KIA MOTORS

Kia K4 Sportswagon

The new Kia K4 Sportswagon has appeared on the price lists across the EU. The successor to the Ceed Sportswagon with a mild hybrid (MHEV) engine boasts an ECO label and low fuel consumption.

It has been a few months since the new K4 Sportswagon had its public premiere. With this practical variant, Kia is reinforcing its commitment to the C-segment and not letting the estate car die out in the compact class.

Now everything is ready to open the order books for the new K4 Sportswagon with the aim of competing with models such as the Škoda Octavia Combi, Seat Leon Sportstourer and Peugeot 308 SW, and this compact family car boasts an ECO label and low fuel consumption. Kia has structured the K4 Sportswagon offer into Drive and Tech trim levels.

As for the mechanics, the options are minimal. Under the hood of the new K4 Sportswagon is a 1.0-liter T-GDi three-cylinder gasoline engine. This electrified powertrain features 48-volt mild hybrid (MHEV) technology, producing 115 hp and 200 Nm of peak torque. It can be paired with a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The more powerful and €1,300 more expensive version is the 150 hp 1.6 T-GDI, available exclusively with the seven-speed DCT7 automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard.

The bodywork follows Kia's "Opposites United" design philosophy, which is very minimalist and makes extensive use of straight lines. In the front and rear views, horizontal lines emphasize the vehicle's width. On the sides, the rear door handles are "hidden" in the pillars, just like in a Peugeot 206 SW.

The interior of the Kia K4 Sportswagon borrows heavily from the look already seen in the hatchback and sedan models. On the dashboard, the model is marked by a large panoramic display that includes two 12.3" screens for instruments and multimedia, as well as a separate 5.3" touchscreen for air conditioning control.

In the more sporty GT-Line version, the appearance of the Kia K4 Sportswagon is complemented by specific body details. This includes roof rails and wheel arch linings painted in black, as well as exclusive bumpers. Inside, this concept is continued with adapted materials and a different color scheme.

Regarding the engine options, several turbocharged gasoline engines are available. The base model is a 1.0-liter T-GDI turbo with 115 hp and, surprisingly, a six-speed manual transmission. This engine is also available with the aid of a mild electrification system, of the MHEV type, with 48 volts and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The Korean station wagon achieves a combined fuel consumption of 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers and CO2 emissions of 129 g/km according to the WLTP cycle. Thanks to its MHEV technology, it is classified as a hybrid vehicle and carries the eco-label, with the associated mobility benefits in certain EU markets.

Prices in Germany start at €29,990, just €1,000 more than an equally equipped and motorized hatchback.

Autonews