Kicking off the festive season, Kia India has introduced the Sorento three-row premium SUV at a competitive starting price of Rs 27.99 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom). It’s also Kia’s first strong hybrid offering in India, and will soon be followed by the Kia Carnival hybrid. Both hybrid models will share the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong hybrid powertrain. Additionally, the South Korean automaker has unveiled the Carens CNG, Carens Clavis CNG and Syros Flex fuel concept.
While the CNG versions of the Carens CNG and Carens Clavis CNG are slated to launch in the coming weeks, Kia has also confirmed the launch of the production-ready Kia Syros Flex Fuel. However, its launch timeline has yet to be revealed.
Kia Syros Flex Fuel Specifications
Designed to run on ethanol blended fuel of up to E85, the Kia Syros Flex Fuel concept features a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine. However, its power and torque figures are still under the wraps. Transmission on offer is a new 6-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox.
The carmaker has made several changes to the turbo-petrol engine and fuel management systems to make it E85 compliant. These include modified engine control unit, transmission control unit and fuel system, as ethanol buns differently from gasoline and can have a more corrosive effect on certain components.
Kia Syros Flex Fuel Design & Features
The design and styling of the Syros Flex Fuel are largely similar to its ICE-powered counterpart. It features the same boxy and tall stance with LED headlamps and DRLs, roof rails, 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels and bumpers, and high-mounted L-shaped LED lighting signatures.
The interior also looks identical to the standard model. In terms of features, the flex fuel version will offer a triple screen setup, an 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, dashcam with dual camera, wireless charger, front ventilated seats, electric parking brake with auto hold, leatherette-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, multiple airbags and more.