Kia’s electric car range is brilliant – here’s the next one, called the EV4.
The EV4 is available as a hatchback or a saloon – although it looks like the saloon will be more of a fastback with a tailgate that includes the rear windscreen.
Both feature a long wheelbase that pushes the wheels right out into the corners, which should mean excellent interior space. We expect it’ll share the same underpinnings as the Kia EV3, a car that’s remarkably spacious for its size.
Kia has now revealed more details about the EV4, which is likely to replace the ageing Kia Ceed in the brand's range. It's set to launch in autumn, with first deliveries set to take place shortly after.
Kia EV4 range and performance
Base EV4s feature a 58.3kWh battery, which enables a range of 255 miles for the hatchback and 267 miles for the more aerodynamic saloon. Above that is a Long Range model with an 81.4kWh battery that's good for 367 miles or 391 miles for the hatchback and saloon respectively. Some very impressive figures – the EV4 saloon will clearly compete with some of the longest-range electric cars.
Fast-charging from 10-80% takes around half an hour and, like other Kia EVs, the EV4 has Vehicle-to-Load and Vehicle-to-Grid capability, letting you charge other electricals or give power back to the grid. All EV4s have a 204hp motor for a 0-62mph time of around 7.5 seconds, although we suspect a faster GT range-topper is in the pipeline.
Interior and tech
It seems that the EV4 will share most of its interior with the EV3. Kia has confirmed that there'll be two 12.3-inch screens, with an additional 5.3-inch screen sandwiched between them for the climate controls, for a total 30 inches of display.
We're told that the EV4 offers "one of the most comprehensive entertainment experiences ever developed for a production vehicle". In other words, there's probably more TV tech in the EV4 than in your lounge. The Smart TV function includes YouTube, Netflix and Disney+, as well as games and karaoke. More services are likely to added as part of over-the-air updates.
There's also a Rest Mode, which uses the 'relaxation seats' and mood lighting to create a calm ambiance, and a Theatre Mode that optimises the display, lighting and sound system. Remember, this is a machine that's primarily for driving. Meanwhile, Kia's Digital Key 2.0 system lets you unlock the car from up to 15 devices, including an Apple Watch.
Kia is targeting a full five-star Euro NCAP safety score with an arsenal of driver assistance tech and a strong body shell. The car's Highway Drive Assist tech can almost let the car drive itself on the motorway, while Kia says the EV4's roof can withstand more than five times the weight of the car.
The saloon boasts a 490-litre boot, which is 55 litres more than the Europe-only hatchback.
Styling
Like Kia’s other recent launches, the EV4 has vertical, slim LED headlights that are almost part of the wheel arches, joined by a narrow black bar. The lower grille line makes the front of the car look smaller and lower. The whole lot is what Kia calls its ‘EV Tiger Face’.
Both seem to share the same bodywork until you get to the C-pillar, behind the rear door. From here, the hatchback’s black trim spears up and over the roof – not totally unlike the Ferrari 12Cilindri hypercar. Of course, the hatchback body is much blockier than Maranello’s best efforts, but chunky blocks are very much ‘in’ at the moment.
The EV4 saloon, meanwhile, sees the rear window butt up against the rear windscreen, creating a wave shape in the bodywork.
The EV4 hatchback will go up against cars such as the MG4, Cupra Born, Renault Megane E-Tech and Volkswagen ID.3, while the saloon version is more likely to be positioned against the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2.
Find your very own Kia EV
You’ll find a huge range of used Kia electric cars for sale at Motorpoint, all with low mileage and warranty cover. Or, read our Kia reviews to find the best model for you.
