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Kia K4 2025 review: Sedan - Australian first drive


Daily driver score

3.7/5

Over 20 years and four generations - including the forgettable original - the Kia Cerato has won over about 200,000 fans in Australia alone.

It’s become a favourite among small car buyers and is usually cross-shopped with the likes of the Hyundai i30, Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla.

Kia has opted to put the Cerato name out to pasture - along with the European-market C’eed - and replace it with a global model, the K4.

The other thing that’s changed is where it’s built. The Cerato hailed from Kia’s home country, South Korea, but the K4 is built in Mexico.

The launch line-up only consists of petrol-powered sedan grades, but a hatchback will be here in late 2025, and while Kia hasn’t confirmed it, you can bet there will be a hybrid version, too.

Kia is talking up big improvements over the Cerato, but has Kia’s small car stepped up to the same level of quality and refinement as some of its rivals?

Price and features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with? 7/10

The K4 replaces the Cerato and ushers in some significant changes. It has been completely redesigned inside and out, there is new advanced driver tech, a focus on refinement and a lot more standard gear.

As a result, prices have increased across the range. The model grades are largely the same as they were with Cerato and start with the base S, then Sport, Sport+ and GT-Line. The latter is where the changes lie. 

The Cerato range was topped by a GT with a potent 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo. The K4 swaps that out for a GT-Line with a detuned version of the same powertrain. It lacks the performance focus of the full-fat GT, hence the GT-Line badge for the new model.

Pricing kicks off at $30,590, before on-road costs, for the entry-level S, which is $3500 more than the equivalent Cerato S.

  • 2025 Kia K4 Sedan S 2025 Kia K4 Sedan S
  • 2025 Kia K4 Sedan S 2025 Kia K4 Sedan S
  • 2025 Kia K4 Sedan S 2025 Kia K4 Sedan S

You then step up into the Sport for $35,190 (+$6030), Sport+ $37,590 (+$5380) and the GT-Line at $42,990 (+$6130). 

This new pricing is in line with key rivals like the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 and the mechanically related Hyundai i30 Sedan, although the Corolla has a higher starting price.

There’s a lot of standard safety gear offered but more on that in the ‘Safety’ section.

All grades except the S feature twin 12.3-inch digital screens for multimedia and instrumentation, with the base S making do with a 4.0-inch driver’s display. 

However, you can add the 'Safety Pack' to the K4 S for $2100 and that adds a 12.3-inch instrument display, a 5.0-inch air-con display, dual-zone climate control and an expanded auto emergency braking (AEB) system with junction turning and crossing and direct/oncoming lane change detection.

  • 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line
  • 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line
  • 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line
  • 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line

From the S up the K4 comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital radio, a smart key with push button start, power folding and heated exterior mirrors, four USB-C outlets and a six-speaker audio system.

The Sport+ gains heated front seats, a passenger side rear map pocket, illuminated glove box, soft-touch door panels, auto-dimming rear view mirror, rain-sensing wipers, synthetic leather seats and 17-inch alloys.

The GT-Line further adds 18-inch alloys, LED projection headlights, unique synthetic leather two-tone trim, eight-way powered driver’s seat, a sunroof, a three-spoke (two-tone, heated) steering wheel, paddle shifters, ambient lighting, alloy sports pedals, a Harman Kardon eight-speaker audio system, ventilated front seats and a wireless charging pad.

The standard features list is solid without breaking new ground and some items like the wireless charging pad could be offered in lower grades.

Design – Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10

The Cerato is a nicely designed sedan and hatch and the exterior at least is ageing well. The new K4 adopts Kia’s latest design direction as already seen on facelifts like the Picanto and Sorento, as well as some electric models like the EV9 and EV5.

Being a sedan the K4 has a design advantage of being long and sleek, rather than boxy like an SUV. And Kia has enhanced those sedan proportions well with the K4. It adopts a fastback-like silhouette and is unlike any other small sedan.

Squared-off LED head and tail-lights reference that design language. It’s sleek yet edgy, low to the ground and modern. It all adds up to a successful and eye-catching exterior design.

  • 2025 Kia K4 S 2025 Kia K4 S
  • 2025 Kia K4 S 2025 Kia K4 S
  • 2025 Kia K4 S 2025 Kia K4 S

The interior benefits from a massive upgrade over the Cerato. Arguably the area in need of the biggest improvement, Kia has completely redesigned the cabin. It’s not a radical new direction, rather it is familiar to anyone who has seen or spent time in a current Kia model like the Sorento.

Twin 12.3-inch digital screens dominate the dash area (except in the base S) and the rest of the dash fascia has been simplified compared to the fussy look of the Cerato. A nicely designed square-ish two-spoke steering wheel also represents an improvement.

There’s nothing ground-breaking about the cabin design, but there is a focus on functionality with the pared-back look. 

  • 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line
  • 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line
  • 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line I Design 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line I Design

Lower grades feature hard plastics on the doors and other panels, while the Sport+ and GT-Line feature some soft-touch materials.

As a result of that, and the uninspiring looking cloth trim, those entry grades feel a little cheap. The materials seem hardy but if you are after a premium vibe, you'll need to shell out for the GT-Line.

That grade features synthetic leather two-tone (black and white) trim, a cool three-spoke two-tone steering wheel and alloy pedals which all help elevate the cabin over the other grades.

Practicality – How practical is its space and tech inside? 8/10

The K4 has some neat storage solutions, including a large tray in the centre console with two adjustable cupholders to accommodate bottles and cups of different sizes and shapes. The central bin is wide enough and the glove box will hold the vehicle manual and a few other items.

Big bottles will slide into the door cavity and there’s additional space down there for other items.

Sandwiched between the two 12.3-inch screens on all but the S grade is a 5.0-inch air conditioning/heating display, but the good news is Kia has maintained some buttons to control these functions. It’s a clever solution given that so many cars now house heating and ventilation functions awkwardly in the multimedia screen. 

  • 2025 Kia K4 S 2025 Kia K4 S
  • 2025 Kia K4 S 2025 Kia K4 S

While the cloth seats in the S and Sport don’t look like much, they make for comfortable and cushy, yet supportive seats. The synthetic leather seats in the GT-Line are a little firmer because of the material but still comfortable.

The driver display is clear and well laid out. The latest Kia multimedia set-up in the other screen is not as simple to use as the system in the Cerato, but familiarisation just comes with time. 

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are included across the range, but occasionally it will forget the CarPlay connection while maintaining the Bluetooth. You have to forget the device and reconnect.

This is not unique to the Kia K4 - this exact thing occurred in another Hyundai Group model recently, the Genesis GV70.

2025 Kia K4 GT-Line 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line

The K4 has grown in size compared with the Cerato and it’s now 70mm longer, 50mm wider, it sits 15mm lower and has a 20mm longer wheelbase. As a result, there is a 56mm increase in rear legroom and it is noticeable. 

The K4 is nudging mid-sized car territory and that is evident in the second row. However, the new roofline has reduced rear headroom by 5.0mm and with my 183cm (six-foot) frame sitting behind my driving position, my head just scraped the roofliner. Anyone under six feet likely won’t notice. 

  • 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line
  • 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line
  • 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line

The second row gets more occupant amenities than Cerato, too, with the inclusion of a pair of USB-C ports, map pockets on the rear seat backs (weirdly only on Sport+ and GT-Line), and lower rear air vents. This is great to see as so many small passenger cars and SUVs don’t have rear vents. 

The K4 has a massive boot and can swallow 508 litres of cargo, which is bigger than the last Aussie-built Holden Commodore large sedan. It’s also more space than the Toyota Corolla sedan (470L). 

If you lower the 60/40 split-fold rear seats it expands further. There is a temporary spare wheel under the boot floor.

Under the bonnet – What are the key stats for its engine and transmission? 7/10

For now, two powertrains are available with the K4 sedan. A hybrid is rumoured and will almost certainly be added down the track.

For now, all grades except the GT–Line feature Kia’s existing 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, delivering 112kW of power and 192Nm of torque. This drives the front wheels via a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

2025 Kia K4 GT-Line 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line

The GT-Line uses Hyundai Group’s 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with an eight-speed torque converter automatic.

With power and torque outputs of 142kW and 264Nm, it is down slightly compared with the outgoing GT’s 150kW/265Nm figures. 

Efficiency – What is its fuel consumption? What is its driving range? 6/10

The carryover 2.0-litre unit consumes 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined (urban/extra-urban) cycle - exactly the same figure as the Cerato - and emits 167g/km of CO2 in the process.

As a result of the lower power figures, the 1.6L GT-Line’s fuel consumption has improved by 0.2L to 6.7L/100km, while CO2 emissions sit at 158g/km.

Driving – What's it like to drive? 7/10

The K4 uses pretty much the same powertrains as the Cerato, but Kia has done a bang up job in making improvements to ensure it’s a much nicer drive experience. 

I spent the vast majority of time at the launch behind the wheel of 2.0-litre grades, specifically the Sport and Sport+. There were no examples of the base S to drive and the timing didn’t work for me to drive the GT-Line for very long. We will endeavor to arrange a review of this grade asap.

The power and torque figures of the 2.0L grades don’t exactly inspire confidence, and it is slow to pick up pace from a standing start.

2025 Kia K4 GT-Line 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line

But accelerating from 40km/h to higher speeds reveals a sweet spot, with the K4 offering a bit more kick than expected. It won’t blow your wig off but it is a competent, capable powertrain for daily city driving.

In saying that, it would be great if it had just a little more kick.

Steering in the 2.0L is light and direct and the six-speed transmission is relatively smooth shifting. 

2025 Kia K4 S 2025 Kia K4 S

Kia has put the K4 through its Australian ride and handling program that aims to tailor these elements to our unique road conditions. 

The result is a well sorted, comfortable ride in the 2.0L cars. Bumps are evened out and there’s no crashing over larger corrugations. The 17-inch wheels with big tyre sidewalls certainly help here. 

There’s fun to be had in the Sport and Sport+ on dynamic roads, too. It’s pretty flat when cornering with little roll and the sharp steering adds to the engagement. It is a surprisingly fun car to drive.

2025 Kia K4 S 2025 Kia K4 S

The big change is with noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels. Where the Cerato was unrefined and noisy, the K4 benefits from interior insulation and other sound-deadening measures to keep some noise out of the cabin. It’s not whisper quiet but the difference over the Cerato is huge. 

The GT-Line is the sportiest model grade and effectively replaces the GT. However this is no full-fat GT so Kia has softened it a little. 

The 1.6L is still revvy and the eight-speed transmission has a tendency to hold gears, but the engine sounds lovely when pushed.

2025 Kia K4 GT-Line 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line

It is quick off the mark but you’ll get a bit of torque steer if you accelerate hard from standing start. 

The GT-Line’s steering has a lot more heft to it than the 2.0L model grades.

Ride quality was the Cerato GT’s biggest flaw and the K4 GT-Line improves on that. It’s still firm and a little jiggly on average roads, but it’s no deal-breaker. Much more of a day to day drive than the old GT.

Safety – What safety equipment is fitted? What is its safety rating? 7/10

At the time of publishing the K4 has not received an ANCAP crash safety rating, but Kia expects this sometime in the second quarter of 2025.

The healthy standard safety list includes seven airbags, including a front centre airbag to help avoid front occupant injury in a side collision.

All K4s come standard with AEB, adaptive cruise (with stop-and-go), lane keep assist, lane follow assist, multi-collision braking, driver attention warning, intelligent speed limit assist and blind-spot collision assist.

A 'Safety Pack' is available on the S grade for $2100 that adds more interior tech as well as an expanded AEB system with junction turning and crossing and direct/oncoming lane change detection.

Sport, Sport+ and GT-Line grades feature Kia’s ‘Highway Driving Assist’, which uses adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, and the lane follow assist function to keep the car centred in the lane. 

It also comes with lane change assist which allows the K4 to change lanes autonomously, as long as required conditions are met.

On the road, the lane keeping system is well calibrated, but I had to turn off the driver attention alert as it is far too sensitive and beeps a lot.

The other Kia/Hyundai safety frustration is the overly sensitive and annoying speed limit alert. Thankfully this can be turned off in the K4 by holding down the volume button on the steering wheel. 

Ownership – What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs? 8/10

Kia led the market for years with its seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, but now the likes of MG have a 10-year term. But Kia’s offering is nothing to be sniffed at.

The service intervals for the 2.0L petrol are every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever occurs first, while the 1.6L turbo schedule is every 12 months or 10,000km.

Both powertrain grades come with seven years of capped-price servicing and the 2.0L services range in price from $303 to $667, but the total cost over that period is $3225. The 1.6L GT-Line will cost $3877 all up over seven years.

Note that these prices are tentative and may change, but only slightly.

There’s still a lot of love for the Cerato, and for good reason, but the K4 improves on its predecessor in virtually every area. 

Price is the only area the Cerato has it beat, but the addition of new in-car and safety tech, and the striking new design, makes the price increase easier to swallow.

The K4 is a far more refined offering than its predecessor, too. 

You’d struggle to call the K4 exceptional, but it is a solid, comfortable, spacious small car in a visually appealing package.

The K4 is a much more worthy competitor to the Corolla, Mazda3 and Hyundai i30 sedans than the Cerato was.

The pick of the range for now is the Sport+, but the expected hybrid could well be the most compelling grade, so watch this space. 

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

$30,590

Based on new car retail price

VIEW PRICING & SPECS

Daily driver score

3.7/5
Price Guide

$30,590

Based on new car retail price

Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.