Kia is gearing up to introduce a new estate version of its upcoming K4 model, which is set to compete with the Volkswagen Golf. The K4, a petrol-powered counterpart to the electric EV4, has already made its debut in global markets like the US in liftback and hatchback forms. While its European launch is yet to be confirmed, sightings of prototypes on European roads hint at a potential wider release.
The addition of an estate variant to the K4 lineup indicates Kia’s consideration of the European market, where mid-sized hatchbacks are popular. With estates being a favored choice among European buyers, the K4 estate could cater to a niche segment that is currently underserved in markets like the US.
Speculations suggest that the K4 estate might replace the aging Proceed shooting brake, which has been on the market for seven years. The Proceed, along with its Ceed and Xceed counterparts, collectively accounted for a significant portion of Kia’s sales in the UK last year. The K4 estate is expected to offer more space than the Proceed, potentially positioning it as a competitor to the Skoda Octavia Estate.
However, one potential hurdle for the K4’s European launch is its lack of electrified powertrains, which could make it challenging for Kia to meet EU CO2 emissions targets. In the US, the K4 is available with either a 147bhp 2.0-liter petrol engine or a 190bhp turbocharged unit. Kia has expressed its commitment to expanding its range of hybrid powertrains in response to a slowdown in electric car sales globally.
The introduction of hybrid powertrains across Kia’s lineup could pave the way for the K4’s European debut. With plans to introduce hybrid options for nine models within the next three years, Kia could potentially bring the K4 estate to European markets once these powertrains are available. Stay tuned for more updates on the K4’s potential arrival in Europe.
