Kia's Golf Competitor Arrives in Europe Featuring an Unexpected Engine | Carscoops

      K4 hatch to debut in Europe this winter with options of 1.0 and 1.6-liter petrol engines

       10 hours ago

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

       written by Chris Chilton

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      Kia has announced that its K4 hatch, designed to compete with the Golf, will be available in Europe later this year.

      The vehicle, which replaces the Ceed, starts with a 114 hp, turbocharged 1.0-liter engine and goes up to a 178 hp 1.6-liter option.

      The UK will not receive the sedan variant that is available alongside the hatch in the US.

      Kia issued a challenge to the VW Golf this week by revealing that its striking K4 hatch will reach European dealerships by the end of this year. This model, which is the successor to the Ceed, is manufactured in Mexico, where K4s destined for the US are also assembled. However, while America gets both sedan and hatch body styles, only the hatch will be offered in Europe.

      Additionally, there are significant distinctions between the K4 hatchbacks for the US market and those for Europe. The base US models come with a traditional naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter inline-four engine, while the European version has a smaller 1.0-liter engine.

      Different Starting Points

      

      

      

      

      The US-market 2.0 K4 produces 147 hp (150 PS), whereas the 1.0-liter unit in Europe delivers just 113 hp (115 PS), irrespective of the mild-hybrid option. While the US engine pairs solely with a CVT, the European version is coupled with a six-speed manual, with a seven-speed DCT available as an option on the MHEV.

      In higher trim levels, there is greater similarity between the two markets. European customers can choose the same 1.6-liter turbocharged engine as their US counterparts, available in 148 hp (150 PS) and 178 hp (180 PS) configurations, unlike the sole 190 hp (193 PS) version offered in America. Regrettably for fans of manual transmissions, both options in Europe are only offered with a DCT. A full hybrid variant will be introduced in 2026.

      Space Matters

      With a wheelbase of 2,720 mm (107.1 inches)—100 mm (3.9 inches) longer than that of the Mk8.5 VW Golf—it's no surprise that Kia claims the K4 provides class-leading rear legroom. It also surpasses the Golf in trunk space, unless the mild-hybrid version is chosen. The non-mild-hybrid K4 offers 438 liters (15.5 cu-ft) compared to the Golf's 381 liters (13.5 cu-ft), but the MHEV system significantly reduces cargo capacity to 328 liters (11.6 cu-ft).

      Inside, drivers can enjoy Kia’s well-known panoramic display, which includes a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 5.3-inch climate control display, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Standard features on all models include wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an AI voice assistant, while higher trims offer a wireless phone charger and an option for a Harman Kardon audio system for audiophiles.

      

      

      Price Positioning

      Kia has yet to announce the prices for the K4 in the UK or Europe, but it's anticipated that they will either match or slightly undercut the Golf, which starts at £28,150 for a 1.5-liter Life version that produces the same power as the 1.0-liter K4. Though we like the VW, the Kia presents a more thrilling design both inside and out, and we can foresee a decline in Golf sales upon the K4's release. Which one would you choose?

      

      

      

      

      

      Kia