Driving Report Kia K4: Ceed Successor Remains a Combustion Engine

Related Vendor

FAULHABER Drive Systems

The Ceed is succeeded by the K4. Kia completely renews the C-segment bestseller while defying current automotive trends. The K4 is an old-school type in a classic compact format.

And we already thought such cars could soon only be seen in open enclosures for endangered automotive species. The new Kia K4 is neither a trendy SUV nor a stylish crossover. And only a few amps of electricity run through its veins. The successor to the Ceed emerges as a completely normal compact car, which will continue to be offered with pure combustion engines and only one version as a mild hybrid. Yes, it actually sounds a bit like the K4 is coming from a land before our time. But the Koreans want to avoid electric experiments in this class. After all, the Ceed family has so far been a kind of life insurance alongside Kia's sporty days.

Only the X-Ceed will survive the model change and continue to be produced temporarily. Otherwise, starting in early 2026, the K4 will take over (base price: US $34,750), rolling out on a completely new and dedicated platform and manufactured at the Mexican plant in Pesqueria, Nuevo León.

Sport Wagon Look With Hints of Scirocco

Initially, the Central American Korean will only be available in compact form, with a wagon version to follow later. However, even the five-door K4, penned by former BMW designer Karim Habib, already looks like a sporty wagon. It spontaneously evokes some Scirocco vibes in the automotive long-term memory. The delicate roof extends seemingly floating far to the rear, then drops steeply into a rear with noticeably broad shoulders and a short overhang. The K4's rear end provokes, as is typical for all new Kias. Slightly futuristic, but not arbitrary. It's a matter of taste.

Commercial Vehicles

"Kia Offers the Largest EV Platform for Vans"

At the front, we see another interpretation of the tiger nose with an upper chrome strip, while the Star Map design headlights are already familiar from other models. Kia calls the new design language "Opposites United." The body is notably widened, giving the car a sporty, solid, and robust appearance. Additionally, the K4 measures only 4.69 ft in height, further enhancing the sporty touch. At 14.6 ft, the K4 is at the upper end of its class, with a long wheelbase of 8.9 ft adding to the car's length. The trunk holds 116 to 322 gallons of luggage, roughly on par with the Golf. However, the mild hybrid version offers only around 87 gallons.

Reduced Interior

The K4 takes its first test drive as a pre-production vehicle. Some details, therefore, do not exactly match what we will see from spring onward. For instance, an electric tailgate and a blind-spot assistant with monitor display are still to come. It's also uncertain whether the chunky automatic gear lever will make it into production. It feels like a nod to the 1980s in the otherwise modern setting.

Gallery

Gallery with 12 images

Much within the minimalist interior of the K4 is familiar Kia repertoire. There's the wide panoramic display, consisting of two 12.3-inch screens and a 5.3-inch touchscreen for climate control. The so-called "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" integrates navigation, multimedia, and vehicle control. Smartphones can be wirelessly connected via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, updates are delivered "Over-the-Air," and a smartphone or smartwatch can be used as a digital car key. Unlike its relatives, the K4 still relies on some traditional buttons, significantly simplifying quick operation. In the tested GT-Line, the seats were sportier in design and offered good lateral support.

The K4 benefits from many gadgets and assistance systems from its larger siblings. For example, there are optional ventilated seats, a cross-traffic alert with emergency braking function, an adaptive cruise control, front collision warning, a highway assist, or a 360-degree bird's-eye view of the K4. Unfortunately, Kia will not offer a head-up display.

Three Trim Levels Starting At US $34,750

Even in the base version Vision (from US $34,750), Kia is generous: 16-inch alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel, and automatic climate control are always included, as well as a rearview camera, front seat heating, and a 12-volt socket in the trunk. The Spirit (from US $41,600) adds 17-inch wheels, electrically adjustable seats, and a wireless charging pad. The GT-Line (from US $43,200) features specific design elements, as well as paddle shifters on the steering wheel and special fabric-leatherette seat covers.

Four engines will initially be listed in the price catalogue. The entry-level model features a 0.26 gallons turbo three-cylinder with 85 kW/115 hp and a manual transmission. This variant is also available with mild hybrid and dual-clutch transmission. Above that, a 1.6 T-GDI is offered in two power levels, both with 7-speed automatic transmission: 110 kW/150 hp and 132 kW/180 hp are available.

Driving Behavior: Old School

Our 150-hp prototype, painted in the golden Sparkling Yellow, is the type that feels just right from the start. But then... a bit of disillusionment. Spoiled by the recent wave of EVs with their brutal acceleration kicks, the K4 moves off more leisurely. You almost forget about this brief pause while the torque works its way through the automatic transmission to the front wheels. So, the K4 isn’t exactly a sprinter, but it’s far from a buzzkill.

Gallery

Gallery with 12 images

Later on country roads, it comes into its own. It's wonderfully liberating not to be weighed down by a heavy battery. The handling is impeccable, thanks in part to the pleasantly direct steering. Okay, the comfort tuning might be up for debate. The K4 has firm muscles but offers confidence and reliability when cornering at speed. It's at moments like these you realize that the Kia K4 isn't such an exotic bird after all—it's simply a very well-made car of the old school.