Kia K4: The Ceed successor "for those not yet ready for an electric car"

Kia has recently made waves with its battery-electric models EV4, EV5, and PV5. The new Kia K4 stands completely apart from this lineup: it's not an electric car and not even available as a PHEV. Its gasoline engines, already known from the predecessor Kia Ceed (which lives on in the rugged-looking crossover model XCeed), can at best be ordered with a starter generator and a small battery. This very mild hybrid option is then the maximum electrical component available. A plug-in model is not announced, and there seems to be enough customer base for models with combustion engines, as Kia Europe aims for the K4 to “make exciting mobility accessible to everyone by supporting customers who are not yet ready for fully electric vehicles.” Initially, Kia will offer the K4 as a hatchback, later also as a station wagon.

Grown

Compared to the Ceed, the K4, at 4.44 meters, is eleven centimeters longer and five centimeters wider, reaching 185 centimeters. With a wheelbase of 2.72 meters, the interior space should improve significantly. The trunk can hold 438 liters, or up to 1217 liters with the rear seats folded down. For the hybrid K4 with a battery under the load floor, this is 110 liters less, but still more than in a VW Golf with 305 and 1160 liters. The Kia Ceed previously offered 395 and 1291 liters of trunk space.

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Kia K4 (4 Bilder)

The base engine is the one-liter three-cylinder with 85 kW and a manual six-speed transmission. As a mild hybrid, it is available with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which is also the only transmission option for the 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 110 or 132 kW. Both engine variants are likely to differ only in details from those in the Kia Ceed, its option for a plug-in hybrid drive (test) the Kia K4 initially does not offer more.

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Three Trim Levels

The K4 is expected to arrive in Germany in early 2026. The base trim level, “Vision,” will cost 29,990 euros and includes 16-inch alloy wheels, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. This is more expensive, but not extremely so, than the Ceed, which recently cost at least 27,390 euros. For 35,890 euros, Kia offers the K4 in the “Spirit” trim, featuring an electrically adjustable driver's seat, inductive smartphone charging, and faux leather seat covers.

The top-of-the-line “GT-Line” trim, as is customary at Kia, offers a sportier appearance for 37,290 euros, including a sports steering wheel and keyless entry. For all versions, Kia's usual seven-year or 150,000 km warranty still applies.

(fpi)