The Kia K4 – the replacement to the current Cerato sedan – has been unveiled in the US, combining a number of the brand’s distinctive design elements in an all-new model.
Revealed a week before the New York motor show, the Kia K4 adopts the familiar ‘tiger face’ styling, with a number of its exterior elements seemingly inspired by the EV9 electric SUV – such as the vertical LED headlights and daytime running lights.
CarExpert understands it will arrive here before the end of 2024.
The side profile of the K4 is similar to the now-defunct Stinger, with more of a fastback roofline than the traditional three-box Cerato sedan it replaces.
At the rear, there’s a similarly shaped LED light signature to the front, while a new diffuser design is finished in silver. It also appears Kia’s recent obsession with diamond-cut wheel faces shows no signs of slowing down.
Inside, there are more design elements inspired by Kia’s electric lineup, such as a squared-off steering wheel, as well a combined dual-screen panel which incorporates both the digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen.
Like the EV9, there’s a row of physical buttons below the infotainment screen and above the centre front air vents, as well as a pair of USB-C ports in front of the shifter.
While the interior pictured is shown in Slate Green, Kia says there will also be Medium Gray, Canyon Brown and Onyx Black colourways and an array of different trims and materials.
Drivetrain details are yet to be confirmed, though it’s expected that the engine lineup will be announced at the New York motor show next week.
Kia Australia has remained tight-lipped about whether the K4 will come to local showrooms as a replacement for the Cerato, however the local CEO Damien Meredith has previously told CarExpert the small car segment is an important market for the brand.
“I think our small passenger cars – Picanto, Rio, Cerato – formed the foundation for our growth,” said Mr Meredith.
“[The small passenger car segment has] been really important to us, and specifically Picanto and Cerato will continue to be important to us.
“We are pretty confident that the Cerato and Picanto will continue to sell reasonably well over a long period of time.
“They’re one of our great strengths. Where other manufacturers deserted [the small car] segment, we kept on going in those areas.”
Recent images of a camouflaged Kia K4 testing on local roads (above) have also pointed towards the model being sold locally.
However, the Cerato badge may not remain, after Kia’s global CEO Ho-Sung Song said last year the brand will move towards ‘K’ names for its worldwide passenger vehicle range.
More information about the Kia K4 will be announced later this month.
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