New Kia Syros vs Maruti Fronx – Which One To Buy?

Kia has introduced yet another compact SUV in India, the Syros, as we compare it to the rivals

In this post, I am comparing the new Kia Syros with the Maruti Fronx on the basis of specs, features, design, safety, dimensions, etc. Syros offers a more premium experience to potential buyers in comparison to its competitors. Kia wishes to offer more tech and functionality at relatively affordable prices. That is how the Syros was born. On the other hand, the Maruti Fronx has been a consistent volume churner for the largest carmaker in the country. Let us compare the two thoroughly.

New Kia Syros vs Maruti Fronx – Specs and Mileage

Let us start with the specs on offer. The Syros is underpinned by the reinforced K1 platform and borrows powertrains with the Sonet. This means a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel mill which produces 120 PS / 172 Nm and 116 PS / 250 Nm of maximum power and torque, respectively. Performing the transmission duties is a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox with the petrol and a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission with the diesel mill. Hence, buyers will definitely get all sorts of options to choose from.

On the other hand, even the Maruti Fronx is on offer with multiple powertrains and transmissions. However, there is no diesel engine in the lineup. It draws power from a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol mill. The power and torque figures range from 90 PS / 113 Nm and 100 PS / 147 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. With the NA petrol, there are options of a 5-speed manual or an AMT, while the turbo petrol mill can be paired with a 5-speed manual and an automatic transmission. Note that there is also a CNG version with the 1.2-litre mill which is good for 78 PS and 99 Nm of peak power and torque. The mileage figures range from 21.79 kmpl with the petrol manual to 28.51 km/kg for the CNG.

New Kia Syros vs Maruti Fronx – Interior, Features and Safety

Modern car buyers want the latest tech, convenience, connectivity and comfort amenities in their cars. That is the reason why carmakers equip their products with all the bells and whistles. We know that Kia is one carmaker which offers the segment-best and segment-first features to woo customers. That is the case with the Syros too. Its top highlights include:

• 30-inch Trinity Panoramic Display Panel including:
• 12.3-inch HD Display Instrument Cluster
• 12.3-inch HD Touchscreen Navigation Cockpit
• 5-inch Touchscreen – Fully Automatic Air Conditioner Control
• Harman Kardon Premium 8 Speakers Sound System
• Panoramic Sunroof
• 64-Colour Ambient Mood Lighting
• 2nd-row Seat Ventilation with Slide and Recline (Segment-first)
• Dual Tone Grey Leatherette Seats
• 4-Way Powered Driver Seat
• Front and Rear Ventilated Seats
• Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold
• Smartphone Wireless Charger
• Smart Pure  Air Purifier with AQI Display
• Auto Antiglare Rear View Mirror with Kia Connect Controls
• Smart Dashcam with Dual Camera
• Kia Connect with ‘Hey Kia’ Command
• Drive Modes – Eco, Normal and Sport
• Traction Control Modes – Sand, Mud and Snow
• Paddle Shifters
• 360-Degree Camera with Blind View Monitor in Cluster
• Rear Sun Shade Curtain
• Kia Connect 2.0
• Over-the-Air (OTA) Software Updates with Automatic Updating of 22 Controller (Segment-first)
• Hindi, English and Bengali VR Commands
• Valet Mode
• Lounge-inspired Interior Theme
• Best-in-Segment Head Room, Shoulder Room and Leg Room
• Find My Car with Surround View Monitor
• Stolen Vehicle Notification
• Remote Window Control

On the other hand, the Maruti Fronx is also a feature-laden vehicle with main amenities like:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 9-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display with SmartPlay Pro
• Onboard Voice Assistant with “Hi Suzuki” Command
• Over-the-Air (OTA) Update
• USB and Bluetooth Connectivity
• 6-speaker ARKAMYS Surround Sense Audio System
• Tilt Adjustment for Steering Wheel
• Electrically Foldable ORVMs
• Keyless Entry
• Wireless Charger
• Cruise Control
• Paddle Shifters
• Steering-Mounted Controls
• 60:40 Split Rear Seats
• Height Adjustable Driver Seat
• Front and Rear Adjustable Headrest
• Automatic Climate Control
• LED Multi-Reflector Headlamp
• 6 Airbags
• Electronic Stability Program
• Hill Hold Assist
• Reverse Parking Sensors
• All 3-Point ELR Seat Belts
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Manual IRVM (Day/Night)
• Head-Up Display
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Hill Hold Assist

Design and Dimensions

This is where the new Kia Syros differs from all other compact SUVs. It bears a modern and distinct appearance with a butch front fascia and a tall-boy rear end. This is a part of Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy. At the front, you will be greeted with vertical Starmap LED DRLs on the extreme edges of the bumper which encapsulate Ice Cube MFR LED headlamps, a Kia Signature Digital Tiger Face silhouette, a sporty bumper with a silver metallic skid plate and an upright stance. Moving down the sides reveals a boxy silhouette with 17-inch crystal cut alloy wheels, streamline door handles, puddle lamps with Kia logo projection, silver claddings on the door panels, and handy roof rails. Completing the exterior profile, the tail section carries a shark fin antenna, an L-shaped LED taillamp with vertical components, sporty bumper with a sturdy skid plate. All in all, this has to be among the most distinct vehicles in the class.

On the other hand, the Maruti Fronx is based on the Baleno premium hatchback and carries a crossover stance. It embodies the modern design language of Maruti Suzuki with sleek LED DRLs on the bonnet with a chrome belt connecting them atop a massive grille, while the main headlamp cluster is positioned on the edges of the bumper and a visible skid plate is installed under the bumper. The side profile consists of chunky wheel arches with matte black cladding and a side body skirting with stylish alloy wheels and faux roof rails. Finally, the tail end is quite enticing too. It incorporates a shark fin antenna, connected LED taillamps, a sporty bumper and an imposing skid plate. It must be said that appearances are subjective and hence, various buyers will prefer one over the other.

My View

Now choosing between these two compelling propositions can be quite tricky. This is especially true since the prices of the new Kia Syros are not out yet. In any case, we can expect a slight premium over what the Sonet costs. Hence, it will definitely be the most expensive compact SUV in the segment. Now, the only question that remains is whether the premium is worth it. I would say that those who want the latest bells and whistles in their cars and have a slightly flexible budget can go for the Syros. There are enough modern elements to command a premium. On the other hand, if you are a bit strict on the budget and would rather stick with the tried and tested product, the Maruti Fronx makes great sense. In any case, you can’t go wrong with either of these.

Also Read: New Kia Syros vs Maruti Brezza – Which One To Pick?