K4 TO THE FORE: Kia’s all-new K4 hatchback proves petrol still has staying power

KIA’S focus has most recently been on the introduction of fully electric vehicles.

But now the Korean company’s latest car to be launched, the all-new K4, sees a return to petrol power.              

The South Korean carmaker has launched a significant number of EVs and there are still more to come, including the eagerly awaited EV2.

Many would be buyers have yet to decide to take the EV route and many choose to remain with conventional power.

But the K4 will be broadly welcomed, and I have had the opportunity to take the wheel of this new car.

Kia describes the K4 as a family hatchback, which I must add has quite a sporty look.

The newcomer will be offered alongside the award-winning EV4 and the XCeed crossover, thus providing an excellent choice in the crowded C- segment of the market.

The good news story continues; despite been keenly priced, the K4 comes with a more generous specification than some of its key rivals.

I had the chance to drive this welcome newcomer over roads in Berkshire and Oxfordshire, and like most other places, yes there are potholes.

Behind the wheel, the fully independent suspension does deliver a firm ride, yet a sporty one, which some may disapprove.

I have to admit it was very much to my taste; I liked the surefooted handling which delivered confidence behind the wheel.

Like the all-conquering Sportage, which continues to prove hugely popular, their small car offering the Picanto and the 2026 Stonic; there is an excellent choice of trim levels, Pure, GT-Line and GT Line S; my test car was in GT-Line trim.

With the K4, great choice with no fewer than three petrol engines.

First is a one litre T-GDi engine with 48V mild hybrid assistance, available throughout the range.

It’s quite a performer with 113bhp and 200Nm torque, with a good blend of driveability, efficiency, low emissions and affordability.

And this engine is mated with a six-speed manual (6MT) as standard on the entry-level.

All other models in the line-up have a seven-speed dual clutch transmission; need more performance, the GT-Line is offered with the option of a 1.6 litre T-GDi engine.

This engine delivers much more power and torque outputs with 147bhp and 250Nm, respectively, and is paired exclusively with Kia’s smooth-shifting 7DCT.         

Topping the engine line up, a higher-powered version of the 1.6 litre turbocharged powertrain, producing 177bhp and 265Nm torque.

You have to move to the GT-Line S with a 7DCT to get your driving hands on this one.

Certainly, when it comes to deciding on what power you desire from under the bonnet, Kia clearly aims to satisfy.

Styling certainly catches the eye, the K4 is slightly larger than the Ceed and it does deliver when it comes to on-road presence.

It’s been designed with its distinctive floating roofline, and there is a good choice when it comes to wheels, depending on the trim level you decide on, 16, 17 or 18 inch wheels.

Just like other models in the Kia family, the interior of the new K4 brings very acceptable comfort levels, and it is a functional environment to travel in.                 

The dashboard features a three-screen layout with intuitively placed controls to keep operation simple on-the-move.

And the cabin has hard-wearing, recycled materials with various upholstery options.

There are plenty of storage places with cup holders etc.

And of course lots of tech and connectivity, which we now come to expect.

Many of you who keep an eye on international motoring will have observed that there are other Kia models which carry K badging, the K5 and K8 to mention, largely sold in the home market and the USA.

The K5 was formerly known as the Optima, with the K5 petrol engines ranging from 1.8 to 2.7 litres.

The K8 very much in an executive style and in its engine range, a V6.

I must add, of course asked the question will see more K cars in our market; I await the answer on that one.