Kia EV4
Prices starting from £33,245 | Range up to 388 miles (WLTP)
Kia has been on a remarkable run with electric cars, and the new EV4 might just be its most important model yet. Slotting into the heart of the UK’s C‑segment, the EV4 takes aim at cars like the Volkswagen ID.3, Cupra Born and Renault Megane E‑Tech, but does so with a very Kia‑like blend of long range, strong equipment levels and keen pricing.
Designed in Europe, developed on European roads and, crucially, built in Slovakia, the EV4 is a clean‑sheet electric hatchback created first and foremost with buyers like us in mind.
Design: Confident, Modern and Aerodynamic
Visually, the EV4 is unmistakably modern without straying into sci‑fi gimmickry. Kia’s familiar ‘Opposites United’ design language is evident in the sharp creases, smooth surfaces and distinctive lighting signatures. Upright headlights with Star Map LED daytime running lights frame the nose, while the side profile combines strong shoulders with a clean, aerodynamic silhouette.
Lower‑spec Air and Motion models ride on 17‑inch alloy wheels, while GT‑Line and GT‑Line S versions step up to bolder 19‑inch designs, complete with gloss black exterior detailing for a sportier look. Buyers can choose from five colours on the hatchback, with six available for the sleeker EV4 Fastback.
Despite its futuristic styling, the EV4 remains compact and easy to place on tight UK roads, an important consideration for everyday use.
Interior: Tech‑Led but User‑Friendly
Inside, the EV4 impresses with a cabin that feels both high‑tech and thoughtfully designed. A low seating position and wide dashboard create a cocooned, driver‑focused atmosphere, while material quality is consistently strong across all trim levels.
Every EV4 comes with Kia’s near‑30‑inch digital cockpit, made up of two 12.3‑inch screens for infotainment and driver information, plus a separate 5.3‑inch touchscreen for climate control. Thankfully, Kia has retained physical rocker switches for heating and ventilation, making the system easier to use on the move.
Space is another strong point. The EV4 hatchback offers 435 litres of boot capacity, expanding to 1,415 litres with the rear seats folded, putting it among the most practical cars in its class. Rear passengers benefit from good legroom and a flat floor, even if headroom in the Fastback is fractionally tighter.
Performance and Range: Efficiency First
Every version of the EV4 is powered by the same front‑mounted electric motor, producing 201bhp and 283Nm of torque. It’s not positioned as a hot hatch, but acceleration is perfectly brisk enough, with the quickest versions managing 0–62mph in 7.5 seconds and a top speed capped at 105mph.
Buyers can choose between two battery options on the hatchback. The 58.3kWh standard‑range battery delivers up to 273 miles on a full charge, while the 81.4kWh long‑range battery stretches that figure to an impressive 388 miles. This is the longest WLTP range of any Kia EV to date and a genuine selling point for long‑distance drivers.
Motion, GT‑Line and GT‑Line S models are offered exclusively with the larger battery, offering a still‑very‑competitive 362 miles of range, while the EV4 Fastback tops out at 380 miles, helped by its ultra‑low aerodynamic drag coefficient of just 0.23Cd.
Charging and Driving Experience
The EV4 uses 400‑volt architecture, which keeps costs down while still delivering competitive charging speeds. When connected to a 150kW DC fast charger, the battery can be replenished from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 29 minutes, rising slightly to 31 minutes for long‑range models. At home, an 11kW wallbox will fully recharge the standard‑range battery overnight.
On the road, the EV4 majors on comfort and refinement. The suspension has been tuned for UK roads, soaking up rough surfaces well while remaining composed through bends. Steering is light but accurate, and selectable drive modes – including Eco, Normal and Sport – subtly tweak the car’s responses. Adjustable regenerative braking, including Kia’s latest i‑Pedal system, allows confident one‑pedal driving in town.
Technology, Safety and Everyday Convenience
Kia has packed the EV4 with technology even in entry‑level guise. All versions include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and Smart Cruise Control with stop‑and‑go functionality. Seven years of Kia Connect services and over‑the‑air software updates are also included as standard.
Step up to GT‑Line S and the EV4 becomes exceptionally well equipped, adding features such as a Harman Kardon premium audio system, 360‑degree surround view cameras, Blind‑Spot View Monitor, a customisable head‑up display and Kia’s clever Vehicle‑to‑Load capability.
Unique to the EV4 range are ‘Rest’ and ‘Theatre’ modes. Available on higher trims with relaxation seats, these allow the cabin to transform into a lounge‑like space, ideal for charging stops, complete with streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+ and YouTube.
Safety is comprehensive, with the full suite of modern driver assistance systems fitted across the range, including lane‑keeping assistance, forward collision avoidance, highway driving assist and rear occupant alert.
UK Pricing and Value
Kia has pitched the EV4 aggressively in the UK market. The range starts at £33,245 for the EV4 Air with the 58.3kWh battery. Opting for the long‑range 81.4kWh version raises the price to £35,495. The Motion starts from £38,995. The sportier EV4 GT‑Line comes in at £39,445, while the fully loaded GT‑Line S tops the hatchback range at £43,945. The EV4 Fastback sits slightly higher, with prices rising into the £40,000–£46,000 bracket depending on specification.
All versions benefit from Kia’s seven‑year, 100,000‑mile warranty, plus an eight‑year battery warranty, adding long‑term peace of mind.
Verdict: A New Benchmark for Electric Family Cars
The Kia EV4 doesn’t shout about itself, but it doesn’t need to. With excellent real‑world range, strong standard equipment, sensible charging speeds and competitive pricing, it makes a compelling case as one of the best all‑round electric hatchbacks on sale.
For UK buyers ready to go electric without compromise, the EV4 feels less like a bold experiment and more like the finished article.
All pricing includes latest electric car grant on applicable models.