and family-friendly vehicle. Its starting price of Rs. 9 lakh for the base petrol variant makes it an attractive option, though its higher-end variants command a premium. On the other hand, the Sonet continues to appeal to urban buyers with its sporty design, compact size, and efficient engine options, starting at Rs. 9.15 lakh for the base petrol variant.
When it comes to performance, the Syros focuses on refinement and power, offering a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. The Sonet, however, provides a wider range of engine choices, including a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which is more cost-efficient for budget-conscious buyers. Both models deliver solid driving dynamics, but the Syros’ larger size gives it an edge in terms of stability and comfort on highways.
In terms of features, the Syros takes the lead with its panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and a fully digital instrument cluster, making it a more luxurious option. The Sonet, while slightly less feature-rich, still offers a premium experience with its Bose sound system, sunroof, and sporty interior design. Safety is another area where the Syros shines, with six airbags and advanced driver-assistance features compared to the Sonet’s dual airbags and basic safety suite.
Pricing is a key differentiator between the two models. While the Syros’ base petrol variant is cheaper than the Sonet’s, its higher-end variants are significantly more expensive. The Sonet, meanwhile, remains a more affordable option for those looking for a stylish and efficient compact crossover. Both models benefit from Kia’s strong reputation for reliability and after-sales service, ensuring peace of mind for buyers.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kia Syros and Sonet depends on your priorities. If you value space, comfort, and premium features, the Syros is the better choice. However, if you prefer a compact, sporty, and cost-efficient vehicle, the Sonet is the way to go. Both models excel in their respective niches, making them strong contenders in India’s competitive compact SUV market.
Kia Syros vs Sonet FAQs
1. What is the starting price of the Kia Syros, and how does it compare to the Sonet?
The Kia Syros starts at Rs. 9 lakh for the base petrol variant (HTK MT) and Rs. 11 lakh for the base diesel variant (HTK Option). In comparison, the Sonet’s base petrol variant starts at Rs. 9.15 lakh, and the base diesel variant starts at Rs. 10 lakh. While the Syros undercuts the Sonet in the base petrol segment, its higher-end variants are priced at a premium, making the Sonet a more affordable option for buyers looking for mid-to-top variants.
2. Which model offers more space and comfort for families?
The Kia Syros is the clear winner when it comes to space and comfort. It features a longer wheelbase, a more spacious cabin, and significantly more legroom for rear-seat passengers. Additionally, the Syros offers a larger boot space of 450 liters compared to the Sonet’s 392 liters, making it a more practical choice for families or those who prioritize comfort and utility.
3. How do the engines and performance of the Syros and Sonet compare?
The Syros is powered by a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine, delivering 120 PS and 115 PS, respectively. The Sonet, on the other hand, offers a wider range of engines, including a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (83 PS), a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine (120 PS), and a 1.5-litre diesel engine (115 PS). While the Syros focuses on refinement and power, the Sonet provides more engine options, including a cost-efficient 1.2-litre petrol engine for budget-conscious buyers.
4. Which model has more advanced features and technology?
The Kia Syros comes with a more premium feature set, including a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, a fully digital instrument cluster, and ambient lighting. The Sonet, while feature-rich, lacks some of these premium additions but still offers a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a Bose sound system, and wireless charging. If advanced features and luxury are your priority, the Syros is the better choice.
5. Is the Sonet more fuel-efficient than the Syros?
Both models offer competitive fuel efficiency, but the Sonet’s 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is more fuel-efficient, making it a better option for city driving. The Syros, however, provides slightly better mileage in its diesel variants, making it more suitable for highway driving. Your choice will depend on whether you prioritize city efficiency or long-distance comfort.
6. Which model is better for safety-conscious buyers?
The Kia Syros takes the lead in safety with features like six airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and rear parking sensors with a camera. The Sonet, while still safe, offers fewer advanced safety features, with dual airbags as standard and optional safety upgrades in higher variants. If safety is a top priority, the Syros is the better option.
7. When will the Kia Syros be launched, and how does it fit into Kia’s lineup?
The Kia Syros is expected to launch in [Insert Launch Date] and is positioned between the Sonet and Seltos in Kia’s India lineup. It bridges the gap between compact crossovers and mid-size SUVs, offering a blend of practicality, premium features, and performance. The Syros is aimed at buyers who want more space and luxury than the Sonet but don’t want to step up to the larger and more expensive Seltos.
