Until now, Kia’s electric strategy has largely focused on SUVs and crossovers. The EV3, EV6, and EV9 all fit into car buyers’ purchasing trends, but the company’s EV range has been missing the vehicles that consumers bought before the soft-roader became ubiquitous. Fortunately, the new Kia EV4 will plug some of the gaps, being offered as both a saloon and hatchback.
Kia’s Signature Styling Continues
There are no surprises when it comes to the exterior of the new EV4. It features the sleek, minimalist styling seen on prior models, with the front end featuring Kia’s new EV ‘Tiger Face’ and slim vertical LEDs.
From the side, both the EV4 saloon and hatchback feature Kia’s typical blocky aesthetic. The saloon features a sporty, swooping roofline that flows into the rear, while the hatchback has a more bulbous rear end.
The saloon also gets a two-piece spoiler and the GT-Line adds a more dynamic touch to the design, with sportier bumpers and triangular-motif 19-inch wheels.
Both variants offer plenty of space, with a best-in-class boot capacity of 490 litres and 435 litres for the saloon and hatchback, respectively.
Simple, yet Still Packed With Technology
The interior of the new model will be familiar to anyone who has spent time in an electric Kia. The quirky steering wheel, the feeling of space and high-tech systems remain. The cockpit is dominated by a gargantuan 30-inch screen, comprised of two 12.3-inch displays and a 5.3-inch display.
There are plenty of ways to take advantage of all the technology. The infotainment system features a variety of streaming services, games and even karaoke, while Rest Mode and Theatre Mode utilise mood lighting to increase relaxation.
The Hidden Technology is Just as Impressive
There are two battery options, a 58.3kWh and an 81.4kWh long-range option. These translate to a range of 267 miles (255 for the hatch) and a mighty 391 miles (dropping to 367 for the less aerodynamic option). On the topic of aerodynamics, the Kia EV4 has an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.23 Cd.
The potential charging speeds are fairly standard, reaching 80% juice from 10% in 31 minutes and Vehicle-to-Load and Vehicle-to-Grid capabilities increase the versatility of the new EV.
Performance is nothing to write home about, as the EV4 can reach 62mph from a standstill in 7.4 seconds at its best. If efficiency is more of a concern than performance, the i-Pedal 3.0 system works with the regenerative braking system to boost range without diminishing comfort massively.
Kia has set up the EV4 to prioritise comfort, although the broad uses of a hatchback or saloon mean that agility has not been compromised. Clever body technology improves cornering stability, with steering deflection from bumps reduced by up to 50%.
Tempted? Production for Europe will begin in the second half of the year, with the hatchback being confined to the European market.
