Kia to Launch Another Compact EV Model

Kia is about to add to its already generous electric line-up with an ID.3 hatchback rival dubbed EV4.

A camouflaged example was seen testing at the Nordschleife recently, suggesting it is not far away from launch. It is evident that the rear end is different from that of the EV4 concept, swapping its sloped tail for a bluff aft. But it is clearly not an estate.

The EV4 concept’s styling is otherwise intact, with stacked headlights, like those of EV9, and a low-set nose. The sloping bonnet remains, for enhanced aerodynamic performance.

The car will use the same E-GMP underpinnings as the EV3, EV5, EV6 and EV9. Given it is positioned at the lower end of that line-up, it is expected to share powertrains with the EV3 and will be a front driver.

Nothing is set in stone yet but in all likelihood it will be offered with a 150kW motor and a 58kWh battery pack offering 427km of range (based on EV3 figures). An 81kWh pack boosts range to almost 600km.

The EV4 will also be an electric competitor for the likes of BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. It will be slightly shorter than the 4.6m EV5 SUV but will still feature generous interior space. Expect a relatively minimalist interior, with a single wide touchscreen system that includes both instruments and infotainment displays. Physical buttons are expected for climate and media controls, like in the EV3. There will be plenty of design flair inside with angular panels trimmed in soft cloth.

Production kicks off in Slovakia next year and the first examples will be in European showrooms in 2026. 

Pricing is expected to start at around £35,000 (just over $NZ73k).