2025 Kia K4.
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I personally really like the look of the new Kia K4 sedan.
While I am not a fan of the Kia EV9, I think this toned-down version of the design looks pretty good. As it did on the Kia EV3 and EV4 concepts. As I mentioned before, this looks a lot like an ICE version of the EV4 sedan concept we saw late last year. Although the Kia EV4 concept was a proper hatchback. The big disappointment here is that the new K4 is not a real hatch. This is again a fastback with a small and inconvenient truck opening. They are still trying to fool people by adding a black plastic strip below the rear window to make it look even more like a hatch and add a little bit to the size of the opening.
This is actually a problem on the Hyundai Ioniq 6 where the trunk size is actually fine, but the opening is just way too small to fit any large objects inside. I know Kia has a real hatchback version of the K4 coming (more on that soon), but still, this is just not right. It’s actually plain wrong.
At 185.4 inches, the K4 is longer than the Kia Forte it replaces. But still about 8 inches shorter than the Kia K5. Although rear legroom is the same in both cars. It sounds to me like the K4 could make the more expensive K5 redundant for many buyers. The interior seems really nice in the photos above. Although the GT-Line model shown has what looks like a fake metallic finish that could end up looking a bit cheap in reality. And you know that at this price point, quite a bit of that plastic could feel “economical” as well.
While it looks ultramodern, there is nothing futuristic about the K4’s engine choices. Which are the good old 2.0 Liter with 147HP with a CVT or the equally familiar 1.6 Liter Turbo with 190HP with 8-speed auto. A manual is no longer offered. You would think a Hybrid would at least be offered as an option, like on the Hyundai Elantra. Why not??? Even Honda is coming up with a Hybrid Civic soon.
The new K4 will be available in no less than 5 versions. LX, LXS, EX, GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo.
Here are some official words: “Elevating expectations for connectivity technology and superior style in the compact four-door sedan segment, the K4 sports standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and available multi-segment display cockpit with a combined nearly 30-inches of digital instrumentation enabling camera-feed visibility of your surroundings. Available amenities such as Digital Key 2.0 with Ultra Wideband, Harman Kardon premium audio, heated and ventilated front seats, and a wide sunroof define the K4’s premium persona. The K4 is expected to arrive in the United States in the second half of 2024 “.
While I applaud Kia for coming up with a modern design that stands out against the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, the “fake hatchback” look is disappointing. And the lack of any kind of hybrid powertrain is really bad for an all-new model in 2024. Still, even if priced a little higher than the current Forte, (currently starting at $ 20,000) this could be a sharp-looking and very roomy choice for those looking for an old fashion sedan in futuristic clothing.
Love it. Would be great in UK as competitor to CLA or 2 seriesGC. There are a lot of CLA on the road, as C class is just too big as a sports saloon for most.