Competence key to Kia K4 MHEV 

I have noticed a very interesting trend of late, whereby more and more of the cars I get to review are petrol-powered again after an initial burst of EVs.

These latest cars are either full hybrid, mild hybrid or plug-in hybrid. So what is going on?

Why is the motor industry re-focusing efforts on petrol power?

Well, the industry has seen the evidence over the last few years. Pure EV sales (meaning battery electric vehicles, BEVs) may be growing but nowhere near the rate that was predicted. That is why there is renewed focus on petrol-powered hybrids, whether mild hybrid, self-charging hybrid or plug-in hybrids.

That brings me nicely to this petrol-engined new car from Kia called the K4.

The Kia K4 range effectively is the replacement for the popular Kia Ceed. This new car is, however, larger, which benefits interior space; better equipped and is currently powered by a 1.0-litre mild hybrid with a 1.6-litre petrol hybrid to arrive later this year.

Rather confusingly, while the model is called the K4, they then name the three trim levels K2, K3, and, as on review here, the GT-Line. So you could, for example, buy the Kia K4 K3...bizarre choice for the trim names when the model is a K4, but there you go.

First Impressions

I think this is rather stylish and distinctive-looking 5-door hatchback. It has the now familiar Kia family face and some nice visual details such as the hidden rear door handles. Overall, then, it scores well for style.

What’s it like inside?

Slip inside, and you immediately get a sense of space despite the relatively compact external dimensions. The two-tone black and light grey cabin is roomy and well laid out while it also boasts plenty of storage space.

Kia’s digital dash is really excellent. One of the best in my opinion. It consists of two 12.3-inch screens with a smaller 5.3-inch display allocated to climate control functions, all of which blend to look as one large rectangular sweeping display. One small critique is that the climate control screen is obscured by the steering wheel rim.

However, I really like the design, and the information available on the driver's display is configurable, allowing you to create two analogue-style dials, speedo and rev counter, albeit in a digital format. That is really nice and adds character and a bit of design to the feel of the interior.

They also have a row of real buttons beneath the main screen for menu selection, map, media, etc, while below that are toggle switches for the climate control. Again, a demonstration of a very well-engineered, well thought out cabin which makes the K4 very nice to live with on a daily basis.

Accommodation is very good with plenty of leg and headroom both front and rear. The boot has a capacity of 328 litres, which is less than some rivals, as the mild hybrid battery under the boot floor reduces load space somewhat.

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The level of standard kit is really excellent in this GT-Line model, highlights of which include 3-step heated and ventilated front seats, a power driver's seat, a glass tilt/slide sunroof, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless phone charging, Kia Connect Telematics, and a host of safety kit. The materials used inside are mostly recycled.

The quality is generally good but you don’t have to look too far to find some less desirable plastics. The seat material looks and feels good.

What’s under the bonnet? MORE BELOW PHOTO

A 1.0-litre 3-cylinder petrol with 48-volt mild hybrid assistance and, in this case, mated to a 7-speed dual clutch auto. A 6-speed manual is also available. Power output is a bit weak at just 115 PS, and this is reflected in its performance.

For most occasions, the K4 performs well enough, but overtaking needs careful planning as acceleration is best described as leisurely. Also, I found that when carrying four adults there was a noticeable drop in acceleration ability. In short, it is fine.

But for those wanting a bit more pace, maybe consider the upcoming 1.6-litre full hybrid. This small engine has to work, and that was also reflected in my fuel economy tests returning an average over my week's test of 7.3 litres per 100km. Not class-leading!

How does it drive?

It is certainly not an involving drive, and although that 7-speed dual-clutch auto shifts seamlessly, it is not the best at changing down rapidly when braking for corners.

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I even tried sport mode, but even then it seems to take too long to downshift under braking. There are steering wheel paddles, but they feel more like switches with no real sense of engaging a gear. It rides and handles well though and proves reasonably refined despite some tyre roar on coarse tarmac.

Hugh’s Verdict

I liked this car with one caveat. The engine is its weakest feature. It really needs a bit more power and the mild hybrid system does not seem to benefit fuel economy as much as I had expected.

With that in mind, if it were my choice I would probably plump for the 1.6 litre full hybrid version when it arrives in Ireland later this year.

That said, this current new K4 MHEV is a competent family hatchback which deserves to be considered.

Price: €38,500. K4 GT Line Auto.

Pros: Very well equipped at this price point; roomy well laid out interior; styling is attractive.

Cons: Sport mode not really “sporty” at all; not as economical as some rivals; wuite a bit of tyre roar on more coarse surface roads.

For more reviews and verdicts by Hugh on new cars checkout www.whichnewcar.ie