Kia, having put the rather excellent EV4 electric hatchback and saloon on sale, is now introducing a model of similar size and style, but with petrol power - everyone give a big welcome to the Kia K4.
Welcome! Now, what is a K4?
Well, in old-style parlance, it's a VW Golf-sized five-door family hatchback, which, unlike the EV-only EV4, comes with petrol power. Kia reckons that like the EV4, the K4 also 'blurs the lines' between what's considered a C-segment car (Golf, 308, Astra etc) and a D-segment model (Mondeo (RIP), Passat, Mazda6 etc), meaning that it's affordable like a C-segment model, but bigger and roomier than you might expect.
How much is the Kia K4?
Prices start from €31,500 and that gets you a K2 version, (yes, that's technically a K4 K2…) which comes as standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment plus a 5.3-inch climate control panel and 12.3-inch digital drivers cluster), 16-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, forward and reverse parking sensors, forward collision avoidance assist, heated steering wheel and front seats, LED headlights, over-the-air updates, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Is there a higher spec model?
There's more than one, actually. There's a K3, which costs €34,000 and comes with 17-inch alloys, vegan leather seats, black and chrome exterior detailing, cube projection LED headlights, rear blind-spot collision avoidance assist, driver power adjustable seats with lumbar support, wireless charging and rear privacy glass; and there's a top-spec GT-Line for €38,500 which comes with a digital key 2.0, driver memory seat, upgraded forward collision avoidance assist, glass sunroof, GT-Line exterior & interior styling, upgraded highway driving assist with smart cruise control and stop and go, and ventilated front and heated rear seats.
How much power does the Kia K4 have?
The only engine option for the moment is a 1.0-litre turbo petrol unit with mild-hybrid assistance and 115hp, driving the front wheels through either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch auto. If you want more power (and potentially better fuel economy), there will be a 154hp full-hybrid version of the K4 arriving later this year.
How big is the Kia K4?
It is actually quite large, proving Kia's segment-straddling point. The K4 is 4,440mm long, 1,850mm wide, and has what Kia claims is class-leading rear legroom of 964mm. There's a 328-litre boot, too.
When can I buy one?
Right now, the Kia K4 goes on sale in Ireland today.