Kia India appears to be accelerating preparations for its next big electric push in the compact SUV segment. A heavily wrapped test mule of the Syros EV—the all-electric version of the recently launched sub-4m Syros SUV—has been spotted undergoing real-world testing in the Delhi-NCR region. The sighting, reported exclusively by outlets like NDTV Automate and CarWale, provides the clearest glimpse yet of the India-spec model, confirming key EV-specific adaptations while retaining the bold, boxy silhouette that defines the ICE counterpart.
The Kia Syros, already on sale in petrol and diesel forms since late 2024/early 2025, has carved a niche with its premium positioning, spacious rear seat experience, and feature-rich cabin in the sub-4m SUV space. Priced from around ₹8.67 lakh to ₹15.94 lakh (ex-showroom), it competes fiercely against the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue, and Mahindra XUV 3XO. The upcoming EV variant is poised to challenge established electric rivals like the Tata Nexon EV and the anticipated Mahindra XUV 3XO EV (or similar models) in the growing mass-market EV segment.
Key EV Telltales on the Test Mule
While the overall proportions and design language remain largely unchanged—preserving the distinctive upright stance, roof rails, and quirky styling—the camouflaged prototype reveals several modifications tailored for electrification:
- Charging Port Placement: The most obvious giveaway is the relocated charging port on the front fender (right side in spy shots), a stark contrast to the ICE Syros’s fuel lid mounted on the left rear quarter panel. This front-fender positioning aligns with many modern EVs for easier access at public chargers and differs from Kia’s Carens Clavis EV (which uses a nose-mounted port).
- Aero-Optimised Alloys: The wheels on the test mule feature a revised, likely aerodynamic design aimed at maximizing range—different from the ICE model’s units.
- Expected Hidden Changes: Beneath the heavy camouflage wrap, anticipate a fully closed-off front grille to improve aerodynamics and reduce drag, active air vents/shutters for efficient battery thermal management, integrated charging status indicators near the port, prominent EV badges, and dedicated drive/regen mode selectors in the cabin.
Interior and Features: Premium Carryover with EV Twists
The Syros EV is expected to inherit much of the ICE model’s upmarket cabin setup, including:
- A modern dual 12.3-inch touchscreen setup (one for infotainment, one for the digital driver display) separated by a dedicated 5-inch climate control touchscreen.
- Level-2 ADAS suite (standard on higher trims of the ICE Syros).
- 360-degree camera system.
- Comprehensive safety kit (6 airbags, ESC, TPMS, hill-start assist, etc.).
- Premium touches like ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof (on top variants), Harman Kardon audio, wireless charging, and advanced connectivity.
Additional EV-specific features—such as battery status displays, energy flow monitors, or enhanced regen controls—remain under wraps, with more details likely to emerge closer to launch.
Mechanical Expectations
The India-spec Syros EV is widely tipped to share underpinnings with the Hyundai Inster EV (a global small EV), utilizing the K1 platform optimized for compact electric vehicles. Battery options are expected to include:
- 42 kWh pack (around 95 hp / 147 Nm, targeting entry-level affordability).
- 49 kWh pack (around 113 hp / 147 Nm, for better range and performance).
These NMC chemistry packs should support 120 kW DC fast charging, enabling a 10-80% top-up in roughly 30 minutes, with a real-world range of 300-400 km depending on the variant. An 8-year battery warranty is anticipated, aligning with industry standards.
Launch Timeline and Positioning
Though Kia has made no official announcement yet, the Delhi-NCR testing suggests development is in advanced stages. Industry reports point to a potential debut in the first half of 2026, possibly between January and June, with pricing expected in the ₹14-20 lakh range (ex-showroom/on-road estimates vary). This would position the Syros EV as one of the more accessible premium electric sub-4m SUVs, undercutting larger models while offering Kia’s signature blend of space, tech, and build quality.As India’s EV market heats up with more affordable options and improving charging infrastructure, the Syros EV could help Kia expand its electric footprint beyond the higher-end Carens Clavis EV and challenge segment leaders head-on. Enthusiasts and potential buyers will be watching closely for official teasers, specifications, and pricing confirmation in the coming months.
