Kia finally launched the much-anticipated Syros EV, and it has once again ignited the sub-compact EV SUV battle that will play out over the next few years. The car is available in multiple variants and battery packs, including a new top-spec X-Line version. This has put it in direct contact with the established king of the electric hill, the Tata Nexon EV in its top-spec Red Dark version.
Features
Before we get into what separates both cars, let us lay out common ground between both vehicles, which is the feature list. At the top end, they both get climate control with rear vents, level 2 ADAS, dual digital screens with wireless phone mirroring, connected car technology, a panoramic sunroof, and, in both cases, dark paint schemes, albeit with slightly different approaches.
Dimensions
On a surface level, the two cars measure up very similarly. They are 3.95-metres long, 1.80-meters wide and 1.67/1.62-meters in height. However, the wheelbase for the Syros EV stands at 2.55-meters while for the Nexon EV it stands at 2.49 metres. Boot capacity is 350 litres for the Nexon and 490 litres for this top-spec X-Line variant.
Battery pack
While the Tata Nexon has managed to stay on par with the Syros EV unit to this point, it takes a step behind thanks to the Syros EV having two battery packs of 42kWh and 51.4kWh, while the former offers battery packs of 30kWh and 45kWh. The Syros’s motor produces 169bhp/255Nm while the Nexon’s produces 143bhp and 215Nm. Taking the bigger battery packs into consideration, the claimed ranges stand at 526km for the 489km for the Nexon.
Pricing and variants
While the Nexon EV might have taken a step back in terms of range, output and dimensions, it has the upper hand in terms of pricing. The entry level starts at Rs. 12.49 lakh and tops out at Rs. 17.69 lakh, while the Syros starts at Rs. 13.49 lakh and tops out at Rs. 20 lakh. Looking at Nexon versus Syros, the price jump seems proportionate considering the bigger battery and dimensions. However, Tata also has a bigger service network, touch points and the advantage of the reputation that the Nexon brand name has garnered over the last six years.
Let the games begin
A new front has opened in the EV battle, and this time it is for the sub-compact range. These are EVs under four metres offering the benefits of the bigger vehicles but in a smaller footprint to match the demand of the urban buyers. This is a nascent segment and will grow over the next few years with competitors like the Tata Nexon EV (the car that created the segment), Mahindra XUV3XO (arriving in early 2027), Renault Bridger EV (arriving in 2027), Hyundai sub-compact EV (arriving in 2027) and now the Kia Syros EV, which was launched recently for Rs. 13.49 lakh.
