Kia just announced its new compact sedan and Forte replacement, the head-turning K4, which comes as a bit of a surprise given that crossovers are the current hot topic. What’s even more surprising was the quick preview of a five door K4 hatchback during Kia’s press conference, which was confirmed to be coming to the United States despite other companies pulling the plug on hatchbacks in the U.S., ahem, Volkswagen.
Where Kia released full specifications for the new K4 sedan, it hasn’t confirmed any details on the K4 five door hatchback. The sedan showcases a dramatic new design for the compact, and pulls it in line with the brand’s EV9 flagship SUV, and the styling makes the car look larger that it is, at least in pictures. The hatchback looks more like a small crossover with its squared-off back end styling, plastic cladding and floating roof design, which is likely intentional to attract a wider spectrum of buyers.
During the press conference, Kia’s Executive Vice President and Global Head of Design Karim Habib said that the K4 hatchback is, “a practical vehicle that is aimed at a dynamic and urban lifestyle. The five-door shares the same front and rear design, as well as the smooth elegance of the sedan.” Motor1 confirmed that the K4 hatchback will arrive in the U.S. “at a later date.”
It’s reasonable to expect the K4 hatchback to offer the same powertrains and features as the sedan, which means the base engine is likely to be the same 2.0-liter I4 producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque as both the outgoing Forte sedan and the new K4 sedan. Kia announced that the Forte’s turbocharged 1.6-liter engine will also be available on the new K4 sedan, though it will produce slightly less torque than it did in the Forte, down 11 to 190 lb-ft, but the same 201 horsepower. If history repeats itself, the hatchback will also be available with both engine options, though Kia hasn’t announced any final details about the hatchback.
Kia says the K4 should be available in the latter half of 2024, but it’s likely that the hatchback will arrive slightly later. We’ll keep you posted with any updates on this handsome little hatch.