- Kia set to launch K4 hatchback in UK
- Petrol powered, not an EV
- Successor to the Kia Ceed
- 438-litre boot
- Set to arrive later this year
- Price and spec still to be announced
This is the new Kia K4 - a cool new hatchback that'll take the place of the discontinued Ceed in the Korean firm's line-up.
Any news surrounding Kia in recent times seems to have been firmly focused on EVs with a raft of multi-award-winning models emerging from the Korean carmaker.
But a new vehicle is breaking cover called the K4 and, this time, it’s powered by a pair of turbo-charged petrol engines.
What is this all-new Kia K4?
When Kia announced it would be withdrawing the ever-popular Ceed after almost two decades of sales, it left us wondering what would plug the gap. The answer is the all-new K4, a petrol-driven, mid-size, five-door family hatchback that will certainly compete for sales against the established VW Golf.
What does the Kia K4 look like then?
Kia claims the K4 has been designed with an aggressive style in mind. It stretches more than 4.4 metres in length, but is just 1.4 metres tall, so boasts a sleek, dynamic look featuring a floating roofline that tapers seamlessly into the rear hatch. The door handles are flush to the body and it is lit up by Kia’s Star Map Signature Lighting, a set-up inspired by the constellations with unique LED graphics.
Speaking about the design of the Kia K4, Sjoerd Knipping, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Europe, said: “With the K4, we are demonstrating how our models can deliver dynamic design, innovation, and intelligent technology irrespectively from their powertrain. The K4 reflects our mission to make exciting mobility accessible to all by supporting customers who are not yet ready for fully electric vehicles.”
What about the K4 technology?
The interior, like all of today’s Kia models, is ultra-modern with a panoramic display that integrates a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with a 12-3-inch instrument cluster, and a 5.3-inch climate display. There is in-build sat nav, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity as standard across all the trim levels, with a wireless phone charger on higher grades.
Kia is yet to announce the specifications line-up, but has said that a premium Harman Kardon sound system will be available, along with heated and ventilated front seats, upholstered in black bio-based artificial leather, that will no doubt look a lot better than it sounds.
Additionally, there will be a digital key that will allow smartphones to act as virtual keys, alongside Kia Connect services for Wi-Fi hotspot and music streaming, plus over-the-air software updates.
Speak the magic words: “Hey Kia” and the AI-powered voice assistant springs into action and this can help with all manner of tasks, including tips from the owner’s manual, which is all online these days.
What are the Kia K4 powertrains?
Everything new from Kia in recent times seems to have been very much EV-based, so the latest, front-wheel drive K4 rather bucks that trend with some traditional combustion engines.
Initially customers will be able to choose between a 1.0-litre T-GDI 115PS petrol engine matched to a six-speed manual gearbox. This engine is also available with mild-hybrid technology whereby it can be mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Alternatively, there is a 1.6-litre T-GDI 180PS petrol engine with seven-speed auto gearbox and, later in 2026, a full hybrid option will be introduced.
Is the Kia K4 a practical family car?
The Kia K4 has been designed with families in mind so needs to cover practicality bases with ease. At, 4,440mm long, 1,850mm across and 1,435mm in height, it is a fairly large car and the 2,270mm wheelbase should result in ample cabin room.
The boot can swallow 438 litres of kit, increasing to 1,217 litres with the rear seats folded flat. This capacity drops slightly to 328 and 1,107 litres respectively on the mild-hybrid models.
What about Kia K4 safety?
Kia claims to prioritise customer safety with its K4 and it’s certainly packed with safety tech and driver assistance aids. For example, indicate left or right and the Blind Spot View Monitor provides a real-time video feed onto the instrument cluster, while there are radar sensors in the rear bumper to help prevent any collisions when changing lanes.
The K4 features Smart Cruise Control 2 which intelligently adapts the car’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front; while keeping it centred in its lane, or assisting with lane changes. It will also bring the vehicle to a complete standstill if there is an emergency and the driver is unresponsive.
Other safety systems include Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance, a Surround View Monitor, plus Forward Collision Avoidance that detects hazards such as other vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians up ahead.
What don’t we know yet?
While we know the K4 will be built at the company’s new plant in Mexico and cars are due to arrive in UK showrooms later this year, Kia has not announced the exact trim line-up for the K4 yet or given any indication on pricing.
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news
- Leapmotor launches sporty new electric hatch
- VW ID. Cross breaks cover
- Incoming BMW iX3 gets 500-mile range
- VW ID. Polo set for 2026 launch!
- Jaecoo 7 - the success story continues
Where To Next?
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of special offers.
Read our latest reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest car leasing news.
