Kia K4, versatility in its purest form

Kia believes there's a market segment that has yet to be fully tapped: vehicles that fall between the D segment, i.e., conventional European sedans that have been in decline for years, and C segment vehicles, which are European compact vehicles. It is in this latter group that the Volkswagen Golf has claimed its position as the segment benchmark for over 40 years.

At first glance, you can already tell that the K4 is a special vehicle. Its design is modern and youthful, with a body that strongly recalls the shooting brake or traditional family vehicles with a coupe-like design that makes them sportier and more dynamic, a high waistline, and modern, stylish headlights.

The interiors of this new car are technologically advanced, with a single panel that brings together three digital screens to act as an instrument panel, climate control, and infotainment screen. This is a markedly technological approach that dispenses with many physical controls and includes a voice command system with an AI assistant.

In addition, the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit system includes a state-of-the-art navigator compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also offers the option to order several extras such as a Harman Kardon premium sound system, heated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, and Digital Key 2.0, which allows you to access the car or start the engine using your mobile phone.

A commitment to combustion engines

The new Kia K4 is a family-oriented vehicle that sits right between the two segments, thanks to its 4.44-metre length and 1.85-metre width, and its particularly generous interior, with plenty of room for rear seat occupants and a remarkable boot capacity of 438 litres.

However, the element that surprises us most about the new Kia K4 is its unique approach to powertrains. The new Korean model only offers an entry-level version with a 1.0-liter gasoline engine and a 115-hp Mild Hybrid system, and a higher-end version with a 1.6 T-GDi engine with 150 or 180 hp paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Kia also plans to introduce a conventional hybrid version by the middle of next year, but will not offer electrified versions with a zero-emission label.

Kia believes European customers are not yet fully ready for the full electrification of their vehicle fleet, which is why it is opting for a powertrain offering consisting of gasoline engines and a future non-plug-in hybrid version. In fact, the K4 will not be available in plug-in hybrid or PHEV versions, nor will it be fully electric, as the Korean brand believes the commercial return on the cost of electrifying the model would not justify a hypothetical investment.