Why Kia Syros Failed Despite Sonet’s 53% Surge

I spent the last week tracking the registration data across Maharashtra RTOs and talking to dealers in Jalna and Aurangabad to understand a massive paradox in the Indian car market. While walking through a Kia showroom yesterday, the contrast was jarring. The Sonet and Seltos are flying off the shelves so fast that sales teams can barely keep up, yet the much-hyped Syros is sitting in the corner, largely ignored by the January 2026 crowds.

Kia India has officially maintained its position as the No. 6 passenger vehicle OEM in India, capturing a 6.1% market share. However, the internal breakup of their 27,603 units sold in January 2026 tells two very different stories: one of absolute dominance and one of a puzzling rejection.

The Disappointment: What Happened to the Syros?

The biggest shock in the January 2026 data is the freefall of the Kia Syros. When it first launched, the Syros was positioned as a tech-forward alternative in the sub-4-meter segment. However, the novelty has evaporated. Sales plummeted to just 275 units this month. To put that in perspective, that is a staggering 95% year-on-year decline compared to the 5,546 units it moved in January 2025.

Even the month-on-month figures are grim, showing a 75% drop from December 2025. Buyers I spoke with at dealerships seem to be gravitating back toward the Sonet or waiting for the upcoming Syros Electric SUV. The current ICE version of the Syros has struggled to find a unique identity between the rugged Sonet and the premium Seltos, leaving it in a “no man’s land” that Indian consumers are currently avoiding. Similarly, the premium Carnival saw an 80% dip, moving only 58 units, proving that the luxury MPV space remains a niche struggle for the brand.

The Surprising Truth: Sonet and Seltos are Unstoppable

While the Syros falters, the Kia Sonet has achieved legendary status. It claimed the No. 1 spot for the brand with 10,998 units sold, marking a 53% year-on-year growth. It didn’t just lead Kia; it broke into the top 10 best-selling SUVs in India for January 2026. The Sonet’s success stems from its aggressive pricing and the sheer variety of transmission options—from the iMT to the torque converter—that rivals like the Maruti Brezza struggle to match in terms of “cool factor.”

Then there is the new-generation Seltos. If you thought the mid-SUV segment was saturated, the Seltos just proved everyone wrong. It recorded 10,639 units, a 64% YoY increase. Most impressively, it saw a 144% jump from December 2025. The 2026 Seltos has effectively reclaimed its territory from the Hyundai Creta by doubling down on ADAS Level 2 features and a cabin that feels a segment above its price point.

India-Specific Impact: Price and City Data

The market dynamics vary significantly when you look at the on-road pricing and regional demand. In Tier-1 cities like Mumbai and Delhi, the Seltos remains the preferred choice for urban professionals, while Tier-2 hubs like Jalna and Nashik are seeing a massive pivot toward the Sonet due to its compact dimensions and high ground clearance, which are essential for fluctuating road conditions.

Current Estimated Pricing (Ex-Showroom, Delhi):

• Kia Sonet: ₹7.99 Lakh – ₹15.75 Lakh
• Kia Seltos: ₹10.95 Lakh – ₹20.45 Lakh
• Kia Carens/Clavis: ₹10.55 Lakh – ₹19.95 Lakh
• Kia Syros: ₹9.50 Lakh – ₹14.80 Lakh (Struggling at this price point)

According to data from CarDekho and Zigwheels, the resale value for the Sonet and Seltos remains among the highest in the segment, hovering around 75% after three years. Conversely, the Syros is seeing higher-than-average inventory days at dealerships, leading to aggressive “under-the-table” discounts in certain regions to clear 2025 stock.

Rushi’s Verdict

I’ve been covering the automotive beat from Jalna for years, and the pattern is clear: Indian buyers are no longer buying “new” just for the sake of it. The Kia Syros, despite its features, lacks the “road presence” that Sonet owners swear by.

If you are in the market today, my advice is simple: The Sonet is currently the best value-for-money sub-compact SUV for enthusiasts. However, do not sign the dotted line for a Syros right now. With the Syros Electric SUV currently undergoing heavy testing on Indian roads, the resale value of the current petrol/diesel Syros is likely to take another hit. Wait for the EV launch or stick to the proven reliability of the Seltos.

FAQ

Which is the best-selling Kia car in 2026? The Kia Sonet is the top seller with 10,998 units sold in January 2026, registering a 53% YoY growth.

Is the Kia Syros discontinued? No, but it has seen a 95% sales decline. Kia is expected to pivot the nameplate toward an Electric SUV (EV) model soon.

What is the market share of Kia India in 2026? Kia India holds a 6.1% market share, ranking as the 6th largest passenger vehicle manufacturer in the country.

How did the Kia Seltos perform in January 2026? The Seltos performed exceptionally well with 10,639 units sold, a 144% increase over December 2025.

Author Bio: Rushi is a Jalna-based automotive journalist specializing in market trends and real-world performance testing of SUVs in Maharashtra.