New Kia K4 replaces the Kia Ceed and takes on the Volkswagen Golf from 28 490 euros

Three generations on, the Kia Ceed is bowing out of the line-up. Its place won’t stay empty, though: the replacement is called the Kia K4, and it has already arrived on the Portuguese market. The task remains unchanged - to take on the class “king”, the Volkswagen Golf.

That challenge starts with a major advantage: pricing. In Portugal, it opens at 28 490 euros, undercutting the German model, which sits above 30,000 euros.

Typically Kia K4

Visually, it follows the brand’s latest “Opposites United” design language seen across recent launches. If you’re not especially focused on the finer details, you could easily mistake the new K4 for the EV4. The key difference is that the former sticks to combustion engines, while the latter is purely electric.

At the front, the “Star Map” lighting signature stands out, with vertically mounted headlamps positioned at the outer edges to emphasise width. Along the side, the profile is defined by a smooth roofline that visually “flows” into the tailgate.

Helping that cleaner look, the rear door handles are hidden within the C-pillar. The GT-Line brings a sportier flavour, adding various gloss-black accents, plus bespoke bumper treatments and alloy wheels with a specific design.

Digitalisation takes centre stage

Step inside the K4 and it immediately feels like a modern Kia cabin. In other words, the dashboard is dominated by three screens: a 12.3-inch display for the instruments, a 5.3-inch panel for the climate functions, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen.

The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, fitted as standard on both Tech and GT-Line trims, as is the wireless smartphone charging pad.

Even with so many displays, the Kia K4 hasn’t completely abandoned physical controls. Several buttons sit beneath the central screen as shortcuts to key functions. Climate settings too (temperature and fan intensity) can still be adjusted using physical controls - something drivers will appreciate.

Light electrification

Under the bonnet, the new Kia K4 is offered solely with the 1.0 T-GDi engine producing 115 hp. In Tech trim it can be paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the GT-Line comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Choose the 7DCT and the K4 gains another talking point: a 48 V mild-hybrid system designed to power various auxiliary systems. In real terms, that means slightly lower fuel consumption - 5.7 l/100 km versus 5.9 l/100 km - along with reduced CO2 emissions.

On the safety front, the new Kia K4 brings a wide selection of driver assistance and safety technologies, including lane departure warning, collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot alert and more, depending on the chosen equipment level.

From 28 490 euros

The new Kia K4 is now available to order, with prices starting at 28 490 euros. Like the rest of the brand’s range, the new South Korean hatchback comes with a seven-year or 150,000 km factory warranty, whichever comes first. See the full range:

While the Ceed was positioned as a car conceived and built in Europe for Europeans, the Kia K4 is a global model for the manufacturer. Production takes place at Kia Mexico’s facility in Pesquería (Nuevo León).

Beyond Europe, the Kia K4 is also sold in other regions, including North America, the Middle East and Australia. As well as replacing the Ceed in Europe, it has also taken over from the Forte/Cerato/K3 in other markets.