Kia EV4 GT hot hatch is in development
Words NZ Autocar | Images Auto Express
Who says electric hot hatches are dead? Kia is working on a warmed over version of its electric EV4 hatch.
Expect dual motors to deliver all-wheel drive and up to 300kW.
The tweaked version of the EV4 is likely to go up against the likes of Ioniq 5 N, MG4 XPower and Golf R.
At the international launch of the all-electric EV4, Kia teased an image of a special variant. All it really showed was wild green brake calipers and detailing like Kia’s EV6 GT. There was also a go-faster wheel design and a more ornery look to the front bumper.
The standard EV4 uses a 150kW electric motor to drive the front wheels. With an extra e-motor at the rear, the EV4 GT gains all-wheel drive and should be pretty quick. The current Golf R has 245kW, while the Audi RS 3 makes do with 294kW. The latter is good for a sprint into the high three-second bracket.
It’s likely the EV4 GT will top the $100k mark, given the top-line FWD version is priced at $75,990. And the Ioniq 5 N asks almost $150k.
Other bits?
Likely as not the Kia EV4 GT will use the Virtual Gear Shift system (VGS) from the EV6 GT. It mimics the sound and feel of a petrol car with a V6 engine and an eight-speed transmission. Rivals like MG4 XPower don’t get this, while Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N certainly does because that’s where VGS originates.
Expect also an electronic limited-slip differential like the EV9 GT has, and maybe adaptive dampers too. More potent brakes and retuned steering also seem warranted.
Kia’s marketing director for Europe is David Hilbert. He told Auto Express that the EV4 GT is “about showing what we’re capable of in terms of delivering a great vehicle that you can use every day, but also have that kind of fun factor.”
For the EV4 GT, it is “all about the thrill of the journey…having a great driving experience. So our GT philosophy is much more about that kind of driving pleasure, having great times.”
Where the “N is much more that kind of extreme, racing focus…our’s is more about everyday driving, but with a bit of….edginess.”
In related matters, Hyundai is said to be developing its own electric hot hatch, the Ioniq 3 N. It will presumably utilise the same mechanicals as the EV4 GT.
