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

Kia is expanding its compact SUV portfolio with the new Syros in addition to the existing Sonet

In this post, I shall compare the new Kia Syros with the Maruti Brezza in terms of specs, features, safety and design. Note that the compact SUV category is among the most crowded in our market. Almost every major carmaker offers a product in this section. But Kia holds the distinction of being a company with two products. However, the Syros is geared more towards luxury and practicality in comparison to the Sonet. On the other hand, the Brezza has been one of the most popular cars in this segment. Therefore, it will be interesting to compare the two thoroughly.

New Kia Syros vs Maruti Brezza – Specs

Let us commence with the kind of powertrains these two cars carry. The new Kia Syros is based on a reinforced K1 platform and shares 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 generates a decent 120 PS / 172 Nm and 116 PS / 250 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. There is the option of choosing between either 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. Interestingly, the 1.2-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine of the Sonet has been given a miss. Still, there are enough engine-gearbox combinations for the buyers.

On the other hand, the Maruti Brezza contains a sole 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine with a CNG option. This results in a healthy 103 PS and 138 Nm with the petrol and 89 PS and 121.5 Nm of maximum power and torque with the CNG fuel, respectively. The petrol version is available with a 5-speed manual or an automatic gearbox, while the CNG iteration is on sale only with the 5-speed manual. The mileage figures are 17.38 km/l with the manual, 19.8 km/l with the automatic and 25.51 km/kg with the CNG. Again, buyers have choices to opt for different combinations.

New Kia Syros vs Maruti Brezza – Features and Safety

This is where things get interesting. We know that modern auto giants want the latest tech and convenience amenities in their cars. That is the reason why carmakers are equipping their latest vehicles with all the bells and whistles to pamper the occupants. In fact, we know that Kia loves to offer the segment-first and segment-best functionalities in its vehicles. Firstly, let us delve into the specifics of what the Syros possesses:

• 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
• 465-litre Boot Space
• 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
• 6 Airbags
• ABS with EBD and Brake Assist
• Electronic Stability Control
• Hill-start Assist Control
• Front and Rear Parking Sensors
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Level 2 ADAS
• Blind View Monitor in Cluster
• 360-Degree Camera

Similarly, the Maruti Brezza is also a feature-laden compact SUV. Its top highlights are:

• 9-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display with SmartPlay Studio
• USB and Bluetooth Connectivity
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Steering-Mounted Audio Control with Tilt Adjustment
• MID with TFT Colour Display
• Electric Sunroof
• Cruise Control
• Wireless Charging Dock
• Rear Fast Charging USB
• Cooled Glove Box
• Engine Start/Stop Push Button with Smart Key
• Tilt and Telescopic Adjustment for Steering Wheel
• OTA (Over-the-Air) Updates
• Co-driver Side Vanity Lamp
• Luggage Lamp
• Front Footwell Illumination
• Rear Parcel Tray
• Onboard Voice Assistant via “Hi Suzuki”
• 6-Speaker ARKAMYS Surround Sound System
• Adjustable Rear Seat Headrests
• Electrically Adjustable and Foldable ORVMs
• Height Adjustable Driver’s Seat
• Automatic Climate Control
• Keyless Entry
• Rear AC Vents
• Electronic Stability Program
• Hill Hold Assist
• Reverse Parking Sensors
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• 6 Airbags
• Rear Defogger
• Head-up Display
• 360-Degree Camera

Design Comparison

This is where the two cars differ significantly. The new Syros carries the latest “Opposites United” design philosophy from Kia. We have seen this in its new global products including EVs. At the front, the compact SUV gets a butch demeanour with vertical Starmap LED DRLs on the extreme edges of the bumper which encapsulate Ice Cube MFR LED headlamps, Kia Signature Digital Tiger Face and an upright stance. Furthermore, this upright stance is drastically enhanced by a silver metallic skid plate below the bumper. On the sides, we get greeted by a boxy silhouette with upright side pillars, dual-tone 17-inch crystal cut alloy wheels, streamline door handles, puddle lamps with Kia logo projection, silver side body cladding and roof rails. Finally, the tail end contains L-shaped LED taillamps, a shark fin antenna, a sporty bumper with a sturdy skid plate and more. I must mention that the Kia Syros is unlike any other vehicle in this category.

On the other hand, the Maruti Brezza also carries an imposing road presence and demeanour. The front fascia embodies a bold and rugged appearance with sleek LED headlamps and integrated LED DRLs with a broad grille section between them with a hint of chrome. Down below, the sturdy bumper is decorated with black elements and a solid silver skid plate. There are fog lamps on the extreme edges of the bumper. On the sides, we get to witness black side pillars and roof for that floating roof effect, massive wheel arches with matte black claddings, rugged side body claddings and striking alloy wheels. The sleek LED taillamps grace the rear section as well. Additionally, there is a shark fin antenna, a sporty bumper and a silver skid plate to have that imposing road presence. The handy roof rails add to the SUV traits even more. All in all, both these possess individual silhouettes which can suit the requirements of all sorts of buyers.

My View

Now, I must admit that choosing between these two cars can be quite challenging, especially because the prices of the Syros are not out yet. It will be launched at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in January 2025 and the deliveries are slated to commence from February. Still, if you are someone who prioritizes convenience and tech features over everything else, the Kia Syros should be your pick. Of course, you need to have a flexible budget for it. On the other hand, if you want a tried and tested product while enjoying most modern-day features without breaking the bank, the Maruti Brezza is the one. In any case, you can’t go wrong with either of these.

Also Read: New Kia Syros vs Hyundai Exter – Which is Better?