Honda City Gets Sporty with New Limited Editionby Torque Tales / June 20, 2025Kia Syros Launched in India: The Subcompact SUV With ADAS & Panoramic Sunroof
Kia Syros Launches in India: A Feature-Packed Subcompact SUV
Kia India has officially launched the kia Syros, an all-new subcompact SUV that bridges the gap between the Sonet and Seltos. Unveiled in December 2024 and launched in February 2025, the Syros is designed for those who want the perfect balance of style, space, features, and safety—without breaking the bank.
Let’s dive into everything this SUV brings to the table.
Design & Segment Positioning
With a bold, upright stance inspired by Kia’s global flagship EV9, the Kia Syros introduces a fresh, boxy design that stands out in the crowded sub-4m SUV space. Its signature ‘Digital Tiger Face’ grille, vertical LED DRLs, and flush door handles lend it a modern yet rugged appeal.
- ✅ Length: 3,995 mm (sub-4 meter category for tax benefits)
- 🆚 Rivals: Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Mahindra XUV300
Engine Options & Performance
Kia offers the Syros with both petrol and diesel options:
| Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0L Turbo-GDi Petrol | ~118 bhp | ~172 Nm | Manual / DCT |
| 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel | ~113 bhp | ~250 Nm | Manual / AT |
This setup caters to both city dwellers and highway cruisers—with the diesel offering higher mileage and torque.
Feature Highlights by Variant
Kia has kept the Syros well-loaded right from the base variant, with 6 airbags standard across all trims.
Kia Syros Variant Comparison Table
| Feature | HTK | HTK+ | HTX | HTX+ | HTX+ (O) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrains | 1.0L Turbo MT | + DCT, Diesel MT | + DCT, Diesel MT | + Diesel AT | + ADAS |
| Sunroof | ❌ | Single-Pane | Panoramic | Panoramic | Panoramic |
| Headlamps | Halogen | Halogen | LED | LED | LED |
| DRLs | Bulb | Bulb | Star-map LED | Star-map LED | Star-map LED |
| Touchscreen | 8″ | 8″ | 10.25″ | 10.25″ | 10.25″ |
| Instrument Cluster | Semi-Digital | Semi-Digital | Semi-Digital | Full Digital | Full Digital |
| Connected Car Tech | ❌ | ❌ | Kia Connect | Kia Connect | Kia Connect |
| Ventilated Seats | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Powered Driver Seat | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sound System | 4 Speakers | + 2 Tweeters | + 2 Tweeters | Bose 7 Speakers | Bose 7 Speakers |
| ADAS Features | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ (Level 2) |
| 360º Camera | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ + Blind View Monitor |
| Safety | 6 Airbags, ESC, HAC | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Top-Notch Safety: 5-Star Bharat NCAP
The Syros earns a 5-star safety rating from Bharat NCAP, thanks to:
- 6 Airbags (standard)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- ABS + EBD
- Hill Start Assist
- ISOFIX mounts
- Strong body structure with high-tensile steel
Kia Syros Price Range (Ex-showroom)
| Variant | Approx. Price |
|---|---|
| HTK (Base Petrol MT) | ₹8.00 lakh |
| HTK+ (Mid Diesel MT / Petrol DCT) | ₹9.50–₹10.50 lakh |
| HTX | ₹11.00–₹12.00 lakh |
| HTX+ (Diesel AT / Petrol DCT) | ₹13.00–₹13.50 lakh |
| HTX+ (O) with ADAS & 360º Cam | ₹13.99 lakh |
Final Take: Should You Consider the Kia Syros?
Absolutely. If you’re eyeing a feature-loaded, stylish, and safety-focused subcompact SUV that doesn’t cut corners, the Kia Syros checks nearly every box. Whether you go for the value-packed HTK+ or the tech-savvy HTX+ (O), you’re getting segment-leading features without venturing into premium SUV territory.
It’s not just another small SUV—it’s a serious challenger in the segment.
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2025 Vinfast VF6 Review: A Feature-Rich EV for India
2025 Vinfast VF6 Review: Feature-Packed Curvv Rival Eyes the Indian EV Market
Vinfast is gearing up for a big debut in India, and it’s not coming in quietly. While the spotlight may initially shine on the larger Vinfast VF7, it’s the Vinfast VF6 that might just shake up the EV space where it matters the most—the midsize crossover segment. Competing with the likes of Hyundai’s upcoming Creta EV, Tata’s Curvv EV, Harrier EV, Mahindra’s BE 6, and MG’s Windsor, the VF6 enters a red-hot battlefield with a strong hand of features, design, and promising pricing.
Clean, Confident, and Crossover-Ready
The Vinfast VF6 doesn’t just wear the “crossover” badge—it owns it. With proportions that hit the midsize sweet spot (4.3m long, 1.8m wide, 1.6m tall), it comes across as muscular and planted. Vinfast’s now-signature ‘V-Face’ LED DRL layout stretches across the front, instantly catching the eye and building brand identity from day one.
Indian buyers get a few specific tweaks too: a raised ground clearance of 190mm and smaller but chunkier 18-inch wheels with thicker tyres for more presence and practicality. There’s plastic cladding around the wheel arches, and a unique C-pillar design that adds flair. The overall styling leans curvy but doesn’t lose its edge—modern, muscular, and premium without trying too hard.
Uncluttered Cabin, But with a Learning Curve
Step inside, and it’s clear that Vinfast has gone minimalist. There’s no traditional instrument cluster—just a wide, central 12.9-inch touchscreen doing almost all the heavy lifting. That includes showing driving data, controlling climate settings, and even adjusting the mirrors. Thankfully, a head-up display is standard in India, making up for the absence of a driver display. But yes, you’ll need a little time to get used to where everything lives on the screen.
The design, though, is refreshingly clean. A low dashboard enhances outward visibility, while the large fixed glass roof floods the cabin with light. Build quality feels solid overall, though a few plastics seem cost-conscious. Rear seat space is decent—not class-leading—but the comfort and cushioning are spot on.
Fully Loaded on Features & Safety
If features are what you care about, the Vinfast VF6 delivers in spades. You get ventilated front seats, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control, vegan leather upholstery, and even connected car tech. It’s all neatly bundled in a single, fully-loaded variant.
Safety hasn’t been compromised either. The Vinfast VF6 aims for a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating and brings in 7 airbags, ADAS with Level 2 autonomy, 360-degree cameras, park assist, and more. It’s got all the bells and whistles buyers expect in 2025—and then some.
Range & Charging: Promising, With India Tweaks Coming
Under the floor sits a 59.6kWh battery pack in the Plus variant, expected to be the only one offered here. The WLTP range is 480km, but with tuning tweaks for Indian conditions, we should wait for MIDC or ARAI certification for the final figure.
Charging speeds haven’t been officially disclosed yet, but the Vinfast VF6 supports CCS2 DC fast charging and AC charging up to 7.2kW. We expect competitive real-world charging performance.
On-Road Performance: Sporty Yet Refined
The Vinfast VF6 Plus is no slouch when it comes to performance. With 204hp and 310Nm of torque sent to the front wheels, 0–100km/h takes just under 9 seconds. In Sport mode, you do get a hint of torque steer, but for the most part, power delivery feels brisk and confident. Eco and Normal modes tame things down for everyday driving.
Driving impressions from Vinfast’s test track were positive—the Vinfast VF6 feels stable and planted, with a steering setup that offers noticeable weight changes across drive modes. There’s a European flavor to how the Vinfast VF6 handles, which should appeal to keen drivers.
Early Verdict: A Serious New Player with Few Misses
Vinfast has clearly done its homework. Local assembly, India-specific upgrades, and a spec list that leaves little to complain about—all of this makes the Vinfast VF6 a serious contender. If Vinfast can keep its promise of aggressive pricing (around ₹22 lakh ex-showroom is expected), the VF6 could ruffle feathers in the EV segment.
It’s not perfect—some may find the screen-reliant interface frustrating, and the rear seat isn’t the roomiest—but these feel like small trade-offs for what’s on offer. Plus, Vinfast isn’t just selling a car—they’re bringing a larger ecosystem with them, from service networks to potential infrastructure plays.
Bottom Line:
The VF6 has all the makings of a segment disruptor. If priced right, it won’t just compete with the Curvv EV or Creta Electric—it might just outshine them.
Tata Harrier EV Gets 5-Star Bharat NCAP Rating
Tata Harrier EV: Now a Crash-Test Hero
Tata Motors has once again proven its dominance in vehicle safety, this time with its electric flagship — the Tata Harrier EV. In the recently conducted Bharat NCAP crash tests, the Harrier EV walked away with a perfect 5-star rating for both Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and Child Occupant Protection (COP).
Surprisingly (or perhaps not for Tata fans), this score puts the Harrier EV on par with its direct rival, the Mahindra BE 6 / XEV 9e, which also earned the same 5-star score. But the Tata still manages to edge ahead when it comes to depth of safety features and tech.
Bharat NCAP Ratings Breakdown: Harrier EV Safety Scores
Let’s unpack the Harrier EV’s crash test performance:
Adult Occupant Protection (AOP)
- Score: 32/32
- Frontal Offset Deformable Barrier Test: 16/16
- Side Movable Deformable Barrier Test: 16/16
Child Occupant Protection (COP)
- Score: 45/49
- Dynamic Score: 24/24
- CRS Installation: 12/12
- Vehicle Assessment: 9/13
This makes the Harrier EV one of the safest electric vehicles in India as per Bharat NCAP.
Key Safety Features: Built for the Real World
Tata hasn’t just engineered a strong crash structure — it has loaded the Harrier EV with advanced safety tech:
Standard & Structural Features
- 6 airbags as standard (7 on top variant)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- High-strength steel frame with effective crumple zones
- All four disc brakes
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold
- Rear-view mirror with built-in front and rear dash cam
Level 2 ADAS Suite Includes:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Centering System
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Blind Spot Detection
- Front & Rear Collision Warning
15 Auto Park Assist Features:
- Anywhere Parking
- Perpendicular Park-In & Park-Out
- Kerb Impact Alert (Rim Protection)
- Park Distance Warning (PDW)
- Slot Offering
These features not only make driving safer but also much more convenient in Indian road conditions.
What This Means for EV Buyers in India
For Indian families or tech-forward buyers considering a shift to electric mobility, the Harrier EV now presents a near-irresistible package: 5-star crash safety, high ground clearance, modern design, and ADAS-level convenience. This sets a new benchmark, especially when compared to rivals from Mahindra and the upcoming Hyundai EV range.
Tata’s focus on safety — even in its electric portfolio — continues to strengthen the brand’s image as India’s most safety-conscious automaker.
Launch & Price Details
The Harrier EV is expected to hit dealerships by late 2024 or early 2025. Prices have been announced as follows:
- Introductory Price Range: ₹21.49 lakh to ₹27.49 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Expected trims include multiple battery pack options and varying ADAS availability.
Also read
2025 Tata Harrier EV: Full Price List & Highlights
Final Take: The EV That Doesn’t Compromise on Safety
The Tata Harrier EV isn’t just another electric SUV — it’s a powerful statement. With a top-tier crash test score, a robust ADAS suite, and next-gen features, Tata has made sure that going electric doesn’t mean compromising on safety.
For those ready to future-proof their driveway, the Harrier EV now ranks among the most compelling all-electric SUVs under ₹30 lakh in India.
