Majority of Kia Syros Buyers Opt for Petrol Variants Over Diesel
March 4th, 2025
Kia Motors India has again shaken the compact SUV market with its new entrant, the Kia Syros. Released on February 1, 2025, the Syros has picked up momentum in the Indian market in no time, garnering over 20,000 bookings in a matter of time. One of the most interesting takeaways from this outstanding response is the strong desire for petrol options over diesel. Kia reports that 67% of Syros customers chose the petrol option and just 33% went with diesel, citing a significant swing in consumer favor.
But reasons such as rising fuel price gaps, shifting emission regulations, and better petrol engine efficiency appear to be prompting buyers towards petrol variants. In this article, we look at the reasons behind the shift, consumer behavior, and the factors that make the Kia Syros a desirable option for Indian consumers.
Kia Syros: A Strong Market Entrant
Kia introduced the Syros to strategically place it between the Kia Sonet and Kia Seltos in its Indian market. Nevertheless, Kia Syros seems to have created a good niche through its design, features, and performance variants.
The bookings for Syros opened on January 4, 2025, and the 20,163 bookings received till now show immense demand. With the majority of customers choosing petrol variants, understanding why petrol engines prove more desirable in the current market is extremely important.
Also Read: How BS7 will kill your diesel cars forever
Petrol vs. Diesel: Consumer Preferences in the Kia Syros
The Kia Syros offers two distinct powertrain options:
1.0L TGDi Turbocharged Petrol Engine
Power Output: 120 bhp
Torque: 178 Nm
Transmission Options: 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT automatic
1.5L Turbocharged Diesel Engine
Power Output: 115 bhp
Torque: 250 Nm
Transmission Options: 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic
1. Lower Initial Cost and Maintenance of Petrol Cars
Petrol cars have a lower upfront cost than diesel models. For the Kia Syros, the petrol models have a lower entry price for consumers. Petrol engines also have lower maintenance needs, which is another factor that appeals to consumers seeking affordable ownership in the long run.
2. Changing Fuel Price Gap
The prices of diesel could be substantially less than or far less than petrol; therefore, it could be said that diesel vehicles catered to customers who were high-mileage owners; however, the gulf between petrol and diesel has narrowed considerably, so that cost advantage of the diesel vehicle is no longer as great.
3. Improved Petrol Engine Performance
With improvements in turbocharging and fuel economy, today's petrol engines are more efficient and powerful compared to the past. The 1.0L TGDi turbo-petrol engine on the Kia Syros offers power, refinement, and efficiency, making it a strong selling proposition for customers.
4. Preference for City Driving
Urban drivers like petrol engines for their smoothness and faster acceleration. Diesel cars, on the other hand, with increased torque, are better suited for highway as well as long-distance driving. As most Indian car buyers are using cars mainly for city use, it is logical that the preference is for petrol models.
Transmission Preferences: Manual vs. Automatic
Another consumer trend that is worth observing in the Kia Syros bookings is the desire for manual transmissions.
62% of the buyers chose manual variants, valuing the connected driving experience and reduced cost of ownership.
38% went for automatic variants, split between the petrol-DCT and diesel-AT options.
This shows that even with the increasing popularity of automatics, a large percentage of buyers continue to value the control and economy of manual transmissions.
Variant Selection: A Shift Toward Premium Models
The Kia Syros comes in 13 variants, with the top-of-the-line HTX Plus Opt Diesel AT priced at Rs 17.80 lakh (ex-showroom).
46% of customers went for top variants, reflecting increasing demand for premium features and superior technology.
18% of clients chose the HTX+(O) variant that comes with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) for a premium of Rs 80,000.
ADAS enhances safety with Level-2 autonomous driving features, including:
Adaptive cruise control
Lane-keeping assist
Collision avoidance systems
360-degree camera
Parking sensors
The demand for higher variants indicates a changing consumer trend that prioritizes safety, comfort, and technology over plain affordability.
Color Preferences: Glacier White Pearl Leads the Way
The Kia Syros is available in eight color options, with three shades standing out in terms of popularity:
Glacier White Pearl:32% of total bookings
Aurora Black Pearl:26%
Frost Blue:20%
The dominance of white and black color choices aligns with broader automotive market trends, where neutral shades are preferred for resale value and timeless appeal.
Feature Highlights: A Luxurious Compact SUV
The Kia Syros is packed with premium features that make it a strong contender in its segment:
30-inch Trinity Panoramic Display (includes a 12.3-inch infotainment system, 12.3-inch driver’s display, and 5-inch climate control screen)
Two-spoke steering wheel with modern controls
Leatherette seat upholstery
Sliding and reclining rear seats
Ventilation for four seats
8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
Panoramic sunroof
Wireless charging with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
64-color ambient lighting
These specifications help the Syros to attain premium positioning and make it an appealing choice for customers seeking comfort, technology, and functionality in a compact SUV.
Conclusion: A Strong Preference for Petrol in the Kia Syros
The Kia Syros has had a robust market launch, with more than 20,000 bookings in a matter of weeks. The decisive inclination for petrol versions (67%) over diesel (33%) indicates a change in consumer behavior, fueled by factors such as reduced maintenance costs, waning diesel demand, and enhanced petrol engine performance.
With feature-rich interior, robust engine options, and a competitive price bracket, the Kia Syros is set to be a disruptor in the compact SUV space. As Kia also finds an increasing foothold in India, the Syros is a reflection of the brand's capability to sense and adapt to changing customer tastes.