New Kia Syros vs Skoda Kylaq

The compact SUV segment in India is heating up as we have productions from just about every carmaker

In this post, we are comparing the new Kia Syros and the Skoda Kylaq compact SUVs on the basis of specs, features, design, safety and price. Note that Kia has distinguished itself from the rest of the field by offering two products in the compact SUV category – Sonet and Syros. Syros differentiates itself from the Sonet by being a more premium product with a unique silhouette and the latest tech and convenience amenities. Hence, it is, essentially, a completely different proposition. On the other hand, the Kylaq is the first compact SUV from the Czech car marque in the country. Let us compare the two thoroughly.

New Kia Syros vs Skoda Kylaq – Price

The Skoda Kylaq ranges from Rs 7.89 lakh to Rs 14.40 lakh, ex-showroom. These prices are at par with what the rivals retail for. However, the prices of the new Kia Syros have not been announced yet. I shall update this section once the details are out.

New Kia Syros vs Skoda Kylaq – Specs

This is where the two differ quite a bit. The new Kia Syros shares the powertrain with the Sonet. Based on the reinforced K1 platform, the Syros comes with a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel mill which output 120 PS / 172 Nm and 116 PS / 250 Nm of maximum power and torque, respectively. The former comes with the option of a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox, while the diesel can be paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. I must mention here that it is one of the few vehicles in this space to possess the diesel mill which is great for those who are looking for a car with low running costs.

On the other hand, the Skoda Kylaq also borrows the powertrain from its larger siblings, Kushaq and Slavia. This means a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder TSI turbo petrol mill which produces a healthy 115 PS and 178 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. There are options of selecting either a 6-speed manual or a torque converter automatic transmission. What is particularly impressive about the Kylaq is its 10.5 seconds acceleration time to go from 0 to 100 km/h. Moreover, the top speed is rated at 188 km/h. Hence, in this regard, the Syros has an edge due to the diesel engine.

New Kia Syros vs Skoda Kylaq – Features and Safety

Now, we know that new-age carmakers want the absolute latest tech and convenience amenities in their vehicles. This includes safety, connectivity, tech and convenience functionalities. In this regard, we know that Kia holds a remarkable reputation. Therefore, let us begin with what the new Kia Syros has to offer:

• 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, even Skoda has not left any stone unturned when it comes to equipping its latest vehicle with all the bells and whistles. The main highlights include the following:

• 10.1-inch Infotainment Display
• 8-inch Virtual Cockpit Driver’s Instrument Cluster
• Stowing Space for Parcel Tray
• 6-way Electric Front Seats (segment-first)
• Ventilated Front Seats
• Automatic Climate Control
• Electric Sunroof
• Cruise Control
• Steering-Mounted Paddle Shifters
• Leatherette Seats
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Wireless Charging
• 25 Standard Active and Passive Safety Features
• 6 Airbags
• Traction and Stability Control
• ABS with EBD
• Brake Disc Wiping
• Roll Over Protection
• Motor Slip Regulation
• Electronic Differential Lock
• Passenger De-activation
• Multi Collision Braking
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

Design and Dimensions

This is, again, one aspect which marks a specific difference between these two compact SUVs. The new Syros embodies Kia’s latest “Opposites United” design philosophy. The front fascia contains 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. This lends it a unique appearance. Moving down the sides reveals 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 along with upright side pillars. Finally, the tail end is upright with a shark fin antenna, an L-shaped LED taillamp with vertical components, and a sporty bumper with a sturdy skid plate. All in all, it has a distinct road presence, unlike any other vehicle in this segment.

On the other hand, the Skoda Kylaq also bears that typical Skoda design theme and even carries some Kushaq vibes. This incorporates sleek LED DRLs on the extreme edge of the bonnet, a contoured bonnet which lends it that butch appearance, LED headlamps and LED fog lamps with cornering functions located on the bumper, a massive grille houses the 3D ribs effect and a skid plate with aluminium optics. On the sides, we see elegant 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, creaseless side body panels, robust door claddings and black roof rails. Concluding the exterior at the rear is a 3D diffusion insert on the lower rear bumper, shark fin antenna, and LED taillamp cluster with a thin gloss frame connecting the two with Skoda lettering. In essence, both these carry very individual appearances which will attract a different set of buyers.

My View

Choosing between these two compelling propositions can be quite tricky. However, we must wait for the price announcement for the Syros before passing out any judgment. In any case, those who want the low running costs of a diesel mill only have one choice. Apart from that, I would argue that the new Kia Syros is also a more feature-rich product. Having said that, the TSI turbo petrol engine of the Kylaq is unlike any other in this category. Hence, both these have their strengths and weaknesses. The call the potential buyers will need to make is with regard to their budgets.

Also Read: New Kia Syros vs Hyundai Venue – Which Compact SUV is Better?