Why Kia’s Ambitious K4 Won’t Hit South Korean Roads: Insights Revealed

Kia’s next-generation compact vehicle, K4
Scheduled to be fully unveiled on March 21
No plan for launch in South Korea

Just as the Kia K7 changed its name to K8 after being wholly defeated in competition with the Grandeur (Azera for the North American market), the K3’s ( Forte for the North American market) successor model is also scheduled to be unveiled under the name K4. The Kia K4’s body is larger than the existing K3 and is equipped with Kia’s latest design elements.

The K4, based on the platform of the current K3, has an entirely new interior and exterior design. Therefore, if the K4 debuts, it is expected to attract some demand for the Elantra (Avante for the South Korean market). However, contrary to these expectations, it is said that the K4 will not be launched in South Korea.

Teaser images revealed
A larger body compared to K3

Kia recently released several teaser images of the K4 through its social media channel. According to the silhouette, the body is noticeably larger and taller than the current K3, and the wheelbase has also become longer. Additionally, Kia’s design philosophy, Opposites United, was reflected in the images.

Although a sedan, the trunk is close to an extremely short fastback shape. The taillights are divided into left and right sides and drop down. In terms of overall appearance, it seems to be similar to the existing K5 facelift. However, one difference from the K5 facelift, an upper model, is that a hidden door handle was applied, with the second-row handle placed toward the C-pillar.

No plan to be launched in South Korea
K3 will be discontinued

The Kia K4 with these features is unlikely to be available in South Korea. A Kia official said, “The K4, which will be launched soon, was developed as a local strategic model focusing on overseas markets,” and added, “There is no plan to sell it in South Korea yet.” Therefore, if the K4 is not launched in South Korea, the K3 will be discontinued.

Kia did not officially reveal the reason for discontinuation, but the most likely cause is the decline in sales of compact sedans in South Korea. According to data from the Korea Automobile Mobility Industry Association, sales of sedans with less than 1,600 cc engine displacements have decreased. Of Kia’s total sales in South Korea, compact sedans accounted for only 2.3%.

EV3 will replace K3 in South Korea
K4 to be unveiled on March 21

After the K3 is discontinued, Kia will be replaced with e the electric SUV EV3 it is preparing for the South Korean market. EV3 is a next-generation compact electric SUVs expected to have a body similar in size to the Seltos currently on saleItV3 is a model based on E-GMP, Hyundai, and Kia’s front-wheel-drive platform and will be produced at Kia’s Gwangmyeong plant in South Korea, which was recently designed to produce electric vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Kia K4’s complete design will be revealed on March 21, and the vehicle will be displayed at the New York Auto Show, which opens on March 27. If the K3 is discontinued, Hyundai Elantra (Avante for the South Korean market) is expected to dominate the South Korean compact sedan market. It can be said that SUVs are the trend these days.