2025 Kia K4 review: Australian first drive

The all-new Kia K4 has landed in Australia and it has some pretty big shoes to fill.

Kia’s newest small car is a replacement for the popular Cerato range of sedans and hatchbacks; a model that has, since 2004, become a mainstay on our roads.

Over 200,000 Ceratos have been sold in Australia since it first launched in 2004, and even as recently as last year, with sales of around 16,000, the Cerato was Kia’s second-best selling vehicle of any kind locally, trailing only the popular Sportage medium SUV on the sales charts. The new Kia K4 is a super-important car, then, for the Korean brand.

Kia says the name change from Cerato to K4 brings it into line with the rest of the world where it already sells the K3 (formerly Kia Rio), K5 (nee Optima) and K8 (Cadenza), and K9 (formerly K900). Only the Picanto, as a nameplate, remains safe for now.

Built in Mexico – as against the Cerato’s South Korean origins – the new K4 is, for now, only available as a sedan. Kia says the hatchback will follow before the end of the year, but for now it’s the sedan doing the heavy lifting.

One of the appeals of the previous Cerato had always been its competitive pricing. But, as is the way with new cars from just about every manufacturer, prices have risen across the board. But you do get a whole lot more car for your money.

So does the K4 still represent good value in the small car segment?

The four-car Kia K4 sedan range gets underway with the $30,590 (before on-road costs) K4 S. That represents a $3530 increase over the outgoing Cerato S and also makes it around $1500 more expensive than the entry-level Hyundai i30 sedan, the K4’s twin-under-the-skin.

It does, however, undercut two of the big-hitters in the small car segment – Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport hybrid ($32,320) and Mazda 3 G20 Pure ($31,190).

Above the K4 S, the Sport variant asks for $35,190, while the Sport+ is priced at $37,590.  Sitting at the top of the K4 tree, the GT-Line (which replaces the Cerato GT) is priced from $42,990 before on-road costs, an increase of $6130 over the outgoing model.

But it’s worth noting that the extra spend does bring with it not only more sheet metal and glass (the K4 is significantly larger than the Cerato it replaces), but also a host of new and updated technologies.

Newly added standard equipment for the entry-level K4 S includes 16-inch alloy wheels replacing the antiquated steel wheels of the base-model Cerato, a bigger 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights, as well as more advanced safety tech including adaptive cruise control.

Buyers can also opt to spend an extra $2100 on the Safety Pack (available only with S trim) that swaps out the single 12.3-inch infotainment screen for Kia’s widescreen ‘panoramic display’ that blends two 12.3-inch screens – one for infotainment, the other a digital instrument cluster – as well as 5.0-inch screen nestled between for the K4’s climate controls.

The Safety Pack also adds dual-zone climate control, against the manual air-con fitted as standard, as well as an expanded autonomous emergency braking suite including junction crossing detection.

Stepping into the K4 Sport trim level brings all the features found in the Safety Pack as standard, as well as 17-inch alloy wheels, lane-change assist, and satellite navigation.

The K4 Sport+ adds such niceties as artificial leather seat upholstery (cloth seats grace the S and Sport models) with seat heating, and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.

The range-topping GT-Line maxes out the Kia K4 catalogue with 18-inch alloy wheels, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, two-tone artificial leather seat upholstery matched by a two-tone leather heated steering wheel, tilt and sliding sunroof, ambient interior lighting, wireless smartphone charging, and GT-Line exterior styling.

Engine choices across the range run to two with the S, Sport and Sport+ models all fitted with the same 112kW/192Nm 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol unit carried over from the Cerato, as is the six-speed automatic transmission.

The GT-Line brings a more powerful 142kW/265Nm turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder to the party, along with a new eight-speed automatic transmission that replaces the seven-speed dual-clutch found previously in the Cerato GT.

The K4’s colour palette runs to eight, with Clear White the only no-cost hue. The rest command a $600 premium, including four new colours – Interstellar Grey, Fiery Red, Wave Blue and Honeydew.

The Kia K4 has enjoyed a considerable growth spurt over the Cerato. Now measuring in at 4710mm long, 1850mm wide and 1425mm tall, with a 2720mm wheelbase, the K4 sedan is 70mm longer, 50mm wider and 15mm lower than the Cerato, with an additional 20mm between the front and rear axles.

That grow spurt is most keenly felt inside where the K4 is more spacious than the car it replaces, and by some margin, particularly in the second row.

The interior of the K4 follows the current Kia playbook, with big screens, a well-laid-out cabin and plenty of soft touchpoints.

Our time at the launch of the K4 was limited to the second model in the four-car tier, the K4 Sport, and the range-topping GT-Line.

While cloth seat upholstery in the Sport might seem a little low-rent on paper, the reality is the texture and finish, a grey twill, looks and feels classy. The seats themselves are comfortable and supportive, manually adjustable in this trim level, and with good side bolstering.

The steering wheel is an interesting proposition, with a gently flattened top, flat bottom and just the two spokes. It feels good in hand and frames the digital instrument cluster nicely.

Storage amenities up front run to the usual cupholders, a decent central bin, door pockets that can accommodate bottles and a serviceable glovebox. There’s also a handy storage tray ahead of the chunky gear selector. It’s ideal for smartphones, and in the range-topping GT-Line only it is home to the K4’s inductive charging pad.

The dash features an array of shortcut buttons to access some common features of the infotainment screen and, helpfully, buttons for adjusting some of the main climate-control functions such as fan speed, airflow and temperature.

That’s in addition to the small 5.0-inch climate-control screen that is nestled between the main infotainment screen and the digital driver display, which can be a little hard to see from behind the wheel, its full view a little blocked by the steering wheel.

The second row is where the K4 really shows off its increased dimensions. There’s ample room for two adults in the outboard seats, with excellent foot, knee, leg and head room, the latter despite the sloping roof line of the K4.

But the middle seat, as is so often the case, and not just with Kia, is a little less comfortable, the seat base firm, the seatback firmer and foot room impeded by the presence of a transmission tunnel, which is a little odd considering the K4 is only available as a front-wheel-drive. Think of the K4 as a comfortable four-seater with an extra seat for those moments when you need to transport five people.

Amenities run to cupholders in a fold-down armrest (the reason for the firm seatback), separate air vents, and door pockets that can take smaller bottles.

For those with young families, there are ISOFIX child seat mounts on the outboard seats, while all three seatbacks are fitted with top-tether anchors.

The boot also benefits from the K4’s generous dimensions. Kia quotes a capacity of 508 litres with the second row in use, some 80L more than the outgoing Cerato. That expands with the second row folded away in 60:40 split fashion, although Kia does not quote a number for the increased load area. All models are equipped with a temporary space-saver spare wheel located under the boot floor.

There are some noticeable differences in the cabin of the K4 GT-Line. For starters, the two-tone leather seat trim, resplendent in black (more of dark grey, really) with white accents, looks smart and modern.

The perforated artificial leather feels plush, while features such as embossed GT-Line logos at the top of the seatbacks and a nicely textured material on the dash.

That theme is carried through to the steering wheel, a more conventional – although quite funky – three-spoke design, also trimmed in two-tone artificial leather, while the standard-fit sunroof, only available in the GT-Line, adds a lightness to the interior ambience.

It’s a plush-looking and feeling cabin, is the GT-Line’s, borrowing as it does from the design language of the brand’s stable of electric cars, which is no bad thing as Kia’s EV range looks smart and contemporary inside.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – both wireless and wired – smartphone mirroring are standard across the K4 range.

Both are projected to a 12.3-inch touchscreen found in all models. However, the entry-level K4 S features just the single screen, whereas the models further up the range are fitted with the brand’s widescreen set-up that incorporates the infotainment screen, a 5.0-inch climate screen and another 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

The K4 S is alone in not offering satellite navigation, meaning you’ll need to use your smartphone for route guidance. That’s by no means a deal-braker for the base model.

The rest of the line-up scores sat-nav along with 10 years of traffic updates and map updates.

All variants are fitted with the full gamut of radio bandwidths (AM/FM/DAB+) played through a standard six-speaker sound system in S, Sport and Sport+ variants, while only the GT-Line is equipped with a beefier eight-speaker Harman Kardon unit.

There are four USB outlets – two up front and two in the second row – to keep devices juiced, while the GT-Line is alone in offering wireless smartphone charging.

Apple CarPlay proved faultless during our time with both the K4 Sport and GT-Line at launch, quick to initiate and then offering a stable connection throughout.

The infotainment screen is crisp and clear, with an intuitive interface that doesn't require too much figuring out.

The digital driver display in the variants with the widescreen set-up looks impressive (in the K4 S two digital dials flank a small 4.0-inch data display) but lacks some of the configurability of its rivals. Still, there’s a good amount of driving data available under your thumb.

Kia has kept the faith with ergonomics, including an array of physical shortcut buttons (and a volume dial) located on the dash under the infotainment screen.

And vital climate functions – such as fan speed and temperature – are also served by physical switches.

All variants of the K4 offer access to the Kia Connect app that provides an array of services remotely via a smartphone. And all K4 variants are hooked up to the brand’s over-the-air updates where owners are notified of any updates available – such as maps and new software-based features – that can be downloaded without the need to visit a service centre.

The Kia K4 is still to be tested by Australia’s independent safety body ANCAP. As such, it remains unrated, for now.

However, Kia Australia representatives told Drive at the launch it remained confident of securing a five-star safety rating once testing is complete.

The entire K4 range is fitted with Kia’s latest safety technologies. Standard across the range are autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist and junction detection, lane-keeping assist and lane-following assist, blind-spot monitoring and assist, rear cross-traffic alert and assist, driver attention monitor, speed sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality.

We found the K4’s safety systems to be nicely calibrated, although the speed sign recognition system did beep incessantly when the camera-based system picked up signs – such as off-ramp speeds – in error.

However, Kia needs a pat on the back for making it easy to silence the beeps, with a long press (three seconds) of the mute button, well, muting the feature. It doesn't disable the feature, the sign-posted speed still displayed in the driver display, but it did do away with the incessant and annoying bleeping. It defaults to ‘on’ at start-up, though, so you’ll need to do this every time you get in the car.

The entire K4 range is fitted with a full complement of airbags covering both rows of occupants including, crucially, a front-centre airbag that deploys between the passengers in the event of a collision to – hopefully – reduce the severity of head clashes.

Kia backs the K4 with its standard seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which is among the best in the new car landscape.

Service intervals for 2.0-litre variants are spaced out 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first, and will set you back $1220 over three years, $2196 over five or $3225 over the full seven-year warranty period.

It’s a different story for the turbocharged 1.6-litre GT-Line, where service intervals are scheduled at 12 months and 10,000km. As well as the shorter distance intervals, the K4 GT-Line also costs a little more to service. Three years or 30,000km of scheduled maintenance asks for $1361, while five years runs to $2435. Stretch ownership out to seven years and servicing costs will total $3877.

As a new model to Australia, we were unable to obtain a quote for comprehensive insurance.

Kia claims 2.0-litre variants will use 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres of 91-octane regular unleaded petrol. Our drive at launch returned an indicated 8.3L/100km, over a variety of conditions best described as typical use, with a mix of city traffic, urban running and country touring.

The turbocharged 1.6-litre GT-Line is a little more frugal according to Kia, with a claimed consumption figure of 6.7L/100km. It also requires 91-octane regular unleaded.

Despite Kia’s lower claim for the turbo model, we saw an indicated 8.7L/100km. However, that number is mitigated by exploring the GT-Line’s warm performance chops on some lovely stretches of twisting, rural blacktop. The price of fun is a couple of litres it seems.

Two engine choices underpin the K4 range. The S, Sport and Sport+ variants are all powered by the same naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol carried over from the Cerato range. A six-speed automatic transmission sends drive to the front wheels.

The range-topping GT-Line utilises the same 1.6-litre turbocharged four from the outgoing Cerato GT. But a new eight-speed automatic transmission sending drive to the front wheels has replaced the outgoing model’s seven-speed dual-clutch. And it’s arguably a better car for it.

The 1.6-litre makes a decent 142kW and 265Nm, which, while not exactly straying into ‘hot’ territory, is certainly enough to earn it the ‘warm’ moniker.

Performance is brisk, whether moving away from standstill at traffic lights, accelerating onto a freeway or motorway, or sling-shotting out of corners on a spirited drive.

It’s not silly fast, like some hot hatches, but it’s certainly spritely enough to leave you smiling.

The eight-speed auto does a good job of being in the right gear at the right time, or you can choose your own destiny by using the GT-Line’s paddle-shifters. But really, you don't need to, the eight-speed auto never leaving you wanting more.

The chassis of the GT-Line is nicely balanced too, a good blend of comfort and sportiness with just enough of a firm edge to telegraph what’s happening underneath. Whereas 2.0-litre models utilise torsion beam rear suspension, the GT-Line has a more sophisticated multi-link arrangement befitting its performance skew.

Ride comfort remains good, although the K4’s balance between sporting intent and everyday driver is most felt here with a firm edge. It’s not uncomfortable, not by a long way, for everyday driving, the GT-Line gobbling up lumps and bumps easily enough.

And it comes into its own out on some rural back roads, that slightly firmer edge working well to provide a tactile connection to the road. Yes, you feel the bumps, but in a largely reassuring way.

The steering feels nicely weighted too and reacts to inputs with precision and tactility, with no vagueness on centre, while brake pedal feel remains reassuring and solid.

It all adds up to a spirited sedan experience; one that can provide endless enjoyment on weekends while remaining comfortable and compliant during the week.

Stepping into the K4 Sport and its 2.0-litre non-turbo four highlights the stark contrast between the two powertrains. With a more modest 112kW and 192Nm, the Sport doesn't quite live up to the ‘Sport’ in its model designation. It’s certainly no sluggard, with honest acceleration from standstill and gentle enough demeanour cruising at highway speeds.

But, ask more of it for a burst of acceleration, say, and the shortcomings of the aspirated four-cylinder make themselves known, the harder acceleration eliciting a lot of noise– and work – from the 2.0-litre with not too much to show for it.

The six-speed automatic transmission is decent enough, but feels a little underdone in today’s landscape. A couple of extra ratios wouldn’t go astray, but overall it remains intuitive with smooth gear changes that mostly feel right for the situation. The steering is good too with a touch of meatiness and a nice directness.

But the star of the show is the 2.0-litre K4’s suspension tune, which feels a touch softer than the GT-Line’s and provides a nice blend of comfort and feedback. Kia invests a lot of time and money in ensuring its cars are tailor-made to suit Australian road conditions, and it shows with an impressively compliant ride quality for everyday use.

The performance of the K4 Sport – and for that matter all 2.0-litre variants – is best described as honest. A no-surprises package that delivers on the kind of driving experience most buyers in this segment would want – and expect – of a small car.

Kia does quote towing capacities for its small sedan, capped at 610kg unbraked and 1100kg braked with a maximum downball weight of 75kg.

That might be enough for a really small trailer and some camping equipment, or a couple of bicycles, or maybe a light load to take to the tip.

We’d suggest, however, that if your needs run to regular towing duties, then the K4 probably isn’t the right car for you.

The Kia K4 is a comforting reminder that some car makers still see value in a small car offering. Not everyone wants – or needs – an SUV or dual-cab ute – and it’s those buyers the K4 is catering to.

The Kia Cerato was a mainstay for the brand, its second-most popular model in Australia. This new K4 carries on that tradition with a well-packaged small car that’s nice to drive in 2.0-litre form, a hoot from behind the wheel in 1.6-litre turbo shape, and that’s packed with enough of the tech and features today’s buyers are after.

It might be a new nameplate, but as far as living up to the 20-year heritage of the popular and much-loved Cerato, Kia has nailed it.

The Kia K4 sedan range is available to order now. You can start your purchase journey at the Kia Australia website where you can configure your K4 to suit.

Our pick of the range has to be the GT-Line, which brings a fresh and modern cabin with plenty of nice features and a driving experience that offers enough fun without straying into silly territory.

No matter which specification of Kia K4 you feel might best suit your needs, it’s worth booking in for a test drive. You can find your nearest Kia dealer at this link.

You can also find a range of new and used Kias for sale at Drive Marketplace.

And if you want to stay up to date with everything that’s happened to the K4 range since our review, you can find all the latest news here.

Rob Margeit is an award-winning Australian motoring journalist and editor who has been writing about cars and motorsport for over 25 years. A former editor of Australian Auto Action, Rob’s work has also appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Wheels, Motor Magazine, Street Machine and Top Gear Australia. Rob’s current rides include a 1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and a 2000 Honda HR-V Sport.

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