It’s a shame that there aren’t enough people buying hatchbacks in this country. Sure, the Toyota Wigo is still in the top ten best-sellers list, but anything with a chopped off tail isn’t what anyone would call a volume seller.
Which is why we can only wish that the Kia K4 Hatchback would come to the Philippines. Perhaps ironically, Kia was one of the progenitors of the hatchback here with the Pride.
So, what are we missing out on? Read on.
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For starters, there the funky styling. Okay, it’s admittedly divisive, but it does have character. There’s the massive T-shaped headlights and slim grille, the latter being refreshing in an age of gawping grilles. The flanks have smooth, flowing curves, and the hidden rear door handles give it a two-door look. As for the rear, it resembles most all-new Kia models with full-width tail lights.
Inside, driver’s are greeted by a wide screen panel that houses both the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. We’re relieved to find physical buttons in there, especially for basic audio and climate control functions. We’re particularly fond of the offset Kia badge on the steering wheel.
Kia claims its K4 is one of the roomiest compact hatchbacks around. It’s around the size of a Honda Civic Hatchback (that we only get in Type R form here), so there might be some truth to that statement. The company also says there’s a sizable cargo area back there with over 500 liters behind the rear seats. If so, that’s even greater than some crossovers.
For features, it’s available with 360-degree cameras and blind-spot view with live feed video. There’s also a panoramic sunroof, a Harman Kardon audio system, and even heated and ventilated front seats…in a Kia compact. The full suite of advanced driver assists have yet to be listed, but the company claims up to 29 available with 16 coming standard.
Two powertrain options are available, but power and torque figures aren’t mentioned yet. That said, there’s a choice of a non-turbocharged 2.0-liter or a boosted 1.6-liter unit. But if we were to base it on the specs of the K4 sedan, we might be looking at 147hp and 179Nm for the 2.0-liter, and 190hp and 265Nm for the 1.6-liter turbo. Transmission options are likely to be CVT or eight-speed automatic.
More photos of the 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback:
