[MuzzledMoose]

Today I was at Kia showroom and had the SYROS checked.

Interiors are really good quality and it has most of the required features. For me it looked like a well built WagonR with interiors as good as premium cars. The target for top variants are mostly who want classy interiors with rear shade and features (I remember Honda Jazz had some good rear side features making it unique).

[abhisheksahas]

The Syros is a great package, but alas the competition is making the Syros feel overpriced ( especially at the top end). At the lower end of the pricing, you lose on the segment first creature comforts that set the Syros apart. The polarizing looks only adds to the list of dilemmas.

[sunilpthomas]

I believe there is a big set of people who prefer to be chauffeured around - especially in the big cities. Mostly older people or women and kids who needs to be dropped of at various places for classes- they need a good car with creature comforts. For this segment, I feel Kia has hit a home-run. They are not looking for awesome design or crazy engines, but a good car which is comfortable from the inside. And as a second car to do such duties, a sub-4 meter, spacious car loaded with features on the inside makes a lot of sense.
The price is also not super high, albeit on the higher side. I would dare call it the "premium" pricing of Kia, with a lot of features not available normally with slightly above the average price - makes the product look premium as well. Indians who normally prefer their cars to be "premium and value for money" rather than just low-cost would lap it up, I believe.

Would I buy it? hell no, that thing is ugly as heck!

[Sebring]

WagonR is not a good looking vehicle, so was the first Santro - which did well. The reason people go for it is the comfort and interior aesthetic/dynamics. So even Syros could be accepted, (ignoring its looks). You never know.

Originally Posted by sunilpthomas

Would I buy it? hell no, that thing is ugly as heck!

[SeniorC]

The quirky design of Syros is mostly due to odd shaped windows. However inside is clean uncluttered kia/ hyundai looks. My sense is that the base models are good to buy with after market shops adding some bling on the outside. Considering that it is a tall boy design with spacious interiors, I would suspect there will be buyers for lower trims as these already have lots of 'features'. HTX+ and the optional are overpriced in my opinion where one could look a segment above cars. Kylaq with some more 'features' in the middle lineup could have easily outsold Syros. However, now customers have even greater choice in the sub 4 meter segment. All good.

[Youngindus]

Honda Elevate ZX CVT R is available for less than 18L OTR in Delhi. Granted that it misses few features, but it ticks the right boxes in space, commanding driving position, boot space, and peace of mind during ownership. Definitely worth a look before taking the plunge for Syros.

[abhisheksahas]

Originally Posted by xway

I seriously don't understand car pricing be it kia or anyone for that matter.

How can same car from same company cost 10L and 20L at the same time ?

I understand fancy addons, features command a price and it makes sense to choose to add them and pay accordingly, but no point should this end up doubling the price.

To me any car base to top variance should be a maximum of 20% and not more.

No doubt Karol Bagh, JC Road accessory stores advertise base to top for 50K only and able to do business and save 3-4 lac rupees to the customer though with a compromise on quality fit and finish, but still working.

I concur with your 1st point, but I would disagree on the 2nd- that the base and top model should not be priced more than 20% apart. I think even 50-60% would be acceptable given that there are enough features to justify it.

The reason vehicle manufacturers offer a base model is to lewer potential buyers into the showroom. But by the time you kit the car that you want to own, you will end up spending at least 30–50% more.

PS 100% higher, from base to top model, definitely feels unjustified.

[WalterWhite]

Originally Posted by RaghuVis

So, when it comes to the 70%, the biggest lookout for prospective customers is the features and boy Kia has loaded Syros to the hilt. Forget Venue/Sonet, even Creta/Seltos/Carens customers will feel jealous. I feel Syros will attract numbers from all these cars and have healthy monthly numbers.
.

This is exactly where the buyer mentality has to change. When choosing a car, I believe we should prioritize its fundamental strengths over a long list of features. Safety, build quality, performance, handling, and after-sales service are far more important than a sunroof or other luxury additions. A car that excels in these core areas will offer greater long-term satisfaction than one simply loaded with gadgets. Ultimately, the decision is personal, but focusing on these core values will force the manufacturers to focus on these aspects more.

[RaghuVis]

Originally Posted by WalterWhite

This is exactly where the buyer mentality has to change. When choosing a car, I believe we should prioritize its fundamental strengths over a long list of features. Safety, build quality, performance, handling, and after-sales service are far more important than a sunroof or other luxury additions. A car that excels in these core areas will offer greater long-term satisfaction than one simply loaded with gadgets. Ultimately, the decision is personal, but focusing on these core values will force the manufacturers to focus on these aspects more.

I held the same opinion for many years. One of the best things about getting older is that your perspective changes because you accept the world for what it is even when you are pushing to change things for the better every day. Personally, I would never buy a car with poor crash ratings, but I can see why it is not a top priority for many. Again, I might disagree with them, but at least I can see it why they would want it that way.

Just for the sake of argument, look at OEMs with great crash ratings.

1. TATA -- Even today, it is a hit or miss on getting a car with no niggles.
2. Mahindra -- Barring 3XO, They don't sell any small/cheap cars any more.
3. Skoda/VW -- They cannot even fix an AC issue for 2 years. How is the public expected to accept it?

I think KIA is looking at Syros being either a second car for those who already have premium vehicles or for people who are ready to splurge 20L on a sub 4m car. India buys at least 10K cars above 30L every month. Whether they succeed or not, their target is very clear.

[WalterWhite]

Originally Posted by RaghuVis

I held the same opinion for many years. One of the best things about getting older is that your perspective changes because you accept the world for what it is even when you are pushing to change things for the better every day. Personally, I would never buy a car with poor crash ratings, but I can see why it is not a top priority for many. Again, I might disagree with them, but at least I can see it why they would want it that way.

Just for the sake of argument, look at OEMs with great crash ratings.

1. TATA -- Even today, it is a hit or miss on getting a car with no niggles.
2. Mahindra -- Barring 3XO, They don't sell any small/cheap cars any more.
3. Skoda/VW -- They cannot even fix an AC issue for 2 years. How is the public expected to accept it?

I think KIA is looking at Syros being either a second car for those who already have premium vehicles or for people who are ready to splurge 20L on a sub 4m car. India buys at least 10K cars above 30L every month. Whether they succeed or not, their target is very clear.

I completely agree with you. However, the key is to set priorities. Would you choose a car with excellent build quality and handling, even if it has some AC issues or minor niggles? Or would you opt for a car packed with features but poor build quality? I mean, this is a crucial question for any car buyer to consider. Everyone should carefully evaluate their priorities, with safety being the absolute top priority. The prevailing mindset needs to shift towards prioritizing fundamental qualities.

Some people overemphasize resale value, treating cars as if they are meant to be bought and sold immediately. This creates a distorted perspective. While features are valuable, safety should never be compromised. A car can have all the bells and whistles, but if it's not safe, it's ultimately a flawed purchase.

[rsm97]

Syros, we will have to accept, is what it is. The car is not meant for driving pleasure. With questions about its structural strength still unanswered, the buyer should better not look for fun. The pleasure (if one is searching for) lies in the comfort and feel that the car provides. Marketing essentially is taking place through digital platform. The auto influencers are focusing on features, which the car has in aplenty. Other than one or two respectable exceptions, none has mentioned about the platform or safety rating in their reviews.

Result is a targeted distraction and a good number of visitors to the showrooms arrive already sold on the product.

I personally saw the car and liked it. With limited expectation from it on the road, am sure the test drive too will not disappoint. The pricing is quite uneven across the variants, a mix of reasonable with outrageous, but one may find a suitable variant still. Else can wait till discounts start kicking in.

My specific concern is the manufacturing platform chosen by KIA. Not that K2 has glorified itself in terms of credibility, but K1 is hard to justify for a car that is placed half a level above Sonet. When asked, the SA was clearly unequipped to speak on this. His senior, though, admitted the use of K1 but was unwilling to agree that it in anyway is inferior. I feel its for KIA to act responsibly by swiftly obtaining the test rating and clear the air.

Will the car sell?

My guess is that it will. The package is well-rounded and most will buy it for features it provides, along with good performance.

[s2K_scorpioN]

Originally Posted by RaghuVis

I think KIA is looking at Syros being either a second car for those who already have premium vehicles or for people who are ready to splurge 20L on a sub 4m car. India buys at least 10K cars above 30L every month. Whether they succeed or not, their target is very clear.

Absolutely. Based on pricing, they aren't pitching this as a common man's car. People with money who just want the tech are their targets for the top model.

The VFM option (HTK Petrol) targets more first-time car buyers looking for a value proposition.

There is also a mid trim diesel thrown in the mix for the diesel heads.

This is pure genius, because there will be buyers across the price range.

[Ashy1112]

Not sure KIA will reveal the safety ratings in next few weeks, so I think we need to wait till the deliveries commence to see how the practicality, drive and handling of different variants work in real life. Most youtubers seems to not highlight the safety aspects of K1 platform in their reviews.

[CARDEEP]

Saw one today, looks big for 4 meter dimensions. Till now the big (small) car distinction was with Baleno, but now it comfortably takes over IMO.

Surely the design is catchy to have a pull as I was driving at a decent pace & slowed down just have a glance.

Much better product to eyes than 2024 Amaze, which just looks lost in Honda's yard to my eyes (just for my reference & new launch comparison).

[saikishor]

I had a chance to experience the Syros a couple of days before. I am fully and wholeheartedly disappointed by the showroom experience, as they were least bothered to show us the car and give a test drive. Their attitude was pathetic, to say the least. Due to this, I must say I kinda lost interest on the car, but since I have a few pictures with me, I will post them with my small observations.
The showroom I went to was Car Kia Financial District, Hyderabad. I not suggest this showroom.

From the brief time that I spent with the Syros, one thing that is evident is that the interiors are a class apart. The steering wheel I had seen on this car feels like 2 segments above. The indicator stalks, buttons, every material in the cabin felt very very premium. Kia surely has spent a lot of time in perfecting the interiors.

Honestly, this was the only observation I could make, apart from the interior being very roomy and cozy. One more thing I felt was the build quality somehow felt better than the Seltos. For instance, the doors did not feel flimsy upon closing them, something you can feel with Seltos.

The Syros is grossly overpriced IMO. I am attaching a picture of the price list. Not sure about the market acceptance of this model. Sure it will sell a couple of thousands, but still it is a lot of money for the car. Features, well, not sure if the price is justified enough only for features.

Credit where it is due, the showroom offered a haed copy of brochure and price list but I refused to take it because I was disinterested after they refused to give a test drive after I mentioned I was a casual customer who wanted to check out the car as it was newly launched.