Great news for SUV lovers in India! Kia India has just updated its popular compact SUV, the Kia Syros, with a brand-new variant. The new trim is called the HTK (EX). It is designed to offer premium features like a sunroof and a large touchscreen at a more affordable price point.

This move comes as a strategic step by Kia to attract buyers who want a feature-loaded car without spending money on the top-end models. If you are planning to buy a compact SUV in 2026, here is everything you need to know about this latest update.

What is the New HTK (EX) Variant?

On January 16, 2026, Kia India announced the addition of the HTK (EX) trim to the Syros lineup. This new variant sits right between the existing HTK (O) and HTK+ trims.

The main goal of this variant is to provide “high-demand” features to budget-conscious buyers. Previously, customers had to buy the higher, more expensive variants to get features like alloy wheels or a sunroof. Now, Kia has made these available at a starting price of Rs 9.89 lakh (ex-showroom).

Kia Syros HTK (EX) Price in India

The new variant is available with both petrol and diesel engine options. Here is the official pricing (ex-showroom):

• 1.0L Turbo Petrol (Manual): Rs 9.89 Lakh
• 1.5L Diesel (Manual): Rs 10.64 Lakh

By pricing the petrol version under Rs 10 lakh, Kia is directly challenging rivals like the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, and Hyundai Venue.

Key Features: What Do You Get Extra?

The HTK (EX) is based on the lower HTK (O) trim but adds several premium upgrades that make the car look and feel more expensive.

Read more: Audi A8 2026

1. Exterior Updates The biggest visual change is the addition of 16-inch alloy wheels. The lower variants usually come with steel wheels, so this gives the car a much better road presence. It also gets modern LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), LED headlamps, and LED tail lamps. These lights make the car look sharper, especially at night.

2. Interior and Tech Inside the cabin, the biggest talking point is the electric sunroof. Sunroofs are a favorite feature for Indian families, and getting one in a mid-spec variant is a huge plus.

• Touchscreen: It features a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This is larger than what many competitors offer in this price range.
• Connectivity: It supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, so you can connect your phone without cables.
• Comfort: The car includes electrically adjustable and foldable Outside Rear View Mirrors (ORVMs), a rear-view camera with parking sensors, and rear AC vents.

Engine and Performance Specs

The new HTK (EX) variant does not change anything under the hood. It continues to use Kia’s reliable and powerful engines.

• Petrol Engine: A 1.0-litre Turbo-Petrol engine that produces 118 bhp of power and 172 Nm of torque. In this specific variant, it is paired with a 6-speed Manual transmission (iMT/MT).
• Diesel Engine: A 1.5-litre Diesel engine that delivers 114 bhp of power and 250 Nm of torque. This is paired with a 6-speed Manual transmission.

The diesel option is particularly special because many carmakers in India have stopped offering diesel engines in small SUVs, but Kia continues to cater to high-mileage users.

Why Does This Launch Matter?

The “under Rs 10 lakh” bracket is the most competitive space in the Indian car market. Buyers in this segment are very demanding. They want safety, mileage, and “show-off” features like sunroofs and alloys.

Before this launch, there was a big price gap between the lower trims (which felt basic) and the higher trims (which were expensive). The HTK (EX) fills this gap perfectly. It offers a “complete package” feel for a middle-class family budget.

Safety and Competition

Kia has not compromised on safety with this new variant. The Syros HTK (EX) comes standard with:

• 6 Airbags
• ABS with EBD (Anti-lock Braking System)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Hill Start Assist
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)

This strong safety kit helps the Syros compete strongly against 5-star rated cars like the Tata Nexon and Mahindra XUV 3XO.

Conclusion: Should You Buy It?

If you have a budget of around Rs 11-12 lakh (on-road) and want a car that feels premium, the Kia Syros HTK (EX) is now one of the best value-for-money options. You no longer need to stretch your budget to the top model just to get a sunroof or nice wheels.

With this update, the Kia Syros becomes an even tougher competitor to beat in 2026.

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