Kia makes some of the best EVs around, with the EV9 recently winning our Best Premium Large SUV accolade for the second time, and the EV3 winning the Best Compact SUV award.
Almost a year since the EV3’s launch, Kia is quickly plugging the holes in its EV range, with hatchback and Fastback versions of the C-segment EV4. In fact, the hatchback version of this model takes over from the Ceed at Kia’s Slovakian factory. Its job must be to be the definitive EV choice in a sector featuring our current favourite family car, the Cupra Born.
Built on the same dedicated Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) as the EV3, the EV4 is offered with the same choice of 58.3kWh or 81.4kWh battery packs, and the ability to travel up to 273 miles with the 58.3kWh version, or up to 388 miles with the larger long-range 81.4kWh pack. As with the EV3, the GT-Line and GT-Line S versions are expected to be the most popular in fleet, with the larger 81.4kWh battery choice.
With a 400V charging system, the EV4 can charge from 10 to 80% in just 29 minutes (31 minutes for long-range) when plugged into a 150kW DC fast charger, and in five hours and 20 minutes on an 11kW AC charger (seven hours and 15 minutes for models with the long-range battery).
Design and interior
The extra range is the result of the EV4’s slippery styling. It’s probably the most opinion-dividing example of Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy – especially in Fastback form. Design highlights for both versions are the short front overhang, vertical headlights, flush door handles, and bold black arch trims. The hatchback is the best looking of the two, with its boxy arches, up to 19in alloy wheels all with square designs, and boomerang rear lights. The Fastback has a longer, deeper rear window, and elongated rear lights. It is an acquired taste, so it’s no wonder Kia UK is expecting an 80:20 split in favour of the hatchback, for both fleet and retail buyers.
The EV4 hatch is 4,430mm long, 1,860mm wide, and 1,485mm tall, with the Fastback 300mm longer and 5mm lower. These big dimensions are most obvious inside this Kia, as it is spacious front and rear – and there’s a 435-litre boot with the hatch. Choose the Fastback, and the extra length equals a bigger boot (490 litres) – however the boot has a less practical opening, its rear seats don’t fold, and that curvier screen eats into rear headroom. It follows the family look and feel of its sister Kia EVs, with well-chosen colours and quality trim, plus plenty of stowage.
The driving position is comfortable, and the seats supportive, with the unusual pillow-like headrests which remain a highlight. The dashboard itself is made up of two 12.3in screens, with a 5.3in screen for ventilation controls in the middle. The infotainment itself works well enough, but the central shortcut buttons could be more responsive.
Performance and drive
On the move, the first thing we noticed was the generally comfortable, compliant ride. Most upset at low speeds, 17in wheels (fitted with the entry-level Air equipment grade), are the most comfortable, although the difference over the 19in wheels is small. The Fastback offers a slightly more composed ride, in our opinion.
The only mode that appears to make any difference to the drive is ‘Sport’, where the throttle becomes more responsive.
The bigger 81kWh battery GT-Line spec we drove is expected to be the key seller, with 201hp and 283Nm of torque. The smaller 58.3kWh Air is quicker off the mark, but both have a natural feel to the acceleration and brake pedal feel, and all the regen, and one-pedal driving modes work well. There is just nothing stand out about the drive. This is despite tidy handling and keen roadholding. This will be the job of the incoming dual-motor GT version.
The Kia EV4 is a very capable all-rounder, that will be a perfect fit for fleet drivers who find the EV3 too small.
Positive: Generally comfortable and composed ride, impressive interior space, easy-to-use infotainment, stylish and good quality interior.
Negative: Styling might not appeal to all, some cheap-feeling interior plastics and fiddly switchgear, competent rather than fun to drive.
Standard equipment: LED headlights with automatic control, LED DRLs, LED rear lights, electrically adjustable, folding and heated door mirrors with LED indicators, rain-sensing front wipers, heated front seats, manually adjustable heated steering wheel, electric one-touch front windows, automatic air conditioning and defog system, 12.3in driver display screen, 12.3in infotainment touchscreen with navigation system, 5.3in climate control screen, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto with voice control, Bluetooth with music streaming, two front USB-C ports, two rear USB-C charging ports, eCall system, over-the-air (OTA) functionality with free seven-year Kia Connect services, 60:40 split folding rear seats, centre console with underneath storage tray and storage box, rear centre armrest with cupholders.
Engines: Electric: 201hp
Equipment grades: Air, GT-Line, GT-Line S
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
| Model | Kia EV4 GT-Line 81.4kWh hatchback |
| P11D | £39,395 |
| Residual value | 37% |
| Depreciation | £24,911 |
| Fuel | £3,474 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £2,526 |
| Cost per mile | 52p |
| Range | 388 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (3%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £20/£39 |
| Luggage capacity | 435 litres |
| Battery size/power | 81.4kWh/201hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
