Kia has a new car coming to the UK and it is not another SUV. The Kia K4, already on sale in the US since 2024, lands here later this year as a replacement for the long-running Ceed.
So where does it sit? Think of it as slotting between a VW Golf and a Skoda Octavia. It is bigger and roomier than a Golf but not as huge as an Octavia. It is aimed at people who still want a proper car with plenty of space and comfort, not just another chunky SUV.
Bold Looks (Especially in Yellow)
You will not struggle to spot a K4 on the road. The shape is fairly standard family car, but the details are pure modern Kia with sharp lines, aggressive lighting and just enough personality to stand out without looking weird.
There is even an exclusive Sparkling Yellow paint option if you really want to make a statement. Step up to the sportier GT Line trim and you get 17 or 18 inch alloys, chunkier bodywork, and a three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters inside.
Size and Space
The K4 measures 4,440mm long and 1,850mm wide. Translation: it is shorter than a Skoda Octavia but longer than a Golf and roughly the same width as the latter. Kia claims class-leading back seat space with 964mm of legroom and 973mm of headroom, so tall mates will not be complaining. The boot is 438 litres, which is bigger than a Golf but smaller than an Octavia’s cavernous 600 litres.
Old School Power With a Twist
Unlike Kia’s latest EVs, the K4 sticks with petrol engines for now. Entry-level models get a 1.0-litre turbo with a manual gearbox, while mild hybrid and 1.6-litre turbo options offer more punch and come with an automatic. A full hybrid is also on the way. Performance and efficiency numbers will be revealed closer to launch.
Tech and Features
Inside, it is all about screens. There is nearly 30 inches of digital display across the dash with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, 12.3-inch infotainment system and a 5.3-inch climate panel. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, plus features like wireless phone charging, Harman Kardon audio, heated and ventilated seats and even a Digital Key that lets you use your phone as your car key on higher trims. You can also say “Hey Kia” to call up the built-in AI assistant.
On the safety side, you get lane change collision avoidance, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise and Kia’s latest motorway driver assist systems.
Goodbye Ceed Hello K4
The K4 replaces the Kia Ceed, which has been around since 2006 and has just gone out of production. Do not expect the Ceed name to stick around. Kia says the K4 is a global car built in Mexico, so it is following the brand’s international naming strategy.
Prices for the UK have not yet been confirmed but with the outgoing Ceed starting from just over £21,000, the K4 should land in the same ballpark with more tech, more space and a bolder look.
