New Kia EV4- Redefining the Electric Hatchback.
Kia EV4– Redefining the Electric Hatchback.
Since Kia launched its EV6 in 2021, it has consistently produced some of the best mainstream EVs on the market. Within that timeframe, Kia has launched the seven-seat EV9 SUV and the EV3 compact SUV, along with the recently-launched EV4 – Kia’s first classic compact family electric car. There are two versions of the EV4 on offer for the European market – a conventional Hatchback (as tested), and a sleeker Fastback version with an elongated rear-end and a saloon-style boot.
Manufactured in Europe.
The EV4 Hatchback is the first electric Kia to be manufactured in Europe at Kia’s plant in Zilina, Slovakia, while the Fastback is built in Kia’s home country, South Korea. The EV4 hatchback in entry-level Earth 2 trim is offered with two battery options, a standard range (58.3kWh) and a long range (81.4kWh), with the larger battery being the sole option in mid-spec Earth 3, and top-spec GT Line trim lines. All versions of the EV4 come with a front-mounted electric motor which produces 204PS and 283Nm of torque, with a 0-100km/h sprint time of between 7.4 and 7.8 seconds, depending on the model chosen. The standard range battery has a WLTP range of up to 440kms on a combined driving cycle, with the long range battery increasing this figure to 625kms. With a maximum charging capacity of up to 150kW, the standard range car can achieve a 10-80% charge in as little as 29 minutes, with a 0-100% charge time of just under 5.5 hours when connected to an 11kW wallbox charger. A similar charge in the long range EV4 Hatchback will take around 31 minutes, and 7.25 hours respectively.
Striking Design – Inside & Out.
The EV4 Hatchback features Kia’s now-familiar ‘EV Tiger Face’ and its wide shoulders and vertical headlamps give it a bold, edgy stance. Its athletic silhouette flows with sharp lines, flush door handles and a striking black roof design feature that stretches across the roof and down into the door frames. The dynamic rear design features a sporty roof spoiler that not only looks great, but also enhances aerodynamic efficiency. The EV4’s cabin feels airy and spacious, with lots of seat adjustments available up front and loads of legroom on offer in the rear. There is a great mixture of premium materials used throughout, from soft leather seats to fabric accents on the dash and doors. The seats are comfortable, supportive and nicely detailed, while ambient lighting throughout the interior really lifts the cabin expeience for everyone on-board. In front of the driver is a screen wall consisting of a 12.3-inch driver information display and an infotainment touchscreen of the same size, with a 5.3-inch climate control display neatly situated between the larger screens. Equipped with advanced driver assistance features, the EV4 is built to make every journey safer and more enjoyable. Key standard safety features include Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 2.0, Smart Cruise Control 2, Highway Driving Assist 2 with Hands-On Detection, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, In-Cabin Driver Monitoring System, Lane Keep Assist, and Manual Speed Limit Assist. The EV4 also features over-the-air updates, which is a first for the brand. These updates can be done remotely via an app, and this ensures a more seamless, convenient experience for the driver. The boot has a capacity of 435-litres in its normal configuration, and when the rear seats are folded down, this increases to 1,415-litres. The EV4 with the ‘standard range’ battery can tow a braked trailer with a weight of up to 500kg, while the ‘long range’ version increases this to 1,000kg.
Test Car Details.
My test car was an EV4 Earth 3 Long Range model, which was finished in beautiful Blue Flame metallic paint. In addition to a truly impressive array of comfort, convenience, infotainment, safety and connectivity features that come as standard in entry-level Earth 2 trim, key additional features in Earth 3 trim include 19-inch alloy wheels, Cube LED headlights with Intelligent Front Lighting System, front and rear dynamic welcome lights, and a Smart Power Tailgate with adjustable height. On the road, the EV4 is predictably quiet and refined, with excellent noise insulation and suspension tuning playing their part in elevating the cabin experience to an exceptionally high level. Kia has dispensed with adaptive dampers in the EV4, opting instead for simpler, frequency-selective shock absorbers. These are adjusted mechanically rather than electronically in order to suit road conditions, but this does not make the ride uncomfortable. Instead, it pampers the occupants with a smooth ride quality. Longer bumps in particular are reliably ironed out, providing a level of comfort that is normally only found in much more expensive vehicles. With powerful acceleration, smooth dynamics, and cutting-edge range management, the EV4 is engineered for both everyday practicality and long-distance confidence. The steering is nicely weighted, and there is lots of grip available during directional changes and when negotiating sharp bends in the road, allowing for a secure and pleasant driving experience. Just like its EV siblings, the EV4 features a steering column-mounted gear selector, with paddles located behind the steering wheel to adjust the level of regenerative braking required by the driver. A conveniently-located button on the steering wheel allows the driver to choose between five driving modes – Normal, Eco, Sport, and Snow, along with a ‘MyDrive’ mode which can be customised by the driver. Also standard are “Rest” and “Theatre” modes, which can be selected by the driver when required. In ‘Rest’ mode, the displays and ambient lighting in the cabin are switched off, and both front seats recline to create a relaxing atmosphere, while ‘Theatre’ mode allows the use of apps such as Disney, Netflix and YouTube on the central infotainment screen when taking a break or stopping to charge the car.
Verdict, Price & Warranty.
For people who want a modern, strikingly-designed, fully-electric hatchback (or Fastback), the new EV4 is worthy of serious consideration. It is comfortable, efficient, intuitive, exceptionally well made, beautiful to drive, and it has an impressive driving range, too. Pricing starts from €39,940 (ex works) for the EV4 Hatchback ‘Earth 2’ standard range model, with the long range Earth 3 model tested priced from €46,175 (ex works). The EV4 Fastback is priced from €46,175 (ex works) for the long range Earth 2 version. A seven-year / 150,000km warranty comes as standard.
Visit www.kia.com for further information.
