Kia has launched its new petrol-powered K4 compact sedan, replacing the Cerato within its model lineup – but it will come at a slight premium over the model it replaces.
The new model will be available from late January, and will be offered in five trim grades starting at $30,590 and topping out at $42,990 before on-road costs. This represents an entry price increase of around $3500 when compared with the budget-friendly Cerato.
For the extra money, though, buyers will get significantly more technology, improved safety and a platform that is longer, wider and lower than the outgoing Cerato. In fact, Kia says the K4 will even score infotainment and vehicle technology from its halo EV9 model.
The K4 range will consist of four different trim grades, made up of: K4 S, K4 Sport, K4 Sport+ and K4 GT-Line. Kia has also confirmed that hatchback options will become available later this year, but specifications and pricing details for the hatch range have not yet been outlined.
The S, Sport and Sport+ models are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 112kW/192Nm, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The flagship GT-Line scores a punchier 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 142kW/264Nm, running through an eight-speed automatic.
According to Kia, the naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre engine will sip 7.4l/100km, while the gruntier 1.6-litre turbo unit uses a combined 6.7l/100km.
In terms of safety, all models feature a full suite of driver assistance systems including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go functionality, Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Follow Assist (LFA), Multi-Collision Braking (MCB), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Rear View Monitor (RVM) and High Beam Assist (HBA).
A safety pack, available on the S trim, adds an enhanced panoramic display that adds a second 12.3-inch instrument display and dedicated five-inch HVAC interface, as well as enhanced AEB functionality.
The Sport, Sport+ and GT-Line models also get Kia’s latest Highway Driving Assist (HDA 2) technology, which adds various functions to the adaptive cruise control like Lane Change Assist.
On the technology front, Kia has appointed the entry-level S model with a digital driver cluster featuring a four-inch multi-function LCD display, while the top three trim grades get a trio of screens comprising a 12.3-inch digital cluster, a five-inch HVAC display and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen display.
The lineup features wireless phone connectivity and can also be updated over the air, as Kia rolls out software updates.
“The Cerato has been a huge pillar of Kia’s success in Australia since its introduction in 2004 and will reach 200,000 sales this month,” said Kia Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Damien Meredith.
“We believe the K4 is a perfect fit for Australian tastes as the Cerato’s successor, complete with the right styling, technology, safety and driving characteristics to be competitive in this ever-changing landscape.”
According to Kia Australia’s Chief Ride and Handling Engineer, Graeme Gambold, the K4 was pushed to the limits at Kia’s global Namyang R&D Centre before being fine-tuned across thousands of kilometres testing on Australian roads.
“We aimed to make it capable not only in the urban jungle but also refined on a long drive,” Mr Gambold said.
“It does a great job absorbing bumps around town and controls its body well on challenging country roads, while offering decent feedback.
“We are confident the K4 matches its sportier looks out on the road, and Australians will appreciate the localised tuning.”
Kia has confirmed that the K4 is currently being ANCAP tested.
Kia K4 Pricing (plus on-road costs):
- Kia K4 S – $30,590
- Kia K4 S with Safety Pack – $32,690
- Kia K4 Sport – $35,190
- Kia K4 Sport+ – $37,590
- Kia K4 GT-Line – $42,990
