Table of Contents
Design and Exterior
The Kia EV4 arrives as a sleek, semi‑futuristic hatchback that feels more like a sports coupe than a traditional family car. Its low, wide stance is highlighted by a flat, arrow‑shaped front fascia, two‑tone black and silver wheels sized 215/60 R7, and a distinctive boomerang tail‑light design. The new Kia logo sits proudly at the centre of the front grille, while vertical daytime running lights give the front a sharp, modern look.
Available in three trim levels – the entry‑level Air, the sportier GT Line, and the top‑tier GT Line S – the EV4 also comes in a fastback version for the higher trims. The price difference is roughly £2,000 between the base and the higher models, and the fastback adds a few extra pounds. Paint options include white, black, flame blue, magna red, and a special 650‑option colour.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the EV4 offers a spacious cabin with a flat floor thanks to the battery’s placement beneath the vehicle. The seats fold 60/40, and the rear area provides 445 L of boot space, expanding to 490 L in the fastback. The design features flush door handles that push in and pull out, a black line across the roof, and a unique “boomerang” tail‑light motif that also appears on the rear bumper.
Material choices lean toward a mix of charcoal‑charred cloth and light dove‑grey accents, with neon‑mint green highlights that run along the seat tops and interior trim. Heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a range of climate vents are standard, while the base trim includes a six‑speaker sound system. USB‑C ports sit on the rear seats, and the centre console hosts a 12.3‑inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a haptic‑feedback control panel for climate and media.
The rear seats feature two cup holders and a small storage bin that can hold charging cables or other items. A hard partial shelf runs along the rear seatback, providing a place for snacks or small luggage. The flat floor also makes it easy to slide a large suitcase in the boot without having to lift it over a high step.
Powertrain and Charging
The EV4 is built on Kia’s 400‑volt architecture shared with the EV3. Two battery options are available: a smaller 58.3‑kWh pack that starts around £44,000, and a larger 81.4‑kWh pack that begins at roughly £35,000. The larger battery is only offered on the Air trim and the higher GT trims.
Charging is straightforward. A front fender‑mounted charge flap accepts a CCS Type 2 plug, delivering up to 127 kW peak power. At a 50 kW rapid charger, the EV4 reaches 80 % in about 79 minutes. Home charging with an 11 kW unit takes roughly 7 hours 15 minutes to go from 0 % to 100 %.
Driving Experience
On the road, the EV4 feels low and wide, with a smooth, linear steering feel that offers good feedback. The car offers five driving modes – Eco, Normal, Sports, Custom, and Snow – which adjust power delivery and regenerative braking. In Eco mode, the EV4 achieves around 260 miles of range, while Normal and Sports modes drop to 255 and 245 miles respectively. Real‑world testing in Glasgow yielded about 273 miles on a single charge when the climate system was left off.
The cabin remains quiet at urban speeds, with a subtle hum that is pleasant rather than intrusive. Parking sensors, a rear camera, and an integrated rear wiper provide safety and convenience. The 12.3‑inch central display is responsive, and the haptic buttons for media and climate control are intuitive. Voice commands work well, and the system’s “relax” mode helps keep the driver focused.
The EV4’s handling is composed, with a low centre of gravity that keeps the car planted during cornering. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes about 6.5 seconds in the GT Line S, while the base Air trim clocks around 7.5 seconds. The regenerative braking system is responsive, allowing the driver to recover energy smoothly during deceleration.
Value and Trim Options
For buyers looking for a practical electric hatchback, the base Air trim offers the essentials: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, heated seats, and a six‑speaker system. The GT Line and GT Line S add sportier styling cues, a larger battery, and optional heat‑pump technology, but they come at a higher price – roughly £45,000 for the GT Line S. The fastback version is only available on the higher trims and adds a few hundred pounds to the cost.
Overall, the EV4 balances modern design, a comfortable interior, and solid performance. Its range is competitive, and the charging infrastructure is robust. Whether you choose the economical Air trim or the premium GT Line S, the EV4 delivers a compelling package for anyone entering the electric hatchback market.