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The Kia EV4 has been making waves in the Australian market, promising a blend of style, performance, and practicality at a price that many say is a no‑brainer. With a starting price of just under $50,000 for the base Air model and a premium GT version that tops out near $70,000, the EV4 positions itself as a compelling alternative to more established electric sedans. But does it deliver on its bold claims of 612 kilometres of range and a 7‑second 0‑100 acceleration? This review breaks down the key aspects that matter most to Australian drivers.
Pricing and Trim Options
The EV4 is available in three trim levels: Air, Earth, and GT. The Air model starts at $49,999, while the Earth variant is priced at $59,190. The GT line, which adds performance and extra features, sits at $64,690 before taxes. After including typical Australian taxes, the GT can approach the $70,000 mark. Despite the higher price, Kia argues that the EV4’s feature set and range make it a sensible choice for most Australians, especially when compared to the cost of filling a conventional petrol car.
Performance and Range
Under the hood, the EV4 shares the same 150 kW/283 Nm motor across all trims, but the GT version offers a slightly higher power output. Acceleration figures are modest: the Air model reaches 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds, while the GT does so in 7.8 seconds. These numbers are not world‑record breaking, but they are adequate for everyday driving. Range is where the EV4 shines. The Air model boasts up to 456 km on the WLTP cycle, whereas the Earth and GT variants can reach 612 km. In real‑world tests, the GT achieved around 580 km on a mix of highway and urban driving, translating to roughly 14 kWh per 100 km.
Interior Comfort and Practicality
Inside, the EV4 offers a surprisingly spacious cabin for a compact sedan. The rear seats provide ample legroom, and the flat floor design allows for a generous boot capacity of 490 litres. The seats are 8‑way power adjustable with a relaxation mode, and both front and rear seats feature heating and ventilation. Connectivity is robust, with a 12‑inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a choice of six or eight speakers depending on the trim. Practical touches include USB‑powered seats, a large water bottle holder, and a power‑boot that opens automatically when the key is detected.
Charging and Power Management
The EV4 ships with an 11 kW onboard charger, enabling a full charge in just over seven hours. Fast charging is limited to 128 kW, which Kia claims can take the battery from 10% to 80% in a little over an hour. While this is average by today’s standards, it still offers a convenient option for long trips. Home charging is straightforward and inexpensive, with an average cost of $46 per charge for an Australian rate of $2.84 per kWh. Rapid charging costs can vary widely, from $40.70 to $65.12 per session, making the EV4 a cost‑effective option for most drivers.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety features are comprehensive, meeting European standards. The EV4 includes a driver monitoring system, lane‑departure and lane‑keep assist, speed‑limit warnings, and a suite of airbags. The driver assistance suite is comparable to Tesla’s Autopilot, with lane‑change automation and continuous lane keeping that does not require frequent disengagement. The car’s suspension is tuned for Australian roads, providing a smooth ride even on rough surfaces. Overall, the EV4 delivers a well‑rounded package of safety, comfort, and technology.
For Australian buyers looking for an electric sedan that balances price, range, and practicality, the Kia EV4 offers a compelling proposition. Its competitive pricing, solid performance, spacious interior, and robust safety suite make it a strong contender in a market that is rapidly expanding. Whether you’re a commuter, a family driver, or a tech enthusiast, the EV4’s blend of features and affordability could very well make it the vehicle you’ll choose for the future of driving.