CompactCar Market: South Korean Internal Combustion Engine Investment
The automobile brand Kia is set to launch its latest offering in the compact class – the new K4 hatchback – in Germany in early 2026. The car will be powered exclusively by conventional internal combustion engines, with no electric drive version available initially.
The K4 boasts a sporty silhouette that combines the elegance of a compact with the practicality of a car. The front of the car features T-shaped LED headlights, inspired by Kia's electric models, and a traditional radiator grille. High-gloss black trims adorn the wheel arches, side skirts, and exterior mirrors, adding a touch of sophistication.
Inside the cockpit, the K4 offers a horizontally divided panoramic display with two 12.3-inch screens. One screen serves as the digital instrument cluster, while the other is dedicated to the navigation system. A 5.3-inch touchscreen is included for climate control, and the latest generation of Kia's infotainment system comes with numerous online services as standard.
Advanced driver-assistance systems are a key feature of the K4. These include blind-spot warning with steering and braking intervention, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with highway assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree surround view.
For added comfort, the K4 is equipped with heated and ventilated front seats upholstered in black artificial leather. Smartphones can be wirelessly connected via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a KI assistant supports voice control. Maps and software updates can be done 'over-the-air' (OTA) for convenience.
The rear of the K4 features a steeply sloping roofline, a large roof spoiler, and a narrow window with an LED light bar spanning the width of the tailgate. The lower section of the rear suggests air vents, a diffuser, and the license plate area. The K4 hatchback model for Europe has dimensions of 4.44 meters in length, 1.85 meters in width, and 1.44 meters in height.
The cargo space in the K4 varies depending on the powertrain. Mild hybrids offer 328 liters, while gasoline engines provide 438 liters. When the rear seats are folded down, the cargo volume increases to 1,107 liters for mild hybrids and 1,217 liters for gasoline engines.
Kia offers 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels for the K4, ensuring a smooth ride. The new K4 will launch in Germany at the beginning of 2026, with pricing and further equipment details to be announced closer to the market launch. The car relies solely on gasoline-powered engines that drive the front wheels.
In addition, the K4 comes with a smart key system for easy access, and a Harman-Kardon sound system is available for an immersive audio experience. The K4 hatchback model for Europe has a wheelbase of 2,720 millimeters.
Stay tuned for more updates on the new Kia K4 as we approach its market launch in early 2026.
Read also:
- The Cost of Speech is Zero, True Strength Lies in Unity
- Aiming to simplify the move towards cleaner automobiles, the newly established ministry plans to take direct action with Pannier-Runacher, Létard, and Vautrin at the helm.
- "The imperfect yet essential documentary, "Planet of the Humans," raises challenging and uncomfortable inquiries"
- Exciting Escapades of Tintin
