KIA’s small SUV, the Syros, has appeared in spy photos from Spain, sparking speculation about whether the model might soon join the European lineup. Currently better known in markets like India, the Syros competes in the same size bracket as the KIA EV2 electric SUV, which is already marketed in Europe.
The Syros Seen Undergoing Emissions Testing
The prototype caught on camera shows a right-hand drive KIA Syros fitted with emissions testing equipment. Visible details include a tailpipe with a fitting used to measure emissions and additional sensors near the driver’s door. While the exhaust suggests this is an internal combustion engine version, it remains unclear if it’s powered by petrol or diesel.
The rear design is characterized by split taillights extending onto the sides of the window and the lower shoulder area, a feature distinctive from KIA’s electric models but following the brand’s design language.
How the Syros Compares to the EV2 in Size and Features
In terms of dimensions, the Syros is a compact SUV with a more traditional boxy shape and a higher stance to maximize interior space. Its official measurements are:
- Length: 3,995 mm
- Width: 1,805 mm
- Height: 1,680 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,550 mm
- Boot capacity: 465 litres
Compared to the KIA EV2’s 4,060 mm length and 362 litres boot, the Syros is slightly smaller but offers more cargo volume, likely due to its shape and interior layout. The Syros seats five with a sliding rear bench, enhancing practicality.
Current Powertrain Options and European Market Factors
In India, the Syros offers two combustion engines: a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol with 120 horsepower and a 1.5-litre diesel with 116 horsepower. Both come with front-wheel drive and manual or automatic transmissions depending on the engine.
Bringing the Syros to Europe would involve challenges, chiefly related to compliance with stricter emissions and safety regulations, homologation costs, and market positioning. The Syros could potentially overlap with the EV2’s customer base, especially since the EV2 includes a long-range electric variant with up to 450 kilometres of range under WLTP.
Still, KIA’s efforts to unify some of its model offerings across different regions, as seen with the Seltos and K4, suggest they might be evaluating options for entering the small SUV segment in Europe with multiple powertrain choices.
What the Testing Could Mean for Europe
While the presence of the Syros undergoing testing in Spain doesn’t guarantee a European launch, it indicates KIA is at least studying the model’s potential there. The tests could be purely technical, but the Syros might eventually offer an alternative for buyers looking for a practical small SUV with combustion engines in a market increasingly leaning toward electric vehicles.
More information is expected if KIA moves forward with bringing the Syros to European roads, amid growing competition in the compact SUV segment.
Source: motor.es