Kia K4 GT-Line review

Up ahead

How much does a Kia K4 GT-Line cost?
What's the Kia K4 GT-Libe exterior design like?
What is the Kia K4 GT-Line like inside?
Is the Kia K4 GT-Line good to drive?
What safety features does a Kia K4 GT-Line have?
Should I buy a Kia K4 GT-Line?
Key stats for the Kia K4 GT-Line

How much does a Kia K4 GT-Line cost?

Available in four trimlines (S, Sport, Sport+ and GT-Line) and with a choice of two petrol engines, the Kia K4 launched initially in sedan-only form with a hatchback scheduled to join the range in late 2025.

Recommended retail pricing starts at $30,590 for the entry level K4 S, rising to $32,690 for the same model fitted with optional safety pack, on to $35,190 for the K4 Sport, $37,590 for the Sport+, and tops out at $42,990 for the K4 GT-Line.

That’s competitive pricing when compared with the Corolla sedan, which is available exclusively with a petrol-hybrid powertrain these days, but it’s a big jump of between $3500 and $6000 over the old Cerato.   

What's the Kia K4 GT-Line exterior design like?

The K4 certainly won’t be mistaken for the Cerato it replaces, with its sleek, fastback-style silhouette delivering a sportier look and with a lower roofline and beltline than its predecessor.

Elsewhere, the exterior façade showcases Kia’s latest design elements including vertical front headlamps and Daytime Running Light (DRL) located at the outer edges to accentuate the car’s wide stance.

Other notable design cues include flush second-row door handles integrated into the C-pillar, black wheel arch cladding, and a choice of wheel sizes ranging between 16- and 18-inch depending on the variant. 

Exterior changes specific to the GT-Line include a sports body kit with gloss black accents, sunroof, handsome 18-inch alloy wheels clad with lower-profile Hankook tyres, wheels, and projector LED headlights.

What is the Kia K4 GT-Line like inside?

Regardless of variant, the K4's longer wheelbase and expanded dimensions equate to better rear seat legroom than the old Cerato, as well as a slightly larger 508-litres (VDA) boot that pips that of the Corolla sedan.

Inside, the K4 looks fashionably hi-tech, with all models bar the entry level S variant boasting a trio of screens, comprising a 12.3-inch digital cluster, a dedicated 5.0-inch HVAC segment display and a separate 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen display. 

Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard, with the GT-Line adding a Qi wireless charging pad, ambient mood lighting, leather-effect steering wheel trim, eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio, and nicely sculpted leatherette-trimmed front seats with heating and cooling, plus a sunroof.

Is the Kia K4 GT-Line good to drive?

Engine choices in teh K4 range are limited to a 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder in S, Sport and Sport+ grades, or a more powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder in the top-grade GT-Line.

The 2.0L MPI engine is a well prove unit and sends 112kW/192Nm to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission, returning combined fuel consumption of 7.4L/100km.

It's a perfectly acceptable engine but those looking for a bit more verve will appreciate the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder that’s exclusive to the flagship GT-Line.

The trubo four-pot sends a more robust 142kW/264Nm to the front hoops via an eight-speed torque converter automatic. No only is it more powerful and responsive than the larger capacity 2.0-litre engine, but the 1.6L T-GDI unit returns superior combined cycle consumption of 6.7L/100km. 

In addition to its extra herbs and more generous fit out, the GT-Line further backs up its extra price with with improved handling courtesy of an independent multilink rear suspension, where all other variants use a less sophisticated torsion beam setup. 

Kia Australia has again been instrumental in finessing the suspension tune of the new K4 , with the result that the GT-Line shines dynamically. It’s not quite as focused as the old Cerato GT-Line but is still properly engaging on a decent stretch of tarmac, with accurate steering, good grip, disciplined body control and more forgiving ride quality than its overtly sporty predecessor. 

What safety features does a Kia K4 GT-Line have?

The K4 had not undergone ANCAP testing at the time of writing but its safety kit looks impressive across the range with all variants featuring seven airbags plus:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go
• Lane Keep Assist (LKA) & Lane Follow Assist (LFA)
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
• High Beam Assist (HBA)
• Highway Driving Assist (HDA 2) (Sport, Sport+, GT-Line).

The entry-level S trim does miss out on some of the more advanced ADAS kit of th eother variants but buyers can upgrade to the same level as higher grades with an optional Safety Pack. This bundled options pack costs $2100 but adds a second 12.3-inch instrument display and dedicated 5.0-inch HVAC interface, dual-zone climate control and an expanded AEB suite offering Junction Turning and Crossing and Direct/Oncoming Lane Change Detection functionality.

Sport, Sport+ and GT-Line versions also incorporate Kia’s latest Highway Driving Assist (HDA 2), which functions when driving on a freeway or motorway. HDA builds on adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, combining with Lane Following Assist (LFA) to keep K4 centered in its lane even when driving through a curve, while HDA 2 adds Lane Change Assist (LCA), allowing the K4 to autonomously change lanes when the required conditions are met.

Elsewhere, the K4 incorporates Kia Connect, a connected car service that uses telematics to transfer real time data, such as weather and traffic information, which Kia claims provides benefits in safety, security, convenience, and connectivity.

Over The Air (OTA) software updates are also available, bringing the latest maps, interfaces and software enhancements without having to visit a service centre.

Should I buy a Kia K4 GT-Line?

The Kia Cerato was a well established and well liked model in the Australian market, so many buyers will be dissappointed to see the nameplate dissapear. But as often happens in such situations, Kia Australia was 'urged' to bring its model and naming protocols into line with global markets.

The K4 is a more polished vehicle in practically every area than the Cerato, and a worthy replacement, even if it does come at a higher cost. It's a better looking and roomier vehicle, and comes with an up-to-the-minute suite of safety and other technologies.

It's a shame that the more powerful and efficient turbocharged engine and the independent rear suspension aren't available on other K4 variants because the combination makes for a significantly better driving experience, even if the turbo engine's service intervals are shorter and its servicing costs higher. 

While acknowleding that the step up in price to GT-Line trim will be a barrier to many customers, for those who can afford it, the more sophisticated rear end, superior drivetrain, better standard equipment and sportier looks makes the K4 GT-Line a no-brainer choice.

Key stats for the Kia K4 GT-Line

PRICE: $42,990 (MRLP)

WARRANTY: Seven-year/unlimited-kilometre

POWERTRAIN: 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder, eight-speed automatic, front-wheel drive (142kW/264Nm)

ANCAP CRASH RATING: Not rated

FUEL CONSUMPTION (CO2): 6.7L/100km (158g/km)

FOR: Nicely styled, airy and spacious interior, excellent safety and technology package, polished dynamics, strong performance, well equipped.

AGAINST: Steep price hikes over the Cerato, tyre noise on coarse surfaces, no ANCAP rating, space saver spare wheel, no 360-degree camera.

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