KIA Releases a Photo Teaser of the New K4

The highly anticipated K4 looks similar to the rendered version.

The official unveiling of the Kia K4, one of this year’s highly anticipated new models, is just around corner. Kia released a teaser of its new model, the K4, on March 14. K4 is a sedan-based SUV crossover that replaces the compact sedan K3 (Forte for North American market). The prototype has been spotted several times before, and has attracted the attention of many people with its unique silhouette.

According to Kia, the full design of the K4 will be revealed on March 21st. Attention is focused on whether it can rival the Elantra (Avante for the South Korean market) with a larger body than the existing model. Meanwhile, reactions have emerged that some exteriors revealed as teaser images are almost similar to the rendering. We looked into how similar they were.

Sharp DRL shape and an added hook shape

First, look at the rendering and front-side teaser from ‘Gotcha,’ a South Korean creator specializing in new car rendering. The slim fastback silhouette and Star Map signature DRL attract attention. In the case of DRL, the details that go one step further beyond simply emphasizing straight lines and angles stand out. In the case of horizontal lamps, they are naturally connected to the grill garnish and extend out coolly, creating a strong impression.

In the case of a vertical lamp that extends vertically, the upper and lower ends have been finished with hook-shaped details that resemble fish hooks. The outer outline of the lamp box is emphasized to give a sharp feel, and the hook-shaped end blends in with surrounding elements to create unity. The internal details of the headlamp have not been disclosed, but it is likely to have a layout with cubic LEDs arranged vertically, like the previously released EV9.

Emphasis on three-dimensional feel based on straight lines

Next, we looked at the side view through a rendering from New York Mammoth, the new car rendering YouTube channel. A fastback design was adopted instead of the sedan-style silhouette of the existing K3. The triangular molding at the rear of the DLO line adds a point, and a right-angled triangle is also applied to the part connecting the D pillar to the rear quarter panel, emphasizing a unique futuristic sensibility.

In the case of the side character line, the ‘Y’-shaped detail first seen in the EV9 was applied to the front fender and rear door, respectively.

The harmony of straight lines is three-dimensional and subtly emphasizes the volume of the front and rear fenders. The illuminated DRL and tail lights naturally connect the beginning and end of the character line, making the vehicle’s body look longer.

Unlikely to be launched in South Korea

The highlight of the K4’s exterior can be said to be its rear view. The shape of the tail lamp, which was first applied to the redesigned version of the overseas market-only model of the K3, has been refined to be more luxurious. Instead of connecting the left and right lamps, they were appropriately cut in the middle, and the Kia emblem was applied to that area. The second-row door handles are placed near the windows, providing a coupe-like feel.

Meanwhile, South Korean consumers’ expectations and concerns coexist regarding whether the K4 will be launched in the South Korean market. Unfortunately, the possibility of it being launched in South Korea is low. This is because the K4 is not on Kia’s list of models scheduled to be produced for the South Korean market. It will be launched as a strategic model for overseas markets, including North America. In the South Korean market, the compact electric sedan EV4 will likely become the successor to the K3 early next year. Even if the K4 is launched in South Korea with excellent marketability, it will not be easy to overturn it because the name value of Avante (Elantra for the North American market) is overwhelming.