The compact sedan that’s redefining value, style, and performance
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When it comes to compact sedans, the 2025 Kia K4 is making waves in Australia. With its sleek design, advanced tech, and impressive performance, the K4 is poised to challenge the status quo in its segment. But does it live up to the hype? We took it for a spin to find out.
In this 2025 Kia K4 review, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about this newcomer, from its design and features to how it handles on Australian roads. Whether you’re a first-time car buyer or a seasoned driver looking for an upgrade, this review will help you decide if the K4 is the right fit for you.
2025 Kia K4 Review: What’s New?
The 2025 Kia K4 is a complete redesign, replacing the aging Kia Cerato in Australia. It’s built on a new platform, offering more interior space, better fuel efficiency, and a host of advanced safety features.
Kia has clearly listened to customer feedback, as the K4 boasts a more refined interior, a smoother ride, and a design that turns heads. But the real question is: how does it perform in real-world conditions?
Design: Sleek, Modern, and Practical
The 2025 Kia K4 is a stunner. Its bold front grille, sharp LED headlights, and sculpted body lines give it a premium look that belies its price tag. The rear features a sleek light bar and dual exhaust tips, adding a sporty touch.
Inside, the K4 feels spacious and well-appointed. The cabin is dominated by a dual-screen setup, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch infotainment display. The materials are a step up from previous models, with soft-touch surfaces and tasteful accents throughout.
Performance: Smooth and Efficient
Under the hood, the 2025 Kia K4 offers two engine options in Australia:
- 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder: Producing 110kW and 180Nm, this engine is paired with a CVT and focuses on fuel efficiency.
- 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder: Delivering 150kW and 265Nm, this engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic for a more spirited drive.
During our Australian first drive, the turbocharged engine impressed with its responsive acceleration and smooth power delivery. The suspension is tuned for comfort, soaking up bumps and imperfections with ease, while still offering enough agility for spirited driving.
Tech and Features: Packed with Value
The 2025 Kia K4 is loaded with tech, making it a standout in its class. Key features include:
- 12.3-inch dual-screen display: Combines the instrument cluster and infotainment system for a seamless user experience.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Keeps you connected without the hassle of cables.
- Bose premium sound system: Delivers crisp, immersive audio.
- Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS): Includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and autonomous emergency braking.
The infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, with physical buttons for key functions—a welcome touch in an era dominated by touchscreens.
Safety: Top Marks
The 2025 Kia K4 has yet to be officially rated by ANCAP, but it’s expected to score highly thanks to its comprehensive safety suite. Standard features include:
- Forward collision warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Safe exit warning
These features work together to provide peace of mind, whether you’re navigating city streets or cruising on the highway.
Driving Experience: How Does It Handle Australian Roads?
We took the 2025 Kia K4 for a spin on a mix of urban streets, highways, and winding country roads. Here’s what we found:
- City driving: The K4 is nimble and easy to maneuver, with light steering and excellent visibility.
- Highway cruising: The cabin is quiet, and the adaptive cruise control makes long drives a breeze.
- Country roads: The suspension handles bumps well, and the turbocharged engine provides plenty of power for overtaking.
Overall, the K4 strikes a great balance between comfort and performance, making it a versatile choice for Australian drivers.
Fuel Efficiency: How Thirsty Is It?
Fuel efficiency is a strong suit for the 2025 Kia K4. The 2.0-litre engine achieves 6.5L/100km, while the turbocharged 1.6-litre engine returns 7.2L/100km. These figures are competitive in the compact sedan segment and should appeal to cost-conscious buyers.
Price and Value: Is It Worth It?
The 2025 Kia K4 is expected to start at around $35,000 AUD for the base model, with the turbocharged variant priced closer to $40,000 AUD. While it’s not the cheapest option in its class, the K4 offers exceptional value for money, thanks to its premium features, stylish design, and strong performance.
When compared to rivals like the Toyota Corolla Sedan and Hyundai Elantra, the K4 stands out for its modern tech and upscale feel.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stylish, modern design
- Packed with tech and safety features
- Smooth and comfortable ride
- Competitive pricing
Cons:
- Base engine lacks excitement
- No hybrid option (yet)
- Boot space is smaller than some rivals
Verdict: Should You Buy the 2025 Kia K4?
The 2025 Kia K4 is a compelling option in the compact sedan segment. It offers a winning combination of style, tech, and performance, all at a competitive price point. While it’s not perfect—the base engine could use more punch, and a hybrid variant would be welcome—it’s a strong contender for anyone in the market for a practical, stylish, and feature-packed sedan.
If you’re looking for a car that delivers on value without compromising on quality, the 2025 Kia K4 is well worth a closer look.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Kia K4 is more than just a replacement for the Cerato—it’s a statement of intent from Kia. With its bold design, advanced tech, and impressive performance, it’s set to shake up the compact sedan market in Australia.
Ready to take the K4 for a spin? Visit your local Kia dealer and experience it for yourself.