New Kia Syros vs Tata Nexon – Which One To Buy?

The Kia Syros is the newest entrant into our market and will sell alongside the Sonet compact SUV

In this post, I am comparing the new Kia Syros with the Tata Nexon on the basis of specs, features, design, dimensions and safety. Note that the Nexon is among the most popular compact SUVs in the country. It has been a key product in this space for a long time now. In its latest avatar, it boasts a modern design language along with tons of modern amenities. On the other hand, the Syros is a premium compact SUV which is what sets it apart from the competitors in this space. Let us delve into the specifics of this thorough comparison.

New Kia Syros vs Tata Nexon – Specs

The new Kia Syros shares the powertrains with the Sonet. Also, it utilizes the reinforced K1 platform. The engine options include 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. Out of these, the petrol mill pairs with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox, whereas the diesel engine uses a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. This ensures that the needs of all sorts of buyers are fulfilled. Also, remember Kia is among a handful of car companies to still offer a diesel mill in this category.

On the other hand, the Tata Nexon also comes with multiple engine and gearbox combinations. These incorporate petrol, diesel, CNG and electric guises. The Nexon draws power from a 1.2-litre turbo petrol, a 1.2-litre turbo petrol direct injection, a 1.5-litre turbo diesel and a 1.2-litre turbo petrol + CNG. This results in power and torque outputs of 120 PS / 170 Nm, 125 PS / 225 Nm, 115 PS / 260 Nm and 99 PS / 170 Nm, respectively. In addition, these mills can be paired with a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed AMT or 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox options. Again, the Indian auto giant wants to make sure that it caters to all the needs of potential customers.

New Kia Syros vs Tata Nexon – Interior, Features and Safety

The new Kia Syros is one of the most feature-laden vehicles in the country. In fact, that is how Kia has been advertising it. It offers a premium cabin and tech functionalities which are way more impressive than the competitors including a triple-display layout. We know that new-age carmakers want the latest bells and whistles in their cars. Hence, car companies equip their products with absolutely top-notch features. The top highlights of the Syros are:

• 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 Tata Nexon is also a feature-rich vehicle with loads of modern amenities. These include:

• Free-standing 10.25-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display
• 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
• JBL-Branded 9-Speaker Audio System with Subwoofer
• Premium Benecke-Kaliko Ventilated Leatherette Seats
• Touch-operated HVAC Controls
• Height Adjustable Front Seats
• Rotary Dials for Drive Mode Selection
• Blind View Monitor
• 2-Spoke Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel with Controls
• Wireless Charging
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Navigation Display on Instrument Cluster
• Air Purifier with Dust Sensors
• Cruise Control
• Auto-Dimming IRVM
• Voice-Assisted Panoramic Electric Sunroof
• Cooled Glovebox
• iRA 2.2 Connected Car Tech
• 360-Degree Camera
• 6 Airbags
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• 3-Point Seat Belt
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Rear Defogger

Design and Dimensions

In this regard, there is a clear distinction between the two vehicles. Note that the Syros boasts a rather unorthodox design theme, at least when compared to other players in this space. We get to experience Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy with the new Syros. The front fascia carries 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. As we move to the sides, we witness 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. Finally, the tail end comprises a cool boxy silhouette, a shark fin antenna, an L-shaped LED taillamp with vertical components, sporty bumper with a sturdy skid plate. I must mention that the Syros has to be the most attractive vehicle which will make heads turn everywhere it goes.

On the other hand, even the Tata Nexon oozes a modern vibe with a distinct design language. It is in line with the latest cars from Tata Motors. At the front, the compact SUV demonstrates slender LED DRLs on the edge of the bonnet while the main LED headlamp cluster is positioned on the bumper, a rather butch front profile with a muscular bumper and grille section, and a sporty lower bumper section. Moving down the sides reveals elegant alloy wheels, faux roof rails and a slightly sloping roofline towards the rear. Also, at the rear, we witness a shark fin antenna along with a roof-mounted spoiler, sleek LED taillamps with a connecting light bar and a sturdy skid plate-like section on the bumper. I know that appearances are subjective which is why both these can be under consideration.

My View

These two are immensely competitive and compelling propositions which makes the job of the buyers a bit challenging. Also, we must wait for the official price announcements from Kia to have a proper comparison. Still, we know that it will bear a premium over the Sonet. Therefore, we can safely conclude that it is a perfect vehicle for someone looking for the latest tech, features, practicality and a premium experience in this division. On the other hand, if you want a slightly more established product with a full 5-star NCAP safety rating and the option of multiple powertrains, the Nexon might be better suited. In any case, you can’t go wrong with either of these.

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