Kia unveils Syros flex-fuel concept

Kia has unveiled the Syros Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV) concept, its first flex-fuel car, in India. The carmaker says the Syros flex-fuel can run on pure petrol, pure ethanol and varying ethanol-petrol blends. Kia is yet to confirm when a production-spec version will launch in our market.

1. Utilises a 1.0-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine
2. The engine comes with an upgraded ECU, TCU and fuel system
3. Transmission duties are handled by a 6-speed automatic gearbox

Kia Syros flex-fuel concept: Powertrain details

Powering the Syros flex-fuel is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged engine. However, the carmaker has not confirmed the output figures. For compatibility with varying ethanol blends, Kia has tweaked components such as its ECU, TCU and fuel system. Unlike the standard Syros turbo-petrol that’s paired with a 7-speed DCT, the Syros flex-fuel is mated to a 6-speed torque-converter automatic.

Where is India with flex-fuel vehicles?

Earlier this year, Maruti became the first carmaker to launch a flex-fuel car: the Wagon R Bioflex, priced at Rs 7.24 lakh (ex-showroom). Kia joins the list of carmakers working on bringing flex-fuel cars to India, as the government pushes for higher ethanol blends to reduce crude oil imports. In fact, in May 2026, the government notified new standards for higher ethanol blends. A month later, the Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, approved E100 fuel regulations for vehicles.

As higher ethanol blends are on the horizon, various mass-market carmakers have signalled bringing flex-fuel compatible vehicles to India. Toyota was the first brand to showcase flex-fuel tech back in 2022 with the Corolla Hybrid, followed by the Innova Hycross flex-fuel in 2023. Hyundai showcased the Creta flex-fuel at Auto Expo 2025, while Tata stated that it will debut its first flex-fuel car by the end of 2026 or early 2027. Mahindra, too, is expected to bring flex-fuel vehicles to our market.