The Tata Nexon.ev, despite the launch of so many new EVs, is still one of the most popular electric SUVs in India for years. It offers a strong combination of features, range, and pricing. And this has helped Tata Motors in dominating the affordable EV segment. However, this could soon change as the South Korean automotive giant Kia India is preparing to launch what could become its best-selling mass-market electric vehicle so far. We are talking about the new Kia Syros EV.
Now before going ahead, we have to mention that Kia has not officially revealed all the details as of yet. However, there are multiple reports and leaked specifications which have reported that the company is following a very different strategy with the Syros EV. Instead of only focusing on price, Kia is aiming to target almost every concern that Indian EV buyers have today. These include range anxiety, battery life, practicality, technology, and long-term ownership costs.
One of the biggest strengths of the Kia Syros is that it is already one of the most practical sub-compact SUVs in its segment. At the time when most of its rivals focus mainly on styling, the Syros has been designed as a proper family SUV. It offers a spacious cabin with excellent headroom, generous rear seat space, and an upright seating position.
It also offers sliding rear seats, which gives a choice between more legroom or additional luggage space. Additionally, the flexible boot layout also helps in improving the practicality. Overall, these make it an ideal SUV for both daily commuting and weekend trips.
Now coming to the Syros EV, it will retain all of these practical features. In fact, the electric version could become more popular because EVs are generally smoother, quieter, and significantly cheaper to run than petrol-powered SUVs. And combined with instant torque and lower maintenance costs, the Syros EV could become one of the most practical electric family SUVs in this price segment.
Another major highlight of the Syros EV could be its driving range. At the moment, Kia India has not officially confirmed the specifications. Reports have revealed that the SUV could borrow the same battery packs as the recently launched Carens Clavis EV and Hyundai Creta Electric.
The Syros EV is expected to be offered with 42 kWh and 51.4 kWh battery pack options. However, because it is smaller and lighter than both the Creta Electric and Carens Clavis EV, it is expected to deliver better efficiency. According to leaked specifications, the smaller 42 kWh battery could offer a claimed driving range of up to 443 km. Meanwhile, the larger 51.4 kWh battery could deliver up to 520 km on a single charge.
As for the real-world driving conditions, buyers can expect a range of around 380 to 430 km depending on driving style, traffic conditions, terrain, and air-conditioner usage. So if these figures remain the same in the production version, then the Syros EV will become one of the longest-range sub-compact electric SUVs in its segment.
Another detail which has been leaked is that Kia is reportedly planning to offer a 15-year or even lifetime battery warranty with the Syros EV. If this becomes true, it will make the Syros EV an even better well-rounded EV. Today, battery replacement is one of the biggest concerns among first-time EV buyers.
So a lifetime battery warranty will reduce ownership anxiety and also improve resale value. At present, most manufacturers offer battery warranties of around eight years. If Kia introduces a lifetime battery warranty, it could become one of the strongest selling points of the Syros EV.
Apart from the battery warranty, the company is also expected to offer a three-year standard vehicle warranty, which can reportedly be extended up to seven years or 1.6 lakh km. Reports also suggest that Kia could introduce a buyback assurance programme to improve resale value and increase buyer confidence. However, all of these details are yet to be officially confirmed.
Like the standard ICE Syros, the Kia Syros EV is expected to retain the Trinity panoramic display, connected car technology, ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, wireless connectivity, and over-the-air software updates. The Syros EV is also expected to offer Level 2 ADAS.
Apart from these features, the SUV is also expected to support DC fast charging, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) charging. It will also get multiple regenerative braking levels and connected charging management through Kia Connect.
On the outside, the Syros EV will largely retain the boxy design of the ICE version but will receive a few EV-specific updates. These are expected to include a closed-off front grille, redesigned front and rear bumpers, aerodynamically designed alloy wheels, a charging port integrated into the front fender, and exclusive exterior colour options.
The Tata Nexon.ev, as mentioned, is still one of the strongest players in the segment. It already offers up to a 489 km claimed range and premium features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL sound system, and even Level 2 ADAS on higher variants.
However, it looks like Kia has found the areas where many buyers still hesitate before switching to an electric vehicle. So instead of competing only on pricing, the company is focusing on practicality, higher claimed range, premium interiors, advanced technology, better ownership assurance, and lower long-term running costs.
The Syros EV is expected to be priced between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 20 lakh, which will put it directly against the Tata Nexon EV, Tata Curvv EV, Hyundai Creta Electric, MG Windsor EV, Mahindra XUV 3XO EV, and the upcoming Maruti e Vitara.
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