By Muhammed Hashim 
Kia has expanded its compact SUV portfolio by introducing the new Syros which will be sold alongside the Sonet compact SUV
I am comparing the new Kia Syros with the Tata Punch on the basis of specs, features, design, safety and dimensions. Syros is the latest entrant in the Indian automobile industry. The Korean carmaker revealed it a few days ago and the launch is slated for the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in January 2025. Furthermore, the deliveries will commence in February. It is designed as a more premium alternative to the existing sub-4m SUVs in the country. On the other hand, Tata Punch has to be among the most popular micro SUVs in the country. It has done immensely well on the sales charts ever since its arrival back in 2021. Let us take a look at the details here.
New Kia Syros vs Tata Punch – Specs and Mileage
Let us commence with the specifications of the two vehicles. The Syros uses a reinforced K1 platform and borrows powertrains from the Sonet. This includes a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel mill which generate 120 PS / 172 Nm and 116 PS / 250 Nm of maximum power and torque, respectively. The former comes with the option of choosing between a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox, while the latter can be paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. This ensures that the needs of all sorts of buyers can be met.
On the other hand, the Tata Punch is on sale with a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine which can also be had with the CNG option. The power and torque outputs stand at 88 PS and 115 Nm with the petrol and 73 PS and 103 Nm of peak power and torque with the CNG. The buyers can pick either a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox with the petrol and a sole 5-speed manual with the CNG. Note that there is no diesel mill on offer. This still gives the buyers some choice between petrol or CNG. The mileage is an impressive 20.09 km/l with petrol AMT, 18.8 km/l with petrol MT and 26.99 km/kg with CNG.
| Specs | Kia Syros | Tata Punch |
| Engine | 1.0L Turbo Petrol / 1.5L Turbo Diesel | 1.2L 3-cyl Petrol / CNG |
| Power | 120 PS / 116 PS | 88 PS / 73 PS |
| Torque | 172 Nm / 250 Nm | 113.8 Nm / 103 Nm |
| Transmission | 6MT & 7DCT / 6MT & 6AT | 5MT & AMT / 5MT |
| Boot Capacity | 465L (w/ rear seat pushed forward) | 366L |
New Kia Syros vs Tata Punch – Interior, Features and Safety
The new Kia Syros offers an incredibly modern cabin with all the latest tech and convenience amenities. However, the main highlight is the triple-display layout which dominates the centre console. We know that new-age car buyers want their vehicles to possess all sorts of tech, connectivity and convenience functionalities. The top features of the new 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 Punch is also a feature-laden micro SUV which is one of the biggest reasons for its success in our market. The main highlights include:
- 10.25-inch Infotainment System by Harman
- 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
- iRA Connected Car Tech
- Leatherette Ventilated Seats
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Air Purifier
- Cooled Glovebox
- Wireless Phone Charging
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
- Automatic Climate Control
- Voice Commands
- Height Adjustable Front Seats
- 8-Speaker Audio System
- 360-degree Camera
- 6 Airbags
- Blind View Monitor
- Front Parking Sensors
- Auto-Dimming IRVM
- Steering Mounted Controls
- Electrically Adjustable ORVMs
Design and Dimensions
The kind of silhouette the new Kia Syros embodies makes it distinct in the market. In fact, Kia’s “Opposites United” design philosophy is on full display on the new Syros. The front fascia consists of 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. Additionally, the side profile is quite unique with that tall-boy appearance. It includes 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 section is quite boxy and distinct with a shark fin antenna, an L-shaped LED taillamp with vertical components, sporty bumper with a sturdy skid plate. I must admit, this is one of the most unique vehicles.
On the other hand, the Tata Punch is a popular micro SUV with a bold demeanour. At the front, it gets a modern-looking sleek LED DRLs section on the bonnet connected by a chrome belt. Moreover, the main headlamp cluster is located on the extreme edges of the bumper with fog lamps just underneath with a rugged black section in the centre for that sporty presence. The side profile carries pronounced wheel arches which house elegant alloy wheels, black side pillars and roof rails. At the rear, the onlookers are able to witness a roof-mounted spoiler, tri-arrow LED taillamps, a contoured bootlid and a sturdy bumper. Despite its compact dimensions, the SUV looks butch, rugged and tough.
| Dimensions (in mm) | Kia Syros | Tata Punch |
| Length | 3,995 | 3,827 |
| Width | 1,790 | 1,742 |
| Height | 1,680 (w/ roof rack and alloys) | 1,615 |
| Wheelbase | 2,550 | 2,445 |
My View
Selecting between these two compelling products can be a bit tricky. Firstly, we need to wait until the prices of the new Kia Syros are announced. Having said that, we know that the SUV will command a premium over the other compact SUVs. Hence, we expect a price range of Rs 10 lakh and Rs 16.50 lakh, ex-showroom. However, if tech, convenience and practicality are your priorities and you don’t mind paying a bit of a premium, the Syros will make a lot of sense for you. It is the most feature-packed product in this space. On the other hand, if you want a compact urban SUV with a butch appeal without having to spend a whole lot, the Tata Punch fits the bill perfectly. In any case, I would encourage our readers to visit the showrooms and experience the two in the flesh.
Also Read: New Kia Syros vs Maruti Fronx – Which One To Buy?
