Amidst the SUV frenzy dominating the automotive landscape worldwide, some manufacturers refuse to let the classic sedan fade into obscurity. Enter the all-new Kia K4, a modern compact sedan poised to take center stage as it steps in to replace the Forte.
Kia has dropped the first teasers for the K4, providing a glimpse of its edgier design ahead of the official reveal on March 21, followed by its public premiere at the New York Auto Show on March 27.
As we first noticed in the prototypes we spied during testing, the new Kia sedan embraces a more upscale aesthetic compared to the third-generation Forte, which debuted in 2018. Setting it apart from its more mundane predecessor are sharp lines on the pronounced fenders, sleeker LED lighting units extending to the bumpers, and a streamlined fastback-style silhouette with what appears to be an overly complex rear pillar design.
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The Korean brand didn’t dive into technical specifications this time around, but it promises that the K4 will set “new standards for design, innovation and driving appeal to the compact sedan sector”. Kia also alludes to “advanced technology,” likely indicating a modern digital cockpit and a suite of driver assistance systems.
Thanks to our spy photographers, we were recently able to catch a glimpse of the K4’s interior, showcasing a modern digital cockpit with an expansive screen encompassing both the instrument panel and infotainment system, complemented by an array of physical buttons underneath.
In terms of powertrain options, and depending on the market, they are expected to include the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter, potentially alongside a self-charging hybrid option available in select regions.
It remains to be seen if the Kia K4 will maintain the affordability status of the outgoing Forte, which was one of the few remaining models starting below the $20,000 mark in North America. Additionally, the K4 will serve as a replacement for the Ceed and Cerato compact models in markets like Europe and Australia, respectively.
We can anticipate learning more about the Kia K4 soon, as the automaker is expected to release additional teasers leading up to the March 21 unveiling.
