The 2025 Kia K4 1.6L – a new compact contender

Overview

The compact car segment might be on the decline, but Kia has confidently thrown down the gauntlet with its all-new K4. Introduced for the 2025 model year, the K4 takes over from the successful Kia Forte, a model that had a production run spanning from its introduction in 2008 until its final run in 2024. The K4 represents a comprehensive shift in design, size, and available technology, signalling a push upmarket for the brand’s compact offering. As a C-segment sedan, the K4 faces established competition, namely the stalwarts like the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla. The market is increasingly saturated with compact SUVs, but the K4’s striking design and augmented dimensions aim to prove that the traditional sedan body style can still hold its own.

The move to the K4 name is part of Kia’s global nomenclature realignment. This new generation has been strategically engineered to compete directly with segment leaders on interior space and features, ensuring that it is a worthy successor to the long-serving Forte.

Outside: A Coupé-Like Profile

At first glance, the K4’s fastback roofline instantly reminded me of the more substantial Honda Accord, giving it a gravitas typically reserved for larger, more expensive vehicles. This sleek profile sets it apart from the more conventional three-box designs of some rivals even as it directly competes with the Honda Civic. In terms of dimensions, the K4 is built on a longer wheelbase, and at 4,710 mm (185.4 inches), it is slightly longer than the current Civic sedan, contributing to its enhanced interior space.

The exterior adopts Kia’s latest ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy. The front fascia is dominated by the reimagined ‘Star-Map’ vertical lighting signature, where the daytime running lights carve a distinctive shape into the corners of the front bumper. The slim-line grille, an evolution of the ‘tiger nose’, is low and wide. Along the body panels, the K4 features sharp, angular character lines that intersect and taper towards the rear, adding a sense of dynamic movement even at a standstill. A particularly clever touch, which accentuates the coupé-like silhouette, is the integration of the rear-door handles, which are discreetly positioned near the C-pillar. The specific model I tested, equipped with the 1.6-litre engine, featured handsome multispoke alloy wheels, further enhancing its road presence.

Moving to the rear, the distinct vertical LED light clusters mirror the front design. The boot lid, which opens via a release button rather than a visible handle, reveals a massive cargo area. The boot boasts a generous 14.6 cubic feet of space, practically matching the Honda Civic’s 14.8 cubic feet and comfortably surpassing the Hyundai Elantra’s 14.2 cubic feet. Crucially, the rubber seal along the boot felt commendably sturdy upon closing, suggesting good long-term durability and quality of build.

Inside the Cabin

My time was spent in a mid-specification K4, which featured a smart combination of cloth and SynTex materials on the seating. The cabin ambience is lightened by the airy design, and the rear legroom, at 38.0 inches, is particularly impressive for this class, allowing adults to sit comfortably for longer journeys.

The dashboard is dominated by the optional widescreen display, which seamlessly integrates the digital instrument cluster and the 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. This setup gives the K4 a technological edge in the segment, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Beneath the screen, the climate controls, thankfully, remain physical switches and knobs, enhancing user-friendliness while driving.

A handy feature for the digital age is the wireless charging pad situated in the centre console. I also noted the presence of adjustable dual cupholders, a small but practical detail. However, one minor quibble was the positioning of the air-conditioning vents. While the K4 includes rear A/C vents for passenger comfort, the front dashboard vents are mounted slightly lower than I would prefer, directing the airflow primarily towards the midsection rather than the face.

The steering wheel itself is one of the more unconventional design elements in the interior. It features a squared-off, almost flat shape, which certainly stands out from the conventional circular design and offers a unique grip.

Driving Experience

The K4 is equipped with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing a healthy 190 brake horsepower (bhp) and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain is certainly not designed for aggressive acceleration, and the pick-up, while swift, is measured and linear. It is an ideal setup for everyday commuting and comfortable motorway cruising. For those seeking a truly sporty experience, the GT-Line Turbo package is available, but for the majority of drivers, the K4’s performance is entirely sufficient.

The vehicle offers various driving modes, including ‘Eco’ and ‘Sport’. Truth be told, none of them felt drastically different from one another, so I found myself sticking with the ‘Eco’ mode for optimal efficiency, which is where the K4 truly excels.

The suspension setup on the GT-Line and 1.6L models is a welcome surprise. They feature an upgraded multilink rear suspension in place of the torsion beam found on lower trims. For a sedan, which inherently has less room for vertical wheel travel, this setup provided a commendable ride. It absorbed irregularities in the road surface with surprising composure, taking on our local potholes with an appreciable degree of refinement. This sophisticated suspension contributes to better handling and a more composed, refined driving experience, elevating the K4 above some of its more rudimentary competitors.

In its segment, the K4’s closest competition comes from the aforementioned Civic and Elantra. However, its slightly larger dimensions, particularly the rear legroom, and its commitment to a highly modern, digitally focused interior give it a strong argument for class leadership. The K4 proves that the compact sedan is far from an outdated concept. It is being aggressively re-engineered for the modern motorist.

Price of tested model: $6.5m

Engine size: 1.6L petrol, FWD

Horsepower (hp): 190

Torque (lb-ft): 195

Fuel tank: 47 litres

Gas consumption: 6.9 km/ l (city), 12 km/l (highway)

Body type: sedan

Competition: Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla

Vehicle provided by ATL Automotive Ltd, 1876-754-0013, email: sales@atlautomotive.com, atlautomotive.com.