Kia has confirmed its K4 family hatchback will launch in the UK and Europe later this year, squaring up to the Volkswagen Golf.

The striking-looking hatchback indirectly replaces the Ceed and targets drivers not ready to go fully electric

Unveiled at the 2025 New York Auto Show, the striking-looking hatchback is an indirect replacement to the recently axed Ceed and designed to straddle the C- and D-segments, as with the Škoda Octavia.

Kia says the new model is “designed to meet the demands of modern drivers, offering plenty of interior space, premium features and advanced technologies”.

It’s also positioned to support customers “who are not yet ready for fully electric vehicles”, aligning with Kia’s commitment to offering customers a diverse range of propulsion options.

Engine options start with a 115hp 1.0-litre T-GDi petrol engine with a six-speed manual transmission; also available as a mild hybrid version paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Sitting above this is a 1.6-litre T-GDi petrol engine with either 150 or 180hp and solely available with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

A full hybrid option, likely to prove popular with fleets, will arrive in 2026.

However, the UK and Europe are not likely to get the Kia K4 saloon already on sale in other markets.

Design is based on Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy and features a bold look that includes a floating roofline, Star Map Signature Lighting inspired by the EV9, rear hidden door handles integrated into the C-pillar, and an exclusive Sparkling Yellow exterior colour.

GT-Line versions will amplify the sporty looks with a three-spoke steering wheel, paddle shifters, 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels, gloss black mirror caps, side sills and wheel arch mouldings.

Kia also promises class-leading legroom and boot space for “comfort without compromise”. Rear seat passengers get 964mm of legroom and 973mm of headroom, while the boot comes with up to 438 litres of cargo space with the rear seats upright.

Equipment focuses on a “premium connected car experience” with 12.3-inch dual panoramic displays and a 5.3-inch climate display, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen. Kia’s Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (CCNC), seen in the new EV4 and EV5, unites navigation, multimedia and vehicle settings control into a single interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all trims with a wireless phone charger available in higher trims.

Drivers can use compatible smartphones as virtual keys with the Digital Key 2 and also have access to an array of digital tools, such as over-the-air (OTA) updates, music streaming, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability, through Kia Connect along with an AI-powered voice assistant

A Harman Kardon premium audio system will also be available, along with bio-based artificial leather upholstery.

Advanced driver assistance technologies include Blind-Spot View Monitor, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Highway Driving Assist 2.0, Smart Cruise Control 2, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. Additionally, the Surround View Monitor employs multiple cameras positioned around the car to create a composite, 360-degree view displayed on the infotainment screen.

The K4 will be produced at the company’s new plant in Mexico, with models expected to arrive in European showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2025. Full pricing and specifications will be announced closer to its on-sale date.