RIDE-CT – Classic Cars Celebrating Classic Cars in Connecticut
EASR HADDAM, CT – There’s a simple reason why the new Kia K4 is selling as fast as its GT-Line emblem implies. It’s affordable.
There’s obviously an affordability crisis in today’s new car market – comprised primarily of trucks and crossovers with average purchase prices approaching $50,000 – which is one of the sparks that’s fueled the K4’s immediate success.
This new addition is a more cost-effective car. It’s a disappearing breed among the herd out there in the wilds of today’s autodom. Because they cost less to build than utility vehicles, and therefore deliver lower profits, they’re not that popular within corporate marketing plans and buyers have been conditioned to ignore them in favor of something trendier.
The K4 replaces what was a long-in-the-tooth Forte sedan, a model known to be a reliable workhorse that flew under the radar. It does so with an emotional sense of cutting-edge style that is not only easy on the eyes but likewise projects an upscale aura.
Even though you might only be spending $28,345 (total delivered price) for the soft gray “Morning Haze” GT that I drove, Kia has ensured that it’s something to be proud of, instead of having to apologize for. Pricing starts at $21,990.
“By juxtaposing the K4’s fastback roofline and wide stance, we split the difference visually between the compact and midsize segments,” said Tom Kearns, chief designer of Kia Design Center America. “The creative tension that the ‘Opposites United’ design language stresses allowed us to improvise on the traditional three-box [sedan] form factor.” Opposites United is Kia-speak for the company’s latest award-winning design direction.
From the onset, the K4 quest did not pinch pennies. It includes a meaningful 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as opposed to a marginal tiny tike. It responsibly gets the job done at a 147 horsepower, though it’s obviously not a barn burner. A 1.6-liter Turbo is optionally available with 190 patient ponies waiting to pounce for those looking for more go than show.
The GT-Line, which normally signifies grand touring, brings a whole host of further value and refinement into the equation. Included are 18-inch wheels, Sport-Tuned Multi-Link Rear Suspension, heated and ventilated SynTex leather-like upholstery and a Harman/Kardon Premium Audio System.
The end result is a car that runs down the road with confidence and capability that overdrives its entry level expectations. Being smaller and lighter than a utility, it’s also nimble and fun to drive. No, it’s not a spritely BMW. But it isn’t a fuel swilling behemoth, either.
The K4 is comfortable and compliant. The cabin is roomy and spacious for a compact with rich accommodation. It’s only available currently as a four-door sedan but a five-door hatchback is in the works. Material quality is certainly well above bottom-line, and a responsible combination of manual control and electronic interface is included. It’s pretty quiet on the inside, too.
In keeping with its established Korean commitment, the Kia K4 comes standard with America’s Best Warranty with 10 Year/100,000 Mile Limited Powertrain protection. Throughout that duration, it will also average a conscientious 34 mpg (31 mpg with the 1.6 Turbo).
Kia sales have surged 14 percent year-to-date, while the snazzy K4 is up five percent, and for good reason. Considering that new car loans are now routinely six to seven years, and monthly payments can easily be on the order of $750 per month or more, the Kia K4 is an answer to today’s affordability dilemma.
Because it looks good and pleasantly delivers more than anticipated and at an entry level price, the K4 is one of those rare commodities today – a car.
(Photos unless otherwise noted are courtesy of Kia.)
