Kia has now confirmed its K4 family hatchback will be heading to the UK. A Volkswagen Golf rival that replaces the already discontinued Kia Ceed, the Kia K4 will be on sale here before the end of 2025.
Like all recent Kias, it features striking styling and a host of high-tech features. But rather than electric power, the K4 relies on petrol engines – albeit with some hybrid assistance. A companion car to the new Kia EV4, which is all-electric, it shows the South Korean firm remains committed to giving its customers choice even in a market that is striving to promote EVs (electric vehicles) through incentives and mandates.
Specs appeal
Kia hasn’t confirmed the UK trim levels and engine line-up yet, but we do know the K4 is likely to follow the three-model structure employed by other recent Kias. This suggests Pure, GT-Line and GT-Line S variants, while the engine range is likely to start with a 48v mild-hybrid version of the 1.0-litre T-GDI petrol engine with 115hp.
A six-speed manual gearbox is standard on this motor, with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic available as an option in Europe. A larger 1.6-litre non-hybrid T-GDI with 150hp or 180hp will almost certainly be offered on GT-Line cars; this gets a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard. A full, self-charging hybrid is due to be added to the K4 in 2026.
Compared with its most obvious competitor, the VW Golf, the K4 is slightly longer, lower and wider. This allows for what Kia says is class-leading rear legroom and a boot that’s up to 438 litres big; the Golf’s is 381 litres at best but note the K4’s luggage room falls to 328 on mild-hybrid models.
The interior features dual 12.3-inch screens – one for the instruments, the other for infotainment – plus a 5.3-inch between the two showing climate control info. We’re pleased to see there’s still a row of physical buttons on the dashboard and suspect many will appreciate the conventional automatic gear selector on the centre console.
High-tech features include Kia’s latest generation of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) as well as the option to use your phone as the car key and ‘Hey Kia’ voice control. All models are likely to be well equipped, but don’t expect bargain pricing. Kia plays the value card in a very different way these days and its products typically withstand comparison to any rival.
What this means for you
There’s clearly life in the petrol engine yet, which regardless of how you feel about electric cars is good news for those who can’t fit such zero-emissions tech into their lives at the moment. Kia has built some outstanding all-electric vehicles recently, so let’s hope this trend continues with the K4 petrol.
Of particular note about the K4 is the sizing. It looks long and low, and together with the ‘Star Map Signature’ LED lighting this gives it plenty of presence. But more importantly, Kia claims it’s very roomy inside. If you don’t need a mild-hybrid that 438-litre boot is enormous for this class of car. Though perhaps the penalty will be tighter parking spaces.
Expert’s view: carry on, Kia
While there’s lots to be said about the quiet performance and zero local emissions of modern electric cars, it’s great to see a car brand as dynamic and forward-looking as Kia has been in recent years still prepared to offer its customers choice. The K4 was announced some time ago, but this is the first confirmation that it will actually be available in the UK.
It looks a little less alien on the outside than the EV4, too, which is likely to boost its appeal among Kia’s more conservative customers. Sharing no parts with the Ceed it effectively replaces, it should offer a more up-to-date driving experience as well as all the latest technology and safety.
Pricing will be interesting. If the EV4 costs broadly the same will we be impressed by the electric model or disappointed in this new petrol car? Regardless, I strongly believe the K4 will still offer great value for money when it goes on sale here in the last quarter of the year.
cj hubbard – Head of the Bauer digital automotive content hub
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