Given that crossovers are currently the talk of the town, Kia’s announcement of its new compact sedan and Forte replacement, the attention-grabbing K4, comes as a bit of a surprise.
While Kia published the whole set of specifications for the new K4 sedan, it did not provide any information regarding the K4 five-door hatchback. The sedan, which unites the brand’s small with its flagship SUV, the EV9, features a striking new style that, at least in photos, gives the car the appearance of being larger than it actually is. With its squared-off rear end appearance, plastic cladding, and floating roof design, the hatchback resembles a small crossover more than a car, probably on purpose to appeal to a larger range of consumers.
During the press conference, Kia’s Executive Vice President and Global Head of Design Karim Habib said that the K4 hatchback is, “a practical vehicle that is aimed at a dynamic and urban lifestyle. The five-door shares the same front and rear design, as well as the smooth elegance of the sedan.” Motor1 confirmed that the K4 hatchback will arrive in the U.S. “at a later date.”
Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Design at Kia, described the K4 hatchback as “a practical vehicle that is aimed at a dynamic and urban lifestyle” during the press conference. The sedan’s sleek beauty and front and back designs are also shared by the five-door. The K4 hatchback will go on sale in the United States “at a later date,” according to Motor1.
It’s logical to assume that the K4 hatchback will be equipped with the same features and drivetrains as the sedan. This implies that the base engine will probably be the same 2.0-liter I4 that generates 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, just like it did for the previous Forte sedan and the new K4 sedan. The new K4 sedan will also be able to use the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine from the Forte, according to Kia. However, the torque output will be significantly lower than in the Forte—down 11 to 190 lb-ft—while maintaining 201 horsepower. Though Kia hasn’t revealed any specifics regarding the hatchback, if past performance is any indication, it will also come with both engine options.
Although Kia states that the K4 should go on sale in the second half of 2024, the hatchback will probably follow a little later.