K4: Kia's new compact model (VIDEO)

At the beginning of the year, Kia introduced its electric compact class in the form of the EV4. But those who like the compact class of the K4, but do not want to move entirely on electricity, can take advantage of the new Kia K4. Today we will take a closer look at it! True connoisseurs of the brand will certainly now ask themselves, why K4? After all, this name had already appeared before. And yes, that's exactly right, the Kia K4 actually already existed. From 2014 to 2020, although only for the Chinese market. But now the K4 is coming to us in Europe. And if someone now thinks that this is the successor to the Kia Ceed, this is not at all the case, because this is a completely new model, placed on a completely independent technical platform. But let's first pay attention to the vision. Naturally, above we see the characteristic front grille of Kia, a little lower we have an air vent, as well as new headlights, which to some extent quote the Kia Sportage, with the graphic design of the star map, which is already familiar to us from other models of the brand. Let's say something about the dimensions. The length is 4.44 m. The width is 1.85 m. And the height is 1.44 m. Which means that the car is actually designed relatively low, if we compare it with other Kia models piese auto online.

K4: Kia's new compact model (VIDEO)

This 185 cm width looks quite well chosen, especially when you take a look at the back of the K4. In addition, the design of the rear lights further contributes to the width being perceived even greater. Logically, a star map design has been used here again. And the taillights themselves simultaneously perform the function of a cutting edge. And once we have stood in this position, I would like to talk about this fender as well, because these are some pretty athletic shoulders. Especially for a compact car, as they effectively give it a rather powerful stance. Of course, now we should not skip the obligatory inspection of the luggage compartment. For the moment, the lid opens only manually, because we are talking about a pre-production car here. Even more so about a study. Specifically, we have 328 liters if the drive is a mild hybrid, and 438 liters with the conventional gasoline engine. How much the volume will increase when the second row of seats is folded, Kia cannot tell us at this point.

In the interior of the new Kia K4, we will find that our surroundings are already well known from other Kia models. An identical display is available for the infotainment system. A 12.3-inch cockpit display is installed, as well as a 12.3-inch infotainment monitor. Between these two screens, there is a third additional display with a diagonal of 5.3 inches, intended for controlling the air conditioning system. This entire system is called CCNC, an abbreviation for the English designation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit, and features the most modern technology from Kia at the moment, with online updates via the cloud and wireless smartphone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. What is different, however, compared to other Kia models, are the control options, also via these classic physical buttons positioned on the dashboard. In other models, such as the EV5, they have been replaced by interactive touch displays.

In the back seat, passengers can benefit particularly from the 2.72 m wheelbase. I can vouch for this with both hands, because I am 1.90 m tall, I have really enough space, especially considering that I am sitting in a compact model. There is enough air to move my knees and head. Typically for the GT Line, we have two-tone upholstery here, the quality and processing of the materials are quite good. We should add that yes, hard plastic is also used here, but this is still a pre-series model, what of all this will also remain for series production, we will see at a later stage. Now, however, I propose to continue with the start of sales, the initial powertrains and of course the price.

What can we say about the technology of the new Kia K4? It is not surprising that it is an internal combustion engine. Three units are planned for the start of sales. Two gasoline - one with 115 hp and the second with 180 horses, as well as a mild hybrid with 115 hp. All engines will be combined with front-wheel drive. The basic version comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox, and an automatic transmission will also be available as an option. Another full hybrid will follow at a later stage, but Kia is keeping additional information on this topic to itself for now. Also, they are not providing us with data on acceleration or maximum speed. And what all this will ultimately cost, Kia is also not telling us yet.

The entire presentation – in our video:

Car parts AutoPower
Car parts AutoPower

This 185 cm width looks quite well chosen, especially when you take a look at the back of the K4

In the interior of the new Kia K4, we will find that our surroundings are already well known from other Kia models