The paint hasn't even barely dried on the all-new Kia K4, yet the model has already fallen victim to the rendering world. What we have here is a mild tuning job, one of the first unofficial modifications of the fresh compact sedan, which rocks the sportier look rather well.
Compared to the stock model, this one features a set of larger alloys that were wrapped in rubber band tires to fit under the arches. If you look behind the new wheels, you will see red brake calipers, another sporty touch. This is where the virtual modifications, which came from thesketchmonkey on Instagram, end, as everything else carries over from the real thing.
But what exactly is the Kia K4? Well, it's nothing more than the Forte's replacement. It is set to arrive in our market in the second half of the year, with the pricing and other details, including the trim equipment and EPA-fuel economy, to be announced closer to its launch. The Korean automaker states that it will be accompanied by a 10-year/100,000-mile (160,934 km) warranty in the United States.
We already knew what it was going to look like from the revealing teasers Kia dropped before the grand unveiling at the 2024 New York Auto Show. It has a fastback profile, modern front and rear ends, and a generous footprint that makes it very spacious for a compact sedan. It also features a tech-infused cockpit with NFC capability for unlocking the doors and starting the engine, as well as a voice assistant and over-the-air updates.
Photo: Kia
Power comes from a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine in the entry-level grade mated to a CVT. The mill produces 147 hp (149 ps/110 kW) and 132 lb-ft (179 Nm) of torque, which is identical to the old car's 2.0L unit. Customers will also get to choose a 1.6-liter turbo, making 190 hp (193 ps/142 kW) and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm), paired with an eight-speed auto. Curiously, this power unit's output has gone down from the old Forte's 1.6L lump's 201 hp (204 ps/150 kW), and the thrust remains the same.
The new Kia K4 also features a host of safety systems, including the forward collision avoidance assist with crossing vehicle detection, evasive steering assist, highway driving assist, blind spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic safety alert, blind spot monitor, a 360-degree camera system, park assist, and others. Yet, it's worth noting that some of these will be optional.
As we already told you, the company has yet to announce the price of the car. Nevertheless, it should cost a bit more than the old Forte, which used to kick off at $19,990 plus destination for the LX, $20,490 for the LSX, and $22,490 for the GT-Line. These pack the 2.0L MPI unit, whereas the GT and GT Manual come with the 1.6L turbo and start at $24,690 and $25,390, respectively.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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