Kia EV4 is now firmly established in the UK electric car market, bringing a lower-slung alternative to the brand’s growing range of electric SUVs.
Available as both a five-door hatchback and a Fastback, the EV4 combines distinctive styling with a choice of battery sizes, a claimed range of up to 388 miles and a strong focus on technology and practicality. It also undercuts many premium electric alternatives on price, with the range currently starting from £30,995 including the Electric Car Grant.
The car is designed to appeal to drivers who want an electric vehicle that is practical enough for everyday use without following the increasingly common SUV formula.
So, what does Kia’s latest electric model offer, and is it a serious rival to other electric hatchbacks and saloons?
The Kia EV4 is available with two battery options in the UK: a 58.3kWh battery and a larger 81.4kWh battery.
Both versions use a single front-mounted electric motor producing 201bhp and 283Nm of torque. The motor is paired with a single-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
Performance varies slightly depending on the battery and specification.
The 58.3kWh version can accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds, while the 81.4kWh Air takes 7.7 seconds. Higher-specification versions with larger wheels take around 7.9 seconds. Top speed is 105mph.
Where the EV4 really stands out is its potential range.
The 58.3kWh Air has a combined WLTP range of 273 miles, while the 81.4kWh Air can travel up to 388 miles on a full charge. Higher-specification versions with larger wheels have lower official figures, with the GT-Line rated at up to 362 miles.
That makes the long-range version particularly interesting for drivers who regularly cover longer distances.
As with any electric car, real-world range will vary depending on driving style, temperature, speed, road conditions and use of heating or air conditioning.
The EV4 is designed to support both home and rapid public charging.
The car has an 11kW AC onboard charger, making overnight charging at home or at suitable public AC chargers practical. Kia quotes around 5 hours 20 minutes for a 10-100% charge on the 81.4kWh model using an appropriate 11kW connection.
For longer journeys, DC rapid charging is more important.
Kia quotes around 29 minutes for a 10-80% charge on the 58.3kWh version and around 31 minutes for the 81.4kWh model when using a sufficiently powerful DC charger.
That isn’t as rapid as some of Kia’s 800V models such as the EV6, but it should still make the car practical for longer trips when using the UK rapid-charging network.
If you’re considering an EV for the first time, our guide on whether you should buy a used electric car also covers some of the key advantages and disadvantages of electric ownership.
The EV4 takes a very different approach to the company’s increasingly SUV-heavy electric range.
The five-door hatchback has a relatively low-slung profile, while the Fastback version stretches the body and gives the car a more distinctive four-door silhouette.
Kia describes the EV4 as part of its C-segment electric range, combining compact dimensions with an emphasis on space and efficiency.
The design also helps differentiate the model from more conventional electric hatchbacks.
Rather than simply making another compact SUV, Kia has opted for a car that sits closer to the road while retaining plenty of everyday practicality.
Inside, the EV4 follows the brand’s latest approach to infotainment and digital displays.
The dashboard incorporates a 12.3-inch digital driver display, a 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation system and a separate 5.3-inch climate-control display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available.
Higher-specification models can be equipped with an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, a head-up display, wireless smartphone charging and additional comfort features.
The car also includes features such as over-the-air software updates and Kia Connect services.
On selected versions, Theatre Mode and Rest Mode are available. Rest Mode allows the front seats to be positioned for relaxation, while Theatre Mode is designed around the car’s entertainment features.
Kia has also expanded its connected entertainment features across its newer electric models, allowing compatible vehicles to access services such as Netflix and YouTube through its connected technology.
Practicality is another important part of the car’s appeal.
The standard five-door model has a 435-litre luggage compartment, while the Fastback increases this to 490 litres.
That gives the Fastback a surprisingly useful boot for a car with such a sleek profile.
The five-door hatchback should also prove more convenient for drivers who regularly need to load larger items or make use of the rear seats.
For buyers who want an electric car for everyday family use, the EV4 therefore offers a useful balance between efficiency, styling and practicality.
The EV4 comes with a comprehensive range of driver assistance and safety technology.
Depending on specification, features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, parking sensors and a rear-view camera. Higher-specification versions add equipment such as a 360-degree surround-view monitor and a head-up display.
Kia’s Highway Driving Assist is designed to help with tasks such as maintaining a set speed and keeping the vehicle positioned within its lane.
As always, these systems are driver assistance features rather than a replacement for an attentive driver.
UK pricing has now been confirmed, and the EV4 is considerably more affordable than the original estimates suggested.
The range starts at £34,745 on-the-road for the 58.3kWh Air SR. With the £3,750 Electric Car Grant contribution, the advertised starting price is £30,995 for eligible buyers.
The 81.4kWh Air starts at £36,995 on-the-road, while GT-Line models start at £39,445.
The Motion starts from £40,495 on-the-road, with the GT-Line S starting at £43,945. Fastback versions start from £40,945 for the GT-Line and £45,445 for the GT-Line S.
That gives the range a wide price spread depending on battery, body style and equipment.
It’s worth remembering that manufacturer pricing and government grant eligibility can change, so buyers should check the latest figures before ordering.
You can see the latest Kia EV4 specifications and pricing directly from Kia UK.
The EV4 enters a competitive part of the electric car market.
Depending on specification, potential alternatives include cars such as the Volkswagen ID.3, Tesla Model 3 and other compact electric hatchbacks and saloons.
The Kia has a particularly strong argument when it comes to range. An 81.4kWh Air can officially manage up to 388 miles, although choosing a higher trim with larger wheels reduces the official figure.
Its combination of range, equipment and Kia’s seven-year/100,000-mile warranty could also make it attractive to buyers who want the reassurance of a longer manufacturer warranty.
The car is also unusual because it offers both hatchback and Fastback body styles, giving buyers more choice without moving into the SUV segment.
The EV4 has developed into one of the more interesting alternatives to the increasingly crowded electric SUV market.
Its strongest points are its long-range 81.4kWh version, practical hatchback body, distinctive Fastback option, extensive technology and competitive pricing.
The entry-level 58.3kWh version is particularly interesting for buyers who don’t need nearly 400 miles of range and want to keep the purchase price lower.
Meanwhile, the long-range version could appeal to drivers who regularly undertake longer journeys and want to minimise charging stops.
The fact that Kia offers the model in two body styles also gives it an advantage over some rivals that focus on a single format.
If you’re considering an electric vehicle but don’t necessarily want to buy new, you can browse our range of used cars for sale on MotorHype.
Buying a used EV can provide access to lower purchase prices, while our guide on whether you should buy a used electric car explains some of the things worth considering before making a decision.
The Kia EV4 is no longer simply a promising new electric car waiting to arrive in the UK. It is now an established part of Kia’s UK EV line-up, with confirmed pricing, specifications and two distinct body styles.
The long-range version can officially cover up to 388 miles under WLTP testing, while the entry-level 58.3kWh version offers 273 miles and a lower starting price.
With 201bhp, plenty of technology, useful boot space and a choice between hatchback and Fastback designs, the EV4 offers a convincing alternative to buyers who don’t necessarily want an electric SUV.
For anyone considering an electric car, the Kia EV4 is certainly worth having on the shortlist.
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