Kia’s new compact sedan, ‘The Kia K4’, has fully revealed itself.
Kia globally launched the K4 for the first time on March 27 (Wednesday) at the ‘2024 New York International Auto Show’ held at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York, USA.
The K4 is a new sedan that sets a new standard in the compact segment, based on innovative design and advanced technology that surpasses its class.
Developed under Kia’s design philosophy ‘Opposite United’, the K4 boasts a strong and dynamic exterior design, characterized by futuristic innovation.
The front end features vertically positioned headlamps at the edges of the bumper, conveying a wide and imposing stance, while the star map lighting technology, inspired by constellations, reflects Kia’s evolved Tiger Face.
The side profile expresses a luxurious sedan feel through an organic flow of light created by the interlocking rectangular shapes, while the fastback silhouette smoothly connects from the roof to the rear end, maximizing visual dynamism.
The rear, like the front, features vertical lamps at the very end of the vehicle, extending horizontally along the lower bumper, adding to the car’s strong impression alongside an air diffuser.
The interior boasts a unique design exceeding driver-centric structures typically expected in compact sedans, founded on ‘Joy for Reason’ from Opposite United.
Kia contrasts the technical elements for the driver with comfort options for passengers, achieving a balance between rationality and emotion.
Kia has incorporated nearly 30 inches of digital displays, including 12.3-inch clusters, infotainment, and 5-inch climate control displays, supplemented by physical buttons for frequently used functions like navigation and climate control to enhance user convenience.
Additionally, the color scheme for door trims, crash pads, and consoles operates with three combinations: the driver’s ‘Onyx Black’, and ‘Slate Green’, ‘Medium Gray’, and ‘Canyon Brown’ for passenger seats, offering visual differentiation. Mood lighting enhances the comfort of the passenger-side crash pad.
The K4 GT Line actively utilizes vertical design elements contrasting with the vehicle’s horizontal lines on the exterior, imparting a robust impression. It features a unique bumper and specifications for the GT Line, while the interior creates a more luxurious and dynamic image through the color contrast of Onyx Black and ‘Off White’, along with exclusive pattern designs.
The K4 is equipped with ‘Kia AI Assistant’, integrated with generative AI technology, enabling it to understand complex contexts based on natural language processing, allowing for natural conversational interactions with the driver.
Kia will support its customers’ advanced vehicular experiences through the Kia AI Assistant, assisting in travel planning and providing information based on the owner’s manual, with plans for future updates to expand its functionalities.
Additionally, Kia offers the latest connectivity features, including the infotainment system ‘ccNC’, ‘Quick Control’, ‘Wireless Phone Connectivity’, and digital key 2, as well as wireless (OTA) software updates.
Kia will offer the K4 with both a 2.0 gasoline engine model and a 1.6 gasoline turbo model.
The 2.0 gasoline model delivers a maximum output of 149 horsepower (ps) and a maximum torque of 18.3 kg.m (132 lb-ft) when combined with an IVT transmission, while the 1.6 gasoline turbo model provides a peak output of 193 horsepower (ps) and a maximum torque of 27.0 kg.m (195 lb-ft) paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Moreover, the K4 enhances driving pleasure with advanced driver assistance systems, including an 8-airbag system that includes rear side airbags, Highway Driving Assist 2, Smart Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Intelligent Speed Assist, Front Collision Mitigation Assist, Rear Side Collision Warning, Surround View Monitor, and Parking Distance Warning.
Kia plans to launch the K4 in the North American market in the second half of this year.
A Kia representative stated, “The K4 demonstrates Kia’s commitment to providing a dynamic sedan equipped with advanced technology and robust performance. The K4 will provide customers with value that exceeds their expectations with unparalleled offerings.”
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr