Kia

K4

The five-door K4 replaces the outgoing Ceed in Kia’s C-segment line-up and is sold with a choice of generously-equipped trims and efficient powertrains. Initially it is only available in hatchback guise, but an estate version will be launched later down the line.

Test Drive

Kia K4 – First Drive (2026)

Kia has launched its Ceed replacement – it’s called the K4 and it brings a bright, new petrol-powered model to its C-segment line-up to sit neatly alongside the all-electric EV4.

The K4, priced from £26,045, is available in trims called Pure, GT-Line and GT-Line S with a choice of powertrains. At the entry-level is a 1.0-litre mild hybrid unit delivering 113bhp. This can be paired to the Pure grade with a six-speed manual transmission or to the GT-Line model with a seven-speed auto box.

Additionally, customers can ramp up the power stakes with a 1.6-litre 147bhp engine on the GT-Line or with 177bhp on the range-topping GT-Line S version, both of which feature the dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

So, lots of choice then and that will continue to increase as there will be a full hybrid model a little later down the line, along with an estate car for added versatility.

Design-wise, the K4 has plenty of kerb appeal with its tapering roof and sleek streamlining giving the car coupe-like styling cues. There are instantly recognisable Kia lighting signatures with compact cube LEDs on the GT-Line S car. This model also gains a front sunroof and the larger 18-inch alloy wheels (16- and 17-inch on other trims).

Expect to see privacy glass, rear door handles that are flush to the C-pillars, a high-mounted rear brake, plus a new colour shade called Sparkling Yellow that featured on our high-end GT-Line S test car, priced at £36,865.

The interior is elegantly styled with plenty of soft-touch surfaces, neatly upholstered seats and a wealth of technology to explore. The main focal point is the pair of 12.3-inch infotainments screens that flank a compact 5.3-inch climate control screen and these all merge seamlessly behind a single curved panel.

The icons and graphics are sharp and easy to read on the fly, while access to the many features is also simple. The touchscreen is quick to respond and the personal assistant, powered by ChatGPT, can also help with a number of tasks such as advice on road routes, points of interest and more general information too.

Creature comforts are plentiful and include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, sat nav, DAB radio, Bluetooth and, on our test car, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Additionally, the K4 allows owners to stream form a range of subscription-based infotainment packages such as Disney+, Netflix, YouTube and a variety of games.

Finding the ideal driving position takes seconds with the powered driver’s seat and plenty of manual steering wheel adjustment. The front seats can be heated or cooled, while the steering wheel and outer rear seats can also be warmed against the winter chills.

We tested the more powerful K4 with the 1.6-litre 177bhp engine that boasted 265Nm of torque. It could sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 8.4 seconds and topped out at 130mph, while delivering a combined 42.2mpg with carbon emissions of 152g/km.

While there are faster and more engaging hatchbacks around right now, the K4 certainly offers the complete all-round package with great styling, bundles of kit and plenty of space for all the family, as well as impressive handling.

And it’s anything but a slouch. It will cruise with ease at 70mph on motorways and finds its sportier edge when faced with twisting country lanes where you can flick through the drive modes, from Eco to Normal and then to Sport for a more dynamic driving experience. There are also steering wheel-mounted paddles for added fun.

The road holding is assured and there is no sign of body sway no matter how enthusiastically bends are attacked, although you will notice more engine noise when the K4 is pushed on.

Busier town centre driving is made all the more manageable by the nicely weighted steering which helps the car easily manoeuvre through the crowds. And with great all-round driver visibility, that dreaded school run with all its mayhem, shouldn’t pose any issues.

Unlike, all other UK Kia models that are built in Slovakia or Korea, the K4 is produced at the company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Nuevo Leon in Mexico. But vehicles destined for Europe have region-specific tuning, so the suspension set-up, for example, will be designed specifically for European roads.

Despite the coupe-esque design of the K4, interior space impresses. There’s plenty of room up front for two six-foot-plus adults to sit comfortably and, in addition, two more can sit directly behind them in the back of the car where the generous levels of head and leg room are appreciated.

The boot has a manually-opening tailgate and it can swallow 438 litres of luggage, a capacity that quickly increases to 1,217 litres by lowering the 60:40 split-folding rear seats. The storage space is less on the mild hybrid version at 308 litres, increasing to 1,107 litres, so that’s worth considering if storage room is a priority.

The K4 also features a ski hatch making it more practical to carry longer items and, throughout the cabin itself, there are plenty of additional storage compartments, including a deep central cubby, glovebox, door bins, a wireless charging pad, a single seat back net, front and rear cup holders, along with four USB-C ports to keep devices connected on the move.

Although the K4 is yet to be tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating, it is packed with a comprehensive range of safety features and driver assistance aids designed to protect occupants as well as other road users.

All in all, the K4 is another welcome addition to Kia’s ever-growing line-up with distinctive styling, a wealth of on-board features, a versatile and practical cabin, as well as impressive handling. It won’t break the bank either, which is also welcome news.