A Glimpse Into the New Kia K4 Prototype

K4 prototype spotted
Interior design revealed
Will the K4 be launched in South Korea?

The redesigned version of the Kia K3 (Kia Forte in the North American market) can be called the Kia K4. The vehicle was spotted being test-driven in Sweden ahead of its launch. Many people look forward to this vehicle due to the complete change that took place about six years after the launch of the K3 in 2018. A more detailed interior of the K4 was also captured in this image, raising expectations to the highest level.

According to the industry, the K4’s body size will be larger than that of the Elantra (Avante for the South Korean market). Although it is a compact sedan, it is expected to have a size that is not inferior to the mid-size segment. This time, it looks like it will compete with the Elantra in a real battle, so attention is paid to how the K4 will be launched.

New steering wheel and physical buttons implemented

Looking at the captured interior, a new steering wheel with D-cut treatment on both the top and bottom was applied. The shape of the two-spoke wheel with a protruding horn cover was also confirmed in the previously released interior. A panoramic display connected to a digital instrument panel and display filled the dashboard.

In the case of the center fascia, a horizontal layout was applied, and it is impressive that various air conditioning devices and navigation buttons are placed as physical buttons. Recently, Euro NCAP warned that it would lower the safety rating of vehicles with touch-based functions, and there were many complaints from consumers, so it is presumed that the feedback was reflected. The traditional gear lever method was selected and applied as a boot type.

StarMap Signature lighting, hidden second-row door handles

The exterior design applied the Star Map signature daytime running lights to the front, giving it a family look similar to other Kia’s latest models. Headlamps fell vertically down to the bumper line. The rear tail lamp, identical to the front daytime running lights, had an ‘ㄱ’ shape extending horizontally and dropping vertically at both ends.

For the side part, a hidden-type door handle hidden towards the second-row door pillar was applied. The fastback shape, where the roof and window lines are smoothly connected, creates a sleek appearance. The slimmer grille and sporty bumper design are expected to blend in with the fastback shape to make an appearance reminiscent of a high-performance model.

Four-cylinder gasoline engine, to be unveiled at the end of this year

The powertrain is the same as the Hyundai Elantra. As options, 1.6 gasoline turbo, 2.0 gasoline, and hybrid will be offered. K4 will be unveiled as early as the end of this year. It has not been confirmed whether it will be launched in South Korea. There are rumors that it is a model exclusively for overseas markets, so we must wait for Kia’s decision.

There were also predictions that Kia’s electric vehicle, EV4, would replace the K4 in the South Korean market. However, as electric vehicle sales have recently been sluggish in South Korea and hybrids are in the spotlight again, many opinions suggest we should watch the trend further. Many consumers are looking forward to its launch, as it is scheduled to be launched with a competitive edge that surpasses Elantra.