Say hello to Kia’s next-gen sedan, the K4

Kia has officially revealed the exterior and interior design of its next-generation compact sedan, the K4, which will likely replace the Cerato in its line-up.

Like all new models from the Korean carmaker, the K4 has been designed with its ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy in mind, which is said to bring together “clean faceted surfacing and technological details in a bold, cohesive statement”.

In translation, you’ll find a set of vertically arranged headlights up front that stretch along each fender, alongside ‘star map’ daytime running lights. The same motif is carried on at the rear thanks to a set of upright taillights that sit below the rear hatch.

Much of the K4 looks to have taken inspiration from the EV4 concept, thanks to its pumped fenders and roofline that slopes down towards the rear boot lid, creating a fastback-like silhouette.

Inside, you’ll find a driver-oriented cockpit with all controls angled toward the person behind the wheel. A panoramic display also features, housing a 10- to 12-inch digital gauge cluster and infotainment touchscreen, the size of which depends on what model variant you go for.

Physical buttons have been kept to a minimum, much to some people’s loathing, but there is a mix of pressable and rotary controls below the central screen for functions such as ‘Home,’ ‘Map’ and ‘Search’. Look below that and you’ll find even more buttons for the heating, air-conditioning, and ventilation system.

When the car goes on sale, customers will have the option of cladding their interior in an array of different coloured trims and materials, including green, brown, black, and grey.

Nothing has been mentioned as far as any technical specifications go just yet, but we don’t expect it to be electric as there’s no mention of “EV” in its name like Kia’s other zero-emissions models. With that, the K4 could indeed be a hybrid.

We expect to hear more about the Kia K4 following its premiere at the New York International Auto Show on March 27, 2024.