KIA

Kia K4: It's neither electric nor an SUV, so what is it...

It may be a coincidence, but just as we seem to be just weeks away from the European Union backing down (albeit partially) on its goal of fully electrifying its vehicle fleet by 2035, Kia has offered us the opportunity to drive the K4 in advance, a model unlike the avalanche of electric models it has been showcasing in recent months.

For starters, the Kia K4 won't have electric motors, not even plug-in hybrids. It doesn't even pretend to resemble an SUV, the sleek silhouette that cannibalizes everything else. Instead, it's more of a traditional compact... or almost, because this very different Kia has a special characteristic.

And those are its proportions. It measures 4.44 meters (as expected, living up to its name), which puts it a bit taller than traditional compacts (closer to 4.2 meters). And this is noticeable upon entering. Not so much the 438-liter trunk (which, mind you, is reduced by almost 100 liters in the hybrid version), but the rear legroom, which is simply enormous.

The car's other proportions stand out for its wheelbase (2.72 meters), which befits its size, and its height, which is quite modest by today's standards: just 1.43 meters. Its width is average (1.8 meters), but on the road it appears much "wider" due to the distinctive design of the taillights.

In person, it's a car with remarkable presence. It appears long and low, with a certain sporty air at the rear, halfway between a station wagon (helped by the tailgate) and a coupe. We're already accustomed to the distinctive lines of the Kia's headlights and taillights, so this doesn't surprise us, but it does have some slightly more unusual aesthetic features, such as the overhanging C-pillar to create a floating roof effect.

The interior is familiar because its layout is similar to that of Kia's latest electric vehicles: with a three-section screen: the instrument panel and the central monitor, both 12.3 inches, and a 5.3-inch module between them for the climate control. The latter is located in a critical area, as it's hidden by the steering wheel rim, but—fortunately—it can also be controlled via traditional buttons located below the air vents.

The quality and appearance of the materials are good, but the best part is the interior space it offers rear-seat passengers, more worthy of a large sedan than a traditional compact.

All about gasoline...The engine offering couldn't be simpler. Three gasoline engines with clearly defined power levels: 115, 150, and 180 hp. The first (a 1.0-liter turbo three-cylinder) is the only one with electrification (a mild hybrid system that allows it to enjoy the ECO certification), while the two most powerful are 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinders with the C certification. All of them, of course, have a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

We had the opportunity to test the mid-range version, and we can say it's more than enough to move the K4 smoothly. It's sufficiently refined in terms of vibration and noise, balanced, in short. Which, by the way, is a valid adjective to describe it as a whole. Because, for example, its overall approach is more similar to that of a Toyota Corolla than a Seat Leon.

Dynamics-wise, it's a car that delivers, but it's not exactly known for its sportiness (nor does its appearance convey that). It's very comfortable, but you can tell the American model was modified for its European version, as both the steering and suspension have a very "homegrown" feel.

Considering its arrival in Spain is still several months away (it's manufactured in Mexico and launched in other markets before Europe), it's still too early to know the prices and configuration of the line that will be sold in our country. While it shouldn't be much different from other models, with Drive, Tech, and GT Line versions (which is the one we tested), its entry price is expected to be between 25,000 and 30,000 euros.

Autonews