Kia India announced the addition of a new HTK(EX) trim to its Syros SUV lineup on January 16, 2026. The variant is priced at ₹9,89,000 for the petrol version and ₹10,63,900 for the diesel version, both ex-showroom.
The expansion brings the total number of Syros trims to seven. According to Atul Sood, Senior Vice President and National Head of Sales and Marketing at Kia India, the decision to introduce the HTK(EX) trim was based on customer feedback and market preferences.
The new HTK(EX) variant is built on the HTK(O) trim and includes LED daytime running lights, headlamps, and taillamps, along with 16-inch alloy wheels. Additional features include an electric sunroof, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, electrically adjustable and foldable outside rearview mirrors, and a rear parking camera with sensors.
The variant carries over 20 safety features, including six airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, and Vehicle Stability Management. The Syros has received a 5-star rating from the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP).
The HTK(EX) is available with both petrol and diesel powertrains. The Syros is built on Kia's reinforced K1 platform and follows the company's "Opposites United" design philosophy.
The Syros HTK(EX) enters a segment that includes the Hyundai Exter, Tata Punch, Maruti Suzuki Fronx, and Nissan Magnite. At the ₹10 lakh price point, the variant competes with mid-range trims from these manufacturers.
In terms of features, the Syros HTK(EX) offers a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is larger than the screens found in most competing models at similar prices. The electric sunroof is not offered as standard in all rival models at this price level. The variant includes LED lighting for DRLs, headlamps, and taillamps.
Safety comparisons show variations in testing standards. The Syros has a 5-star BNCAP rating. The Tata Punch holds a 5-star Global NCAP (GNCAP) rating, while the Nissan Magnite received a 4-star GNCAP rating in tests conducted in 2020. The Hyundai Exter and Maruti Suzuki Fronx have been tested under different protocols.
All competitors in this segment offer six airbags, ABS with EBD, and electronic stability control either as standard or optional features. The Syros HTK(EX) includes these as standard equipment along with Hill Start Assist and Vehicle Stability Management.
The availability of both petrol and diesel powertrains in the HTK(EX) variant differs from some competitors that focus on petrol options. The Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch are available primarily with petrol engines, while the Fronx and Magnite also offer petrol variants.
Kia India established its manufacturing facility in Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, in 2017 and began production in August 2019. The plant has an annual production capacity of 300,000 units. The company has dispatched approximately 1.5 million vehicles from the facility, with over 1.2 million sold domestically and more than 367,000 exported.
The automaker currently offers nine vehicles in the Indian market and operates a network of 821 touchpoints across 369 cities. Kia India has over 495,000 connected cars on Indian roads.