Kia Syros Diesel Automatic: Is It Really as Fuel-Efficient as They Say?

The Kia Syros has been turning heads since it first rolled onto the scene just a couple of months ago. With nearly 16,000 units already out on the roads, it’s safe to say that this SUV has caught on quickly. But here’s where it gets even more impressive—it’s the first made-in-India Kia to bag a 5-star safety rating under BNCAP. That’s a big deal.

But let’s talk about what really matters to everyday drivers: fuel economy. Is the diesel automatic Kia Syros a practical choice for city commutes, or will it leave your wallet gasping for air at the pump? We spent a few days behind the wheel, driving it in real-world conditions, to find out.

Fuel Efficiency in the Real World

We didn’t baby the car. It was a typical city run—traffic, heat, full AC blast, the usual chaos. And yet, the Kia Syros surprised us. During our city test, it returned 13 kmpl, which is actually quite solid considering the stop-and-go madness we deal with on the daily.

Kia officially claims 17.65 kmpl in city driving and up to 20.75 kmpl on the highway. During our brief highway stint, we managed to touch 17 kmpl, which gets a thumbs up from us. The 1.5-litre diesel engine with 114 bhp does a good job of keeping the revs under control, especially if you’re not pushing it too hard—stay under 2000 rpm, and the Kia Syros rewards you with impressive fuel discipline.

Think of it this way—it’s like someone politely sipping a cup of tea instead of chugging it. No drama, just smooth and steady consumption.

Driving the Syros Diesel AT: A Calm in the Chaos

Now, let’s talk about the driving experience—because numbers are one thing, but how a car makes you feel in traffic is something else entirely.

It was mid-April, the mercury had climbed to a brutal 40°C, and city roads were their usual test of patience. Our daily commute stretches about 80 km—more if you count all the slow crawling during rush hours.

And here’s the thing: the Syros didn’t just survive the drive, it made it bearable.

The 1.5-litre diesel engine, paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic, is smooth and responsive in all the right ways. Short gear ratios help deliver solid low-end grunt, which is perfect for cutting through bumper-to-bumper traffic. Tap the throttle gently, and it creeps forward on its own—great for those inch-by-inch moves at traffic signals.

When the roads open up, it pulls nicely in the mid-range. But push it too hard—especially past 3500 rpm—and the engine does start to get a bit vocal. Some of that can be blamed on the limited insulation under the hood, which could’ve been better.

That said, the Kia Syros did something few cars manage: kept us calm in traffic. While we had our moments of frustration (thank you, lane cutters), the car’s relaxed driving nature acted like a Zen master in rush hour. Think less “rage on wheels” and more “Oogway from Kung Fu Panda” vibes.

Comfort and Features That Help You Cope

Steering is light and responsive—perfect for tight city maneuvers. It’s not quite as communicative as its cousin, the Sonet, but it gets the job done well. Kia Syros has added some spice with three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. And if that’s not enough, you also get terrain modes for Snow, Mud, and Sand.

In Sport mode, the car comes alive a bit more—the throttle sharpens up, and the steering gains a bit of weight for a more engaging feel. If you’re in the mood to play, you can use the paddle shifters to take control of the gears manually. It’s a nice touch and adds to the overall driving enjoyment when you’re in the mood to break free from the monotony.

Final Thoughts: Worth It? Absolutely.

The Kia Syros Diesel Automatic comes in two variants—HTX Plus at ₹17 lakh and the XTX Plus (O) at ₹17.80 lakh (ex-showroom). For what it offers, it’s priced smartly in its segment. You get good mileage, a comfortable and smooth driving experience, and a strong feature list—all wrapped up in a package that feels well-built and capable.

Could Kia Syros have done more to make the diesel engine quieter? Sure. But that’s a minor gripe in an otherwise solid performer.

The Syros isn’t flashy, and it doesn’t try to be. What it does offer is daily usability, low-stress driving, and fuel economy that holds up in real life. If you’re looking for an SUV that can handle your hectic city routine without giving you a headache at the pump, the Syros diesel automatic is more than up to the task.