The new K4 Hatchback skips cheaper trims while adding power, space, and value, arriving with three well‑equipped variants
The design of the Kia K4 may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but based on newly-released prices, it starts to make a strong case for itself on value. With pricing now confirmed, the hatch variant of Kia’s compact contender lands next year in three trims, each priced to undercut most rivals without feeling barebones.
Read: Kia’s New Hatch Shows Americans You Don’t Need Size To Carry More
Sitting at the base of the range is the new K4 EX, priced from $24,890, excluding a $1,195 destination fee. That’s quite a bit more than the entry-level sedan, but can be largely explained by the fact the Hatchback doesn’t get the same entry-level LX and LXS variants as the sedan.
How Does It Stack Up?
Put it side by side with the mid-range K4 EX Sedan, priced at $24,390, and the difference shrinks to just $500. For that, you’re getting a more versatile body style with additional cargo space, which doesn’t sound like a bad trade.
Looking across the aisle, the K4 Hatchback does carry a $710 premium over the Toyota Corolla hatch ($24,180), but it’s also $2,905 less than a Honda Civic hatch and $660 cheaper than the Mazda 3 hatchback.
Sitting in the middle of the K4 Hatchback range is the GT-Line, priced from $25,890, while topping out the family is the K4 GT-Line Turbo available from $28,790.
Powertrain Options
The EX and GT-Line are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with what Kia calls an “intelligently variable transmission” (IVT), essentially its own take on the CVT.
Those seeking some more punch would be wise to opt for the GT-Line Turbo, fitted with the brand’s familiar 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder pumping out 190 hp and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque. It also ditches the IVT for an eight-speed automatic.
To go with the extra power, both GT-Line models also get a sport-tuned suspension setup, which should sharpen the handling without compromising too much on comfort.
One area where it falls slightly behind the competition is fuel economy, with the EX and GT-Line rated at 30 mpg combined, and the GT-Line Turbo coming in at 28 mpg.
Options Galore
Several options are available for K4 shoppers. The GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo can both be specified with the Red Interior Color Package, which adds black and red seating, a red-accented steering wheel, and matching interior trim for $295.
Buyers of the GT-Line can also step up to the Premium Package for $1,200. This bundle brings in a Harman Kardon audio system, memory functions for the driver seat and side mirrors, ventilated front seats, a 12.3-inch digital display that combines cluster and infotainment, acoustic glass for the windshield, a heated steering wheel, power sunroof.
It also adds an array of driver-assist tech including Kia AI Assist, Highway Driving Assist (HAD), and Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Curve (NSCC-C).
At the top of the options list sits the GT-Line Turbo Technology Package, priced at $2,300. It builds further on the feature set with adjustable ambient lighting, Kia’s Digital Key 2.0, a surround-view camera system, blind-spot view monitor, forward collision-avoidance assist, and ventilated front seats.
Google News
MSN Start
Brad Anderson’s lifelong affair and fascination with cars started young. Before even graduating high school,… Read full bio

source