In a bold or perhaps foolhardy move Kia is replacing the Cerato hatch and sedan with, another hatch and sedan — the k4.
We say foolhardy because many manufacturers are dropping sedans from their lineups.
Nissan is a prime example.
Inspired by the retired Stinger, the K4 sedan will be available in showrooms from late January, priced from $30,590.
Longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, it sits on a new platform and injects a sporty design, new technology and safety into the segment.
A hatch will follow later in the year.
Four grades will be offered, S, Sport, Sport+ and GT-Line.
The first three are powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine with 112kW and 192Nm while the GT-Line gets a more powerful 1.6-litre turbo-GDI that generates 142kW and 264Nm.
K4 embraces Kia’s latest design language with a bold and sporty exterior façade, punctuated by a sleek, fastback style silhouette and a lower roofline and lower beltline than its predecessor.
Inspired by Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, it employs vertical front headlights and Daytime Running Light (DRL) elements located at the outer edges to accentuate the car’s wide stance.
Similarly, K4 incorporates Kia’s signature ‘Star-Map’ front and rear lighting graphics to align with the brand’s latest ‘Tiger Face’ styling.
Flush second-row door handles integrated into the car’s C-pillar underline the sleek side image, while black wheel arch cladding and wheel sizes ranging between 16-inch (S), 17-inch (Sport and Sport+) and 18-inch (GT-Line) lend the K4 a sporty on-road stance.
K4 exudes a powerful presence from the rear, once again punctuated by vertical tail lights and longer overhangs, plus an air diffuser on GT-Line and raked rear windscreen.
The new sedan improved body rigidity and NVH thanks to its use of high-strength steel and reinforced sound insulation.
Dimensionally, the K4 measures 4710mm long, 1850mm wide and 1425mm high, and rides on a 2720mm wheelbase.
Inside, those dimensions convert to roomier interior proportions, especially with respect to rear seat space, where rear legroom has grown by 56mm.
Front-row occupants also benefit from increased head and shoulder room proportions.
Additionally, K4 boasts an increase in boot space over its immediate predecessor, with sedan variants offering a 508-litre layout.
The augmented interior space is complemented by a modern, refined interior layout complete with excellent incidental storage and quality materials, headlined by a Double D-cut steering wheel.
S and Sport variants employ cloth seats, while Sport+ and GT-Line upgrade to artificial leather.
GT-Line projects a sportier image, with embossed GT-Line details on seats, two-tone seats, and textured console crash pad.
Added luxury is also assured with a wide, sliding-type sunroof that is exclusive to the flagship grade.
K4 embraces Kia’s ongoing efforts in sustainability, incorporating the use of the brand’s 10 ‘must-have’ sustainability items, including PP and Bio PE plastic, Post Consumer Material (PCM), Bio PU Leather, Bio PU foam, Bio Paint, BTX-free Paint, Recycled PET Yarns, and Recycled PET Felt.
It also adopts the latest infotainment and technology from the brand’s halo models, including the EV9 electric SUV.
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