Kia is beautiful K4 compact sedan which debuted during the New York Auto Show in March 2024 is expected to spawn a hatchback sibling, and a prototype has been spotted for the first time.
The K4 is the replacement for the Forte, and the K4 hatchback will replace the old Forte5 hatch. In Europe, the K4 hatch is expected to replace the Cee’d.
Although the prototype is heavily camouflaged, Kia already previewed the design during the K4 sedan’s debut in New York. The car was shown briefly during a video presentationwhere Kia’s design chief Karim Habib referred to it as a five-door K4.
According to reports, Kia plans to sell both body styles of the K4 in the US. The sedan will go on sale in the second half of the year as a 2025 model. Sales of the hatchback will likely begin next year, meaning it will likely arrive as a 2026 model in the US.
Kia K4 hatchback teaser
The hatchback will presumably feature the same specs as the sedan, though likely with more storage space. The sedan measures 185.4 inches long, making it nearly three inches longer than the Forte. Hatchbacks tend to be shorter than their sedan counterparts, which could also be the case here.
Inside, there should be a floating dashboard measuring almost 30 inches in length and integrating digital screens for the instrument panel and an infotainment system with support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Kia has confirmed two powertrain options for the sedan in the U.S., and the same options are expected to be present in the hatchback as well. The standard option is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder rated at 147 hp, while a 1.6-liter turbo-4 rated at 190 hp will be available. The naturally aspirated engine comes with a CVT, while the turbocharged engine comes with an 8-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard for both powertrains.
Kia also plans to offer an electric hatchback similar in size to the K4 hatch. It was unveiled last year by the EV4 conceptwhose name will probably be carried over into production.