Following the K4 concept revealed earlier this year at the Beijing Auto Show, Kia has unwrapped the production version of the sedan at the Chengdu Motor Show. Developed specifically for Chinese consumers, the Kia K4 will be manufactured and sold exclusively in the world’s largest car market.
The production model looks very similar to the concept car, featuring a modern design including Kia’s hallmark “tiger-nose” grille as well as bold lines. Kia says the K4 offers a high level of comfort and spaciousness, thanks to its 2,770mm wheelbase, one of the longest in the segment. The sedan is 4,700mm long, 1,815mm wide and 1,465mm tall.
From launch, the K4 will be offered with two naturally-aspirated “Nu” gasoline engines. The 1.8-liter unit produces 143PS (141hp) and 176 Nm (130 lb-ft) of torque, while the larger 2.0-liter unit has 155PS (153hp) and 192 Nm (142 lb-ft) of torque. Both engines are mated to Kia’s six-speed automatic transmission which offers fully automatic or sequential manual gear selection.
Later on, the K4 will also get Kia’s 1.6-liter turbocharged T-GDI gasoline engine, producing 176PS (174hp) and 265 Nm (195 lb-ft) of torque. The unit will be linked to the brand’s first seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
The Kia K4’s standard features include heated steering wheel, front and rear heated seats, rear air ventilation, smart key, a high-clarity TFT-LCD instrument cluster, and a telematics system designed to work with the latest smartphones. Prices start from 140,000 yuan ($22,780).
PHOTOS
