A hatchback version of the Kia EV4 is under development as an electric counterpart to the internal-combustion K4 five-door.
The hatchback version of the 2026 Kia EV4 electric car has been spied testing at the Nürburgring in Germany.
A rival to the MG 4, Cupra Born and Volkswagen ID.3, the five-door Kia EV4 is expected to be manufactured at the brand’s factory in Slovakia – while The Korea Times reports the EV4 sedan will start production in South Korea in March 2025.
The EV4 was previewed by a four-door electric sedan concept in October 2023, with the showroom version due in 2025. Australian launch plans for the EV4 are yet to be announced, including whether the hatch and sedan are both under consideration for our market.
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It will follow the Kia EV3 small SUV, which was shown in concept form at the same event in October 2023 before its formal production debut in May 2024, with an Australian launch at the start of 2025.
The EV4 will be an electric counterpart to the Kia K4 hatch and sedan, which is due in Australia soon as a replacement for the long-running Cerato small car.
Under the skin, the EV4 will use the dedicated E-GMP architecture for electric cars shared with the EV6 and EV9. However, it will be limited to 400-volt charging – rather than 800 volts like its more expensive siblings – to reduce cost.
MORE: 2024 Kia EV4 concept previews electric rival for Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2
A high-performance GT version of the Kia EV4 will follow.
It will feature a version of Kia’s latest design language with ‘star map signature’ daytime running lamps, while a minimalist interior design with a large panoramic display for the instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen is likely, matching the concept.
Kia plans to expand its electric line-up to 15 models in 2026 with an aim for 1.6 million annual electric vehicle sales in 2030.
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