The Kia EV4 Fastback aims to compete with the Tesla Model 3 in the EV market. This article explores the car's design, features, and performance, including its focus on a lower driving position and streamlined aerodynamics. Key aspects include its 81.4kWh battery, 201bhp motor, and a range claim of 380 miles, offering an alternative to those seeking a hatchback or saloon EV.
This is the Kia EV4 and it’s another key step in the South Korean manufacturer’s quest to cover just about every base in the EV market. SUVs are well taken care of with theto name a couple, but Kia’s now taking aim at the section of new car buyers that like the idea of a good old-fashioned hatchback and saloon.
. Here, we’re trying out the latter, officially called the Fastback. Can Kia really take the fight to Tesla? Keep reading to find out. so there’s plenty of likenesses under the skin. It also has the same 400V electrical system as the EV3, while more expensive models like the EV6 get the beefier 800V tech. That means you’ve got a very similar interior to the EV3 , with the primary differences being the driving position sitting 40mm lower for a sportier feel. In fact, the highest point of the car is 90mm lower than the EV3. Kia’s clearly keen to tap into the market of car buyers that prefer not to make the switch to a taller SUV. Versus the EV4 hatchback, the Fastback is 300mm longer and 5mm lower with the difference in length coming from the rear overhang needed for the swooping roofline and ‘long-tail’ side profile. Kia is also keen to highlight the slipperiness of the EV4 with a drag coefficient of 0.23CD. 82.5% of the car’s underside is covered, this boosting the streamlined shape. What’s more, Active Air Flaps in the front bumper automatically open or close in order to maximise cooling efficiency or aerodynamic performance.The EV4 Fastback is available with two trim levels and a single battery/motor combination. Namely, an 81.4kWh unit feeding a single motor on the front axle that delivers 201bhp and 209lb ft of torque. Bearing in mind the 1.9-tonne kerb weight, that means 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 105mph. Claimed range, meanwhile, is 380 miles with recharging speeds capped at a fairly average 135kW because of the 400V architecture. That means a 10-80% refill from an appropriate fast charger should take 31 minutes, with an 11kW AC charger taking 7hrs 15 minutes. Standard equipment on the GT-Line model is impressive and features heated front seats and steering wheel, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, wireless smartphone charging, a triple-screen dash layout , wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus a vast suite of safety tech. This includes blindspot monitoring, highway driving assist 2.0 and safe exit warning. Meanwhile, top-spec GT-Line S models get a front sunroof, heated outer rear seats, heated and ventilated front seats, memory function seats for the driver, an electronic tailgate, a 3-pin plug in the rear and 360-degree parking camera, plus more.Kia’s tried to give the EV4 a little more of a sporty flavour than the EV3, hence the lower seating position. And although some may scoff – it is moderately powered electric hatch after all – there is an enjoyable car under the skin. Put the drive mode in Sport and the accelerator response improves noticeably giving the car a lighter, more enthusiastic feel. It’s not going to set any Nürburgring lap records but the eagerness of the chassis and general feel from the key controls is a welcome surprise. The hatchback comes on specifically designed Michelins, whereas the Fastback we were driving used Goodyears. Tyre squeal was plentiful, but it hung on well and body roll was nicely controlled. Crucially, however, the everyday driving manners are second-to-none. Our GT-Line model rode well across broken tarmac, while refinement levels were also polished. In short, it feels like an EV3 with everything just a little better – no doubt the lower centre of gravity contributes heavily to this. As for performance, it’s hard to argue that the Model 3 is significantly ahead. It’s rear-wheel drive for better balance, plus even the basic car delivers more power and a far superior 0-62mph time. Acceleration on the EV4 is just about enough for the car’s intended purpose, plus if you do want more power a twin-motor version and even a hot GT model is on the way.Really very similar to an EV3. That means very well built and screwed together with plenty of luxurious touches , but also no shortage of technology and functionality. The three-screen layout obviously forms a large part of the fascia, but below that there’s still the pleasing inclusion of physical climate control dials and shortcut buttons. However, like in other Kias, the climate control touchscreen is controversial in that, from some driving positions, the driver’s view of it is blocked by the steering wheel. Not the end of the world, but ergonomically less than ideal. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes as standard – plus wireless phone charging is included on GT-Line – while the built-in Kia infotainment system is fast and responsive with decent graphics. Kia’s AI Assistant also features and uses ChatGPT to recommend restaurants, music and even tell jokes. We tried it a number of times and the jokes, while varying degrees of quality, were at least different every time. Also worth highlighting are the bespoke entertainment settings that make their debut on the EV4 Hatchback and Fastback. Rest mode uses the climate control and ambient lighting to put the cabin in the best state for catching forty winks, while Theatre mode utilises the Netflix, Disney+ and YouTube functionality on the centre screen to turn the car into the ideal movie theatre.It’s worth thinking carefully about whether you need the Fastback over the Hatchback. The latter has slightly better headroom in the rear and while the boot is smaller on paper the larger opening means that the space is, arguably, more useable. Note that neither bodystyle has a frunk for additional storage. It’s also worth bearing in mind that the hatchback starts at £34,695 vs the Fastback at £40,895. That’s largely because the former is available with the smaller 58.3kWh battery and the base level Air trim, neither of which you can get with the Fastback model.Kia’s first-ever all-electric saloon has some seriously stiff competition in the form of the Tesla Model 3, yet it’s not inconceivable to see it stealing sales away from the super- It falls down on performance and charging speed, but the EV4s cabin, overall drive, rear-seat space, range and seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty point to a genuine Tesla rival. That said, if the saloon body style isn’t a necessity, the cheaper EV4 hatchback is the better overall bet. James heads up our automotive video activities in the UK and is responsible for video on CAR magazine. Usually found in front of camera, he is also an amateur race driver and has tested most of the supercars that matter over the last few years. James also contributes reviews, videos, news and advice across our sister website Parkers.co.uk.
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