The mid-size SUV segment in India continues to heat up with newer entries that offer a balance of power, efficiency, and premium features. One of the recent entrants making headlines is the Kia Syros Diesel AT, which has started gaining attention for its styling, practicality, and diesel-automatic combination. We’ve spent considerable time with the car to understand how it performs in the real world—beyond just showroom shine and first impressions.
In this blog, we present our long-term experience with the Kia Syros Diesel Automatic, breaking down its performance, comfort, fuel economy, features, and what it’s like to live with this SUV every day.
🛠 Engine & Transmission: Smooth, Powerful, and Efficient
Under the hood, the Kia Syros Diesel AT is powered by a 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine, mated to a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The engine delivers about 115 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque, making it strong enough for both city commutes and highway cruising.
The transmission is well-tuned and smooth in gear shifts. Even in bumper-to-bumper traffic, the creep function works beautifully. For highway driving, there is sufficient torque in the mid-range, making overtaking easy and stress-free.
Verdict: The diesel AT combo offers a refined drive, low NVH levels, and excellent fuel efficiency even in urban traffic conditions.
⛽ Real-World Mileage: Surprisingly Efficient for a Diesel SUV
Kia claims a mileage of around 20 km/l, and in our long-term testing over a mixed driving cycle, we got:
- City Driving: ~16-17 km/l
- Highway Cruising: ~21-22 km/l
- Overall Average: ~18.5 km/l
With a 50-litre fuel tank, the car offers a practical range of 900+ kilometers, making it ideal for long trips with fewer fuel stops.
Verdict: One of the most fuel-efficient diesel automatics in its segment.
🚗 Driving Comfort & Ride Quality
Kia has tuned the suspension of the Syros for Indian roads. Whether it’s potholes, uneven surfaces, or flyovers, the car absorbs bumps confidently. The steering is light at low speeds—perfect for city driving—but weighs up nicely at higher speeds, offering good stability.
Urban Experience:
Maneuvering through tight traffic and narrow lanes is easy, thanks to the responsive steering and commanding driving position.
Highway Experience:
Stays planted at triple-digit speeds and offers confidence-inspiring braking.
Verdict: Excellent daily usability with great long-distance capability.
🎨 Design & Exterior Highlights
The Syros features a bold front grille, sharp LED headlamps, a raised bonnet, and 16/17-inch alloy wheels (depending on the variant). The side profile has a clean design, while the rear features wraparound LED tail lamps and a premium finish.
It doesn’t shout “sporty,” but instead offers a mature SUV look—perfect for working professionals and families.
🪟 Interior & Features: Premium Cabin with Practicality
Step inside, and you’re welcomed with a dual-tone cabin, soft-touch materials, and an ergonomically designed dashboard.
Key Interior Features:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Semi-digital instrument cluster
- Auto climate control
- Ventilated front seats (in top trims)
- Wireless charging pad
- Cruise control
- Rear AC vents
- Push-button start
The seating is comfortable with ample lumbar and thigh support, especially in the front row. The rear seats offer good legroom and headroom. Boot space is sufficient for weekend trips.
Verdict: Practical, modern, and well-equipped cabin that feels more premium than its price tag suggests.
🛡️ Safety Features
Kia has packed the Syros Diesel AT with numerous safety features, such as:
- Six airbags (in higher trims)
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
- Rear Parking Sensors and Camera
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
In our long-term experience, the braking system is confidence-inspiring, and the electronic aids do their job without being intrusive.
🧰 Maintenance & After-Sales Experience
Kia’s service network in India has been expanding aggressively, and maintenance costs for diesel engines are quite manageable.
During our 10,000 km ownership period:
- First service was free, just general inspection and oil change.
- Spare parts are reasonably priced.
- Service center support was prompt and professional.
Verdict: Peace of mind in terms of ownership cost and service reliability.
⚖️ Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Smooth diesel automatic with excellent mileage
- Comfortable ride and light steering
- Feature-rich cabin
- Spacious rear seat and boot
- Great value for money
❌ Cons:
- No AWD or off-road variant available
- Top trims are slightly pricey
- Some hard plastics in lower trims
🏁 Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Kia Syros Diesel AT?
If you’re looking for a diesel automatic SUV under ₹15-17 lakhs (ex-showroom), the Kia Syros Diesel AT is a compelling package. It combines great fuel economy, modern features, comfort, and low maintenance—all the things a family or urban commuter would want.
Whether you’re a long-distance traveler, a city commuter, or someone looking to upgrade from a hatchback or sedan, the Syros Diesel AT delivers an experience that feels premium and reliable.
📌 Final Words
The Kia Syros Diesel AT has proven to be more than just a good-looking SUV. It’s a well-rounded performer that offers comfort, style, and peace of mind—making it a practical choice for long-term ownership.
