After being revealed online a couple of weeks back, the all-new Kia K4 finally made its full debut at this year’s New York International Auto Show. This is the compact sedan that Kia hopes will shake up the segment with sharp looks and a handy collection of tech tricks.
Right out of the gate, the K4 has a strong look about it that’s sure to make it pop against rivals like the Mazda 3 and the Honda Civic. The Korean carmaker is quick to highlight the car’s fastback roofline and commanding stance, with chunky eye-catching lamps at all four corners. In fact, the K4 will be the widest car running in the segment when it hits the streets, which will be encouraging for those hoping the sporty looks are backed by some dynamic capabilities.
Speaking of, the compact four-door (there are indeed four despite how hidden the rear pair seems to be) is powered by a choice of engines. The standard set is a 2.0-liter gasoline straight-four that generates 147hp and 179Nm of torque, routing power through what Kia calls an ‘Intelligently Variable Transmission,’ which is a fun rebrand of the maligned CVT.
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Those wishing for something with a bit more punch have the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine at their disposal. This engine is capable of pumping out 190hp and 264Nm of torque, all collected through a traditional eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Inside, the K4 hops on the current trend of panoramic displays with a nearly 30-inch screen housing the driver’s gauge cluster and the infotainment touchscreen—something new to the segment. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and there are available NFC-enabled digital key functions that turn a driver’s smartphone into a key fob.
The K4 will come equipped with Kia Connect, the brand’s connectivity suite that drivers can make use of with voice commands. This function is powered by a generative AI and can chat about local points of interest, sports scores, and the weather.
Lastly, the K4 brings peace of mind with an abundance of safety tech so drivers can feel secure while they chat with their car about the weather. The sedan comes with a total of eight airbags, including units protecting the rear passengers from the side. Smart cruise control with stop-and-go functionality is available, as is forward collision avoidance.
The K4 is also fitted with what Kia dubs ‘evasive steering assist,’ which is meant to help drivers quickly find an empty space if it detects an imminent collision with another car or a pedestrian. Cool tech we hope to never use.
More photos of the Kia K4 2024:
NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.
