This story has been updated with additional spy shots of the Kia EV4
Kia is rapidly expanding its electric range with more SUVs covering a broader spectrum of segments. Following the market launch of the Kia EV9 flagship earlier this year and the upcoming Sportage-sized EV5 that will soon debut in China, our spy photographers caught their smaller brother, the EV4, testing on European soil.
Despite the heavy camouflage covering the largest portion of the SUV’s bodywork, the Kia origins are clear from the futuristic triangular wheels and the vertically-stacked LED headlights. The black pillars and the greenhouse are also similar to the larger EV5 and EV9, while the rear end has hints of the EV6 low-slung crossover in terms of the taillight arrangement.
More: 2024 Kia EV5 Electric Compact SUV Revealed In Production Form
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While it is hard to tell without a reference, the footprint of the Kia EV4 appears to be somewhere between the 4,195 mm (165.2 inches) of the Soul and the 4,420 mm (174.0 inches) of the Niro. In our eyes, it looks like the Korean brand wants to position its new SUV near the top of the B-SUV segment in terms of dimensions, competing against the likes of the recently facelifted Peugeot e-2008, but also touching on VW’s upcoming ID.3-Sized SUV.
As with all electric models from Hyundai and Kia, the EV4 is expected to ride on the widely-used E-GMP architecture. However, unlike the 800V battery found in the rest of Kia’s EV lineup, it might get a 400V setup and a single electric motor for more affordable pricing. Speaking of which, rumors suggest an entry price below the $30,000 mark, making it the cheapest electric Kia – at least until the even smaller EV3 arrives.
Judging from the lack of provisional components, the prototype appears to be very close to production-ready status meaning that a debut might be imminent. Reports suggest that Kia might show us the EV4 in late 2023, or in the first quarter of 2024.
