Kia reveals K4 hatchback to take on VW Golf, due in late 2025

Kia has unveiled its new K4 five-door hatchback, designed to take on the VW Golf and fill the gap left in Europe by the Ceed. The K4 is styled as an executive hatch that blurs the line between C- and D-segment models and will reach showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2025. It offers a range of petrol engines, with a full hybrid variant planned for 2026.

At 4,440mm long, 1,850mm wide and 1,435mm tall, the K4 is larger than the Golf and has proportions that give it a more premium look than a conventional hatchback. The entry K4 comes with a 1.0-litre T-GDi petrol engine with an optional mild-hybrid system that pushes output to 113bhp, available with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic. A 1.6-litre T-GDi petrol engine is also offered, delivering either 148bhp or 178bhp and paired with a seven-speed automatic. A full hybrid version is planned for 2026. Of the five powertrains offered in Europe, two are electrified.

Inside, the K4 borrows heavily from Kia's EV4 hatch, including two 12.3-inch displays that form a single panel across the dash. The cabin features Kia's Connected Car Navigation Cockpit, a powered voice assistant, Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Harman Kardon audio system. Physical buttons for climate, audio and hazard lights sit in the centre of the dash. Advanced driver aids include Blind-Spot View Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance, Surround View Monitoring and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist.

Practicality is a priority in the K4. The car offers 438 litres of boot space in the internal-combustion engine variant and 328 litres in the mild-hybrid version. It provides substantial rear legroom of 964mm and front legroom of 1,074mm, with front headroom at 991mm and rear headroom at 973mm. The model will be built in Mexico, as the EV4 hatchback takes over the Ceed's production in Slovakia. An estate version has been spotted in testing in Germany, but Kia has not confirmed it.

Pricing has not been announced. Industry context suggests the K4 will sit between the Ceed's starting price and the Golf's, with the Ceed priced from just over £25,000 and the Golf from just over £28,000. The K4 represents Kia's continued push into electrified powertrains while maintaining petrol options for now.