Kia K4 driving report: Turbo against the current

Its position within the current Kia model family is as unusual as its name. But while the Koreans are currently launching one electric model after another, they are not forgetting their loyal regular combustion engine customers with the K4. The sportily styled hatchback is a worthy successor to the successful compact Ceed model, which is also powered solely by classic combustion engines. We took the mid-range 150 hp turbo petrol engine for a first test drive through Barcelona and its mountainous hinterland.

Even the first glance makes it clear: the K4 wants to stand out. The 4.44 meter long body is unusually broadly contoured, almost muscular, the roofline flat, the rear short and high. The daytime running lights positioned far into the corners further emphasize the width, just as the pronounced shoulders catch the eye in the rear three-quarter view. Anyone expecting an inconspicuous Golf competitor is in for a surprise. In everyday life, this look has light and shade. Although the flat roofline creates a dynamic silhouette, it slightly restricts the view to the rear. The standard reversing camera helps when maneuvering, and a 360-degree view is also available as an option.

The modern aspirations continue inside, albeit less radically than on the outside. After entering through the wide-opening doors, the eye is drawn to the wide panoramic display already familiar from the EV models, which wraps around the cockpit like a digital ribbon. Two 12.3-inch screens for instruments and infotainment flank another smaller touch panel for the climate control, the operation of which is almost self-explanatory.

The infotainment system is modern and responsive. Navigation, media and vehicle settings are logically bundled, and smartphones can be connected wirelessly. Over-the-air updates keep the software up to date, and the AI-based voice assistant responds with astonishing accuracy. "Hey Kia" is enough to enter destinations or control functions. Despite all the digitalization, Kia has fortunately not completely dispensed with classic buttons. Temperature, fan or volume can be controlled blindly, which you learn to appreciate after just a few minutes.

The material quality, on the other hand, is mixed. There are softer plastics in the upper section of the dashboard, while it is visibly simpler underneath. The smooth surfaces are functional, but not very inviting. Here, the K4 remains clearly below premium level, which is not entirely surprising given the price, but is nevertheless noticeable. The workmanship is decent, and there were no creaking or rattling noises during the test drive.

The seats in the Spirit version tested are firmly upholstered and offer good lateral support. They are comfortable on longer journeys and the seating position is easy to find. Seat heating and ventilation enhance comfort. In the rear, the K4 surprises with a decent amount of legroom, while the headroom is still sufficient despite the sloping roofline. However, the low-mounted seats ensure a slightly bent leg position, which is less relaxing in the long run.

At 438 liters, the trunk is on a par with the class standard, the load opening is well dimensioned and the rear seat backrests can be easily folded down asymmetrically to reveal up to 1217 liters. This is easily enough for everyday shopping, luggage or baby carriages. If you need more, you should wait for the already announced estate version, which offers 604 to 1439 liters of trunk space.

On the road, the K4 is more sober than its sporty design would suggest. The 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine with 150 hp is unambitious. When starting off, there is a short delay until the engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission come together. At first, this feels sluggish in direct comparison with modern electric cars, but after a short time you get used to it. Especially as the power delivery is smooth and the response is easy to control.

The joy of driving is spoiled by the automatic transmission, which ensures smooth transitions but is not particularly attentive and tends to upshift early. In Sport mode, on the other hand, it shifts up and down too nervously and surprises with simulated intermediate throttle sounds when downshifting, which seems more silly than sporty. The engine is also clearly audible under load, without sounding particularly throaty.

One of the core competencies of the K4 is clearly comfort, albeit with minor limitations. The suspension is tightly tuned, filters out small bumps well, but passes on short bumps from transverse joints noticeably to the interior. On poor roads, the suspension sometimes feels a little unsettled, but without becoming unpleasantly harsh. This set-up pays off on country roads. The K4 is stable, leans little and conveys sufficient confidence.

The steering is smooth and precise, but could provide a little more feedback here and there. It suits the relaxed character of the vehicle, but does not encourage committed driving. Understeer becomes apparent early on in fast corners, but the overall behavior remains good-natured. The driving pleasure here is more a result of poise than dynamics.

On the highway, the K4 scores points with decent noise comfort. At a constant speed, it remains pleasantly quiet and wind and rolling noise are well insulated. The engine only becomes audible in the interior when accelerating hard. The assistance systems are pleasant to operate. Kia relies on a logical menu structure and supplements it with practical shortcuts, which deactivate the annoying beeps of the speed monitoring and lane restriction systems in just a few simple steps. The blind spot camera, which is now available in almost all Hyundai Group models, remains a highlight: when the blinker is activated, a live image of the side view appears in the instrument cluster. A quick glance is all it takes to change lanes safely. The adaptive cruise control also works harmoniously. It keeps its distance, gently adjusts the speed and provides reliable support on the highway. The freeway assistant intervenes moderately in the steering and provides noticeable relief on longer journeys.

In terms of price, the K4 is considerably ahead of its Ceed predecessor. The car starts from 29,990 euros with the manual entry-level three-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 115 hp (85 kW) in the "Vison" trim, already with dual-zone automatic air conditioning, the complete digital cockpit landscape including navigation system and reversing camera, heated exterior mirrors, steering wheel and front seats as well as an almost complete assistance system package. In an electrified mild hybrid version with dual-clutch transmission, this engine costs 2600 euros extra. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 150 hp (110 kW) starts from 33,890 euros in the basic version.

We drove the mid-range "Spirit" version, for which Kia charges at least 35,890 euros including LED headlights with high beam assistant, seats in imitation leather, an inductive charging area for smartphones and 17-inch alloy wheels. The top version with 180 PS (132 kW) costs a thousand more in this version and marks the end of the price list in GT-Line equipment with shift paddles on the multifunction steering wheel, digital key (smartphone as key) and various sporty design elements from €38,290. In addition, there are various optional equipment packages and paint finishes, which can quickly take you over the 40,000 mark.

The bottom line is that the Kia K4 is a car with clear corners and edges, both literally and figuratively. Its design stands out, while its handling remains deliberately down-to-earth. Comfort and handling are solid, the technology contemporary, but not visionary. The prices are on a par with the Golf & Co, but offer comparatively more equipment. So if you are looking for a classic petrol engine with a modern look, the K4 is an unusual but consistent representative of its class. (aum)

Data Kia K4 1.6 GDI

Length x width x height (m): 4.44 x 1.85 x 1.44
Wheelbase (m): 2.72
Drive: Four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, 1598 cc, 110 kW (150 hp), front-wheel drive, 7-speed automatic transmission
Max. Torque: 250 Nm at 1500-4000 rpm
Top speed: 205 km/h
Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h: 9.1 sec.
WLTP average fuel consumption: 6.9 liters
CO2 emissions: 155 g/km
Emission class: Euro 6e
Unladen weight / payload: 1487 kg / 453 kg
Trunk volume: 438-1217 liters
Towing capacity: 1410 kg
Price: from 29,990 euros
Test car price (Spirit): from 35,890 euros