Kia K4 Hatchback

1.0T-GDi 115 48V GT-Line S 5dr DCT

The K4 is a really interesting car for Kia, not just because of its design, styling and performance, but also because of its significance. While Kia’s line-up of cars destined for Europe is generally built at Zilina, Slovakia, or in Korea, this is the first model to be built at the company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Nuevo Leon in Mexico.

So, it would be easy to assume the K4 is a global car, but Kia is quick to point out that each region will have different variants, such as powertrains, body styles and technical set-ups to suit demand.

Here in the UK, the K4 is offered in three generously-equipped trims called Pure, GT-Line and GT-Line S with prices ranging from £26,045 to £36,865.

There is also the choice of three petrol engines. From launch the K4 can be powered by a 1.0-litre T-GDi 113bhp engine with 48V mild hybrid (MHEV) assistance and 200Nm of torque - this is paired to a six-speed manual transmission as standard on the Pure trim, with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox on all other models.

Additionally, for anyone looking for some added power, the GT-Line can be matched to a 1.6-litre T-GDi engine which sees the power output increase to 147bhp.

At the top of the line-up is a high-powered version of the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, producing 177bhp and the torque also jumping from 250Nm to 265Nm. This unit is offered exclusively on the GT-Line S version and has a seven-speed auto gearbox.

At launch, the K4 is being sold as a five-door hatchback, but Kia has announced that an estate version will follow called the K4 Sportwagon and, additionally a full hybrid variant will join the line-up later this year and that will offer superior fuel efficiency. 

We opted for the top-of-the-tree GT-Line S model with the most powerful engine set-up for our test drive, but couldn’t resist a shorter run-out in the base Pure model with a six-speed manual gearbox.