Pros
    • Sweet local ride and handling tune
    • Massive tech bump over the Cerato
    • Above average space and practicality
    Cons
    • Carryover powertrains are just adequate
    • Some weird spec choices and omissions
    • GT-Line gets noisy over rough roads

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    The Kia Cerato is dead – long live the K4.

    After 20 years and more than 200,000 sales in Australia, Kia’s popular small car nameplate is being retired as the Korean auto brand switches to a global naming structure to better unify its models across the globe.

    Thus, it’s introducing the 2025 Kia K4. Effectively the direct replacement for the Cerato – which was known as the K3 and Forte in overseas markets – the K4 is a new global model that moves to a new platform and features the brand’s latest technology developments.

    Design-wise it’s also a big departure from its predecessor, boasting a more angular look inspired by Kia’s latest electrified models, and the bigger sedan version that arrives here first is nearing the footprint of a Toyota Camry.

    Hatchbacks tend to be more popular in this segment in Australia, however, and Kia has confirmed the new K4 Hatch will be released here during the latter stages of 2025. A hybrid-powered version, while not revealed anywhere in the world, is expected to launch at some point this year too.

    WATCH: James Wong’s first drive review of the 2025 Kia K4 GT-Line

    For now, the K4 launches as a sedan-only and petrol-only proposition, with sharp drive-away pricing to pick up where the Cerato left off. Kia reckons the top-spec GT-Line will be the sales favourite, but there’s goodness lower down, too.

    Is it a fitting successor to its pivotal and popular predecessor? We joined the Australian media launch in Melbourne to find out.

    How does the Kia K4 compare?
    View a detailed breakdown of the Kia K4 against similarly sized vehicles.

    How much does the Kia K4 cost?

    Kia’s initial announcement for the new K4 detailed a starting price of $30,590 plus on-road costs, but since then the company has confirmed national drive-away pricing kicking off from $32,990 drive-away.

    ModelPrice before on-road costsDrive-away price
    2025 Kia K4 S$30,590$32,990
    2025 Kia K4 S w/ Safety Pack$32,690$34,990
    2025 Kia K4 Sport$35,190$37,990
    2025 Kia K4 Sport+$37,590$40,990
    2025 Kia K4 GT-Line$42,990$46,990

    While that’s anywhere between $3000-$6000 more than the equivalent Cerato depending on the variant, the K4 brings a number of equipment and tech upgrades for each of them, and it remains one of the cheaper vehicles in segment – particularly at the lower end.

    Furthermore, it’s pretty much lineball with the related Hyundai i30 Sedan in terms of drive-away pricing, despite the Kia running a newer tech suite and feature set.

    To see how the K4 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

    Want a deal on a new Kia K4?
    Find me a deal

    What is the Kia K4 like on the inside?

    This is a marked change from the Cerato, and in most ways it’s for the better.

    It’s even more pared back and minimalist in its design, maximising the perception of space. The tablet-style displays are nicked straight out of Kia’s more expensive models, as is the general layout of the switchgear.

    Perceived build quality might depend on which version you’re in, as the base S and midrange Sport grades get hard plastics across the dashboard and doors while the premium Sport+ and flagship GT-Line variants get padded surfaces. And only the top-shelf GT-Line gets ‘premium’ leather-effect steering wheel trim – c’mon Kia, why is this not standard across the range?

    The cloth-trimmed seats of the entry variant are hardy and comfortable, while the leatherette trim with contrast white elements in the GT-Line is supple and smooth, doing a good job at imitating the real thing. That said, this new K4 isn’t challenging a Mazda 3 for ambience.

    In the top-spec grade the front pews are heated and ventilated, and the driver’s seat also receives eight ways of power adjustment and two-position memory – shame it’s reserved for the $47,000 flagship, then. We also heard a whiny fan from the driver’s seat for a short while, though it eventually went away.

    Kia issued the following statement regarding the seat fan following our loan: “A small piece of seat cushion material had entered the fan ducting during the seat assembly which was intermittently touching the fan causing the noise. The piece has been removed resolving the issue and the findings will be reported to the factory”.

    The open-plan style layout of the front cabin makes it feel airy and spacious for a low-slung sedan, and there’s good outward visibility thanks to the generous glasshouse and big mirrors – though the thick, sloping rear pillar makes the standard blind-spot assist a welcome inclusion.

    Storage is good thanks to the modular centre console with moving cupholders and the shelf under the centre stack housing the wireless phone charger in higher grades, meaning there are plenty of nooks and crannies to store your odds and ends.

    Kia has done well to fit the high-grade infotainment display as standard from base level, with the Safety Pack on the S adding the additional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and digitised climate control panel. Basically, you can have the brand’s flagship tech in its entry-level car.

    The base car misses out on native satellite navigation, but is otherwise decked out with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ radio, and Kia Connect services. As you’d expect, it’s snappy and easy to use – especially at the entry level when you compare it to the at-times-underbaked interfaces of Chinese rivals.

    In the second row, there’s good leg and knee room for the segment, given the K4’s longer 2720mm wheelbase. The sloping roofline eats into headroom a bit if you’re above my 6’1″ height, however.

    The wide and flat bench means you can squeeze three across for short trips, and you have amenities like directional rear air vents and USB-C power outlets from base level.

    Adding to the rear amenities is a fold-down rear centre armrest with cupholders across the range, and you can also fold down the rear seats to open up the boot to stow longer items should you need.

    Rounding out the rear seating specs are ISOFIX child seat anchors on the outboard seats and top-tether points across all three rear chairs. Base grades don’t get map pockets on the front seat backs.

    Under the rear lid is a sizeable 508-litre boot, marking an increase of about 5L over the old Cerato Sedan.

    There’s no full-size spare wheel under the boot floor, as all models come with a temporary space-saver spare wheel.

    DimensionsKia K4 Sedan
    Length4710mm
    Width1850mm
    Height1425mm
    Wheelbase2720mm
    Cargo capacity508 litres – VDA

    To see how the K4 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

    What’s under the bonnet?

    A pair of four-cylinder petrol engines power the K4 range from launch. It’s expected a hybrid version will join the lineup in the near future as well – though this hasn’t even been revealed globally as yet.

    Specifications2.0 MPI1.6 T-GDI
    Engine2.0L 4cyl petrol1.6L 4cyl turbo-petrol
    Power112kW at 6200rpm142kW at 6000rpm
    Torque192Nm at 4000rpm265Nm at 1700-4500rpm
    Transmission6-speed auto8-speed auto
    Drive typeFront-wheel driveFront-wheel drive
    Weight1355kg – tare1433kg – tare
    Fuel economy (claimed)7.4L/100km6.7L/100km
    Fuel tank capacity47 litres47 litres
    Fuel requirement91 octane regular unleaded91 octane regular unleaded
    CO2 emissions167g/km158g/km
    Emissions standardEuro 5Euro 5
    Braked tow capacity1100kg1100kg
    Max towball download75kg75kg

    It’s worth noting the North American version scores a slightly different base drivetrain, which trades out the six-speed slush ‘box for Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), which is currently found here in the Seltos small SUV.

    Further, it’s unclear whether the European version – likely to be detailed later this year – will unlock further powertrain diversity such as 48V mild-hybrid or even plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options as well.

    Local models also go without fuel-saving technologies like idle stop/start.

    To see how the K4 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

    How does the Kia K4 drive?

    It may seem like a largely carryover job on paper, but the K4 is a solid evolution over the already competent Cerato.

    As with its predecessor and all of Kia’s current range, the K4 has been subjected to an extensive local ride and handling program, meaning the new Kia small car’s chassis (suspension and steering) has been extensively tested and tuned for local conditions.

    It feels that way behind the wheel, too, on both the standard torsion beam rear suspension of 2.0-litre models, as well as the more sophisticated multilink setup on the turbocharged GT-Line.

    Kia’s local development team says it tried to strike a more neutral balance with the K4 rather than the more dynamic or sporty calibrations of some of its previous efforts, and benchmarked the latest Honda Civic e:HEV and Volkswagen Golf R-Line. It’s all the better for it.

    We started in the GT-Line, and despite riding on the largest 18-inch alloys and lower-profile 235/40 Hankook rubber, it had a European flavour with impressive compliance and body control while still feeling connected and athletic.

    The K4 GT-Line may be a touch firm over sharper, higher frequency imperfections, but it’s nowhere near as harsh or unrefined as the old Cerato GT could be. Perhaps more impressive is the base model.

    While the powertrains are largely carryover, the GT-Line’s slightly less powerful 1.6 T-GDI is now equipped with an eight-speed torque converter auto in place of the old GT’s seven-speed dual-clutch auto. As we’ve experienced in the Seltos and Kona, it’s a much smoother if less engaging performer.

    Following an initial stint out of the Melbourne CBD to the Yarra Valley in the GT-Line, which included everything from city streets to freeways and winding B-roads, I drove the base S with Safety Pack through the winding roads in the Toolangi Forest.

    The carryover 2.0-litre petrol motor doesn’t offer a lot of grunt, but it feels a touch sharper in response than it did in the Cerato, and the six-speed auto’s calibration also feels less slurry in its shifting. But on small 16-inch alloys and chubbier 225/55 tyres, it was impressively capable both up and down the mountain.

    There’s a saying that it’s more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow, and that’s the case here. Dynamically, the entry-level package is a peach, and while the base powertrain is far from fast, or even peppy, you can actually explore more of its potential on public roads legally.

    I even flicked the chunky T-bar shifter into manual mode and did some shifting like an old-school tiptronic auto, as paddle shifters are reserved for the GT-Line. Neither are the last word in response, but it’s still a bit of fun.

    The steering feel is fluid and accurate, though a little lighter in weight. There are Eco, Normal and Sport modes which tailor the steering feedback and throttle response, but even in the normal setting this is a really nice steer which balances comfort, response and feedback rather nicely.

    Its low and wide stance also minimises body roll in corners, with that more neutral tuning allowing for predictable and natural lean while also maintaining that slight dynamic bent.

    Now before you ask if there’s a full-fat K4 GT in the pipeline to build on these foundations, don’t hold your breath. Kia Australia confirmed there are “no plans” for a K4 GT, leaving the GT-Line as the most potent variant.

    Then there’s general refinement and sound insulation, which also feels like an improvement over the Cerato but is also dependent on the spec – the lower grades are a bit quieter than the GT-Line.

    On smoother surfaces the GT-Line on its 18s lets an acceptable level of tyre roar in, but as Paul Maric found out during testing for his video review, it can get quite noisy on coarse-chip surfaces. The S with Safety Pack felt noticeably more subdued on the country roads around Coldstream and Healesville east of Melbourne.

    Brake pedal response and feel is also pretty good, even when driving the base car in a more spirited fashion. There was the odd occasion when the stability control system would go off if a rear wheel lifted after a high-speed mid-corner bump, but it didn’t violently rock the car, and it’s unlikely anyone is going to experience this in normal driving.

    Driver assistance systems are often a talking point in Kias and Hyundais, and as with other recent new models there is both good and bad news.

    The infuriating overspeed warning can be quickly muted at the start of each journey by holding down the mute button, but the car will still ding and dong each time the speed limit changes, as well as if it thinks you’re not looking at the road (even if you are).

    While those gripes will no doubt grate those coming out of a Cerato or an older car from another brand, the standard adaptive cruise control works well and is even better in models equipped with the semi-autonomous Highway Driving Assist system.

    It’s standard from Sport level and up due to its navigation-based nature, and it does a much better job of maintaining the set speed and lead distance compared to the old car.

    You also get Lane Change Assist, which will gently help you change lanes when activated and you indicate, though like a lot of similar systems it can be a little slow to get the job done.

    To see how the K4 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

    What do you get?

    The Kia K4 arrives with four distinct trim levels, with the base grade also offering an option pack.

    2025 Kia K4 S equipment highlights:

    • 16-inch alloy wheels
    • Temporary steel spare
    • LED headlights – reflector type
    • LED daytime running lights
    • LED tail-lights incl. bulb stop, turning lights
    • Automatic high-beam
    • Dusk-sensing headlights
    • Auto-folding side mirrors – electric, heated
    • Auto release boot-lid
    • Cloth seat trim
    • 6-way manual front seats incl. height adjust
    • 60:40 split fold rear seats
    • Rear centre armrest
    • 2-spoke steering wheel
    • T-bar gearshift
    • ‘Basic’ digital instrument cluster
      • incl. 4.0-inch LCD multifunction display
    • Driver window auto up/down incl. safety function
    • Soft-touch door armrest
    • LED interior lighting
    • 1 x 12V outlet
    • 4 x USB-C charge ports
    • 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
    • AM/FM/DAB digital radio
    • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – wireless, wired
    • Sounds of Nature
    • 6-speaker sound system
    • Kia Connect Telematics – including:
      • eCall
      • Remote Control
      • Vehicle Status Monitoring
    • Over-the-air updates
    • Bluetooth multi-connection – phone, media
    • Manual air-conditioning
    • Rear air vents

    K4 S w/ Safety Pack adds:

    • Enhanced AEB – see safety section above
    • Integrated Panoramic Display
      • 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
      • 5.0-inch climate monitor
      • 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment
    • Dual-zone climate control
    • Auto window defog

    K4 Sport adds – over S w/ Safety Pack:

    • 17-inch alloy wheels
      • Temporary steel spare
    • Satellite navigation
      • incl. 10-year traffic information
      • incl. 10-year map updates

    K4 Sport+ adds:

    • Solar glass – windscreen
    • Aero Blade front wipers
    • Rain-sensing front wipers
    • Artificial leather seat trim
    • Satin silver interior door handles
    • Soft-touch door insert material
    • Front sunvisors incl. illumination, sliding
    • Illuminated glovebox
    • Heated front seats

    K4 GT-Line adds:

    • 18-inch alloy wheels
      • Temporary steel spare
    • LED headlights – projector type
    • GT-Line exterior styling
    • Gloss black grille
    • Gloss black exterior accents
    • Sunroof – tilt, slide
    • GT-Line artificial leather seats
    • 8-way power driver seat
      • incl. 2-way lumbar
      • incl. 2-position memory
    • 3-spoke premium steering wheel
    • Heated steering wheel
    • Ambient interior lighting
    • Wireless phone charger
    • 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system
    • Ventilated front seats

    To see how the K4 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

    Colours

    All K4 models are available in a range of eight exterior paint colours.

    Standard

    • Clear White

    Premium: $TBC

    • Snow White Pearl
    • Steel Grey
    • Aurora Black
    • Interstellar Grey
    • Honeydew
    • Wave Blue
    • Fiery Red

    Is the Kia K4 safe?

    The K4 hasn’t been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP as yet, but Kia Australia says it “is currently working with ANCAP as it completes its independent crash testing assessment, with an announcement and rating in due course”.

    Standard safety features include:

    • 7 airbags incl. front-centre
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
      • Car-to-car
      • Pedestrian
      • Cyclist
      • Junction turning
    • Blind-spot assist
    • Driver attention monitoring
    • Intelligent speed limit assist
    • Lane Follow Assist (lane centring)
    • Lane-keep assist
    • Parking sensors – front, rear
    • Rear cross-traffic assist
    • Rear occupant alert
    • Reversing camera incl. dynamic guidelines
    • Safe exit warning

    Safety Pack (K4 S) adds:

    • AEB
      • Junction crossing
      • Direct, oncoming lane change detection

    K4 Sport adds:

    • Highway Driving Assist 2
      • Adaptive cruise + lane centring
      • incl. Lane Change Assist 2

    To see how the K4 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

    How much does the Kia K4 cost to run?

    As you’d expect, the K4 is covered by Kia’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, including niceties like Kia Connect and over-the-air map and software updates, plus with up to eight years of roadside assistance.

    Servicing and WarrantyKia K4 Sedan
    Warranty7 years, unlimited kilometres
    Roadside assistanceUp to 8 years
    Service intervals12 months or 15,000 kilometres – 2.0 MPI
    12 months or 10,000 kilometres – 1.6 T-GDI
    Capped-price servicingUp to 7 years
    Total capped-price service cost$3225 – 2.0 MPI (7yrs)
    $3877 – 1.6 T-GDI (7yrs)

    One thing I have to knock Kia for is the K4’s service pricing, which while extensive in coverage can get pricey for individual visits – the sixth and seventh services for the 2.0 MPI version cost $711 and $731 respectively.

    Likewise, the shorter 10,000km intervals of the turbocharged version will no doubt be a sore point for those who are looking for extra performance but also do more mileage.

    Still, Kia has one of the most comprehensive aftersales programs in the business, and an extensive dealer network that currently includes 139 sites across the nation.

    To see how the K4 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

    CarExpert’s Take on the Kia K4

    The K4 arrives as a solid evolution of the capable formula laid down by its Cerato predecessor, but depending on how keen you are to get into one it could be worth holding tight for a little longer.

    If you’re not fussed by outright efficiency and more modern powertrain tech, the launch variants will do you just fine. Their more basic drivetrains perform as you’d expect and are relatively cheap to run on 91 octane regular unleaded – and you should be able to achieve decent efficiency in real-world mixed driving.

    But there’s nothing particularly groundbreaking or class-leading about its on-road performance, and the carryover engines do little to move the game when the likes of the Toyota Corolla and even the related Hyundai i30 Sedan offer hybrid drivetrains that will effectively cut your fuel use in half.

    Then there’s the odd spec omissions, such as the reservation of a leather-clad steering wheel for only the GT-Line, and the fact the surround camera and Blind Spot View Monitor features available in other markets aren’t offered locally despite the price rises.

    Still, the new-generation tech suite is a much needed step into the new world compared to its predecessor and, like for like, the K4 feels like a newer and more sophisticated car than the aforementioned i30 Sedan with which it shares its platform. Credit to Kia’s local engineering team for striking such a sweet and delicate ride/handling balance, too.

    The design might polarise, but I can say that after not being thrilled by the press images I was pleasantly surprised by the new K4 in the metal, especially high-spec examples in nice Wave Blue, Fiery Red and Honeydew paint.

    My advice? The S with Safety Pack shapes as the sharpest value for those on a budget, while the Sport with its bigger wheels and semi-autonomous highway mode strikes perhaps the best balance for families or more mature buyers.

    Sadly, the Sport+ and GT-Line seem a bit expensive and don’t move the dial forward enough – though a hybrid powertrain would change things.

    Interested in buying a Kia K4? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here

    Click the images for the full gallery

    MORE: Everything Kia K4

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    James Wong

    James is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Before joining CarExpert.com.au in 2020, James has worked at leading auto media outlets including Carsales and CarAdvice, as well as at Pulse agency for Ford Australia's communications team. In 2019 James made Mumbrella's 'Top 20 most prolific web authors in Australia' list after publishing 1,360 articles between March 1, 2018 and February 28, 2019 for CarAdvice. James is also an Ambassador for Drive Against Depression – an Australian charity whose mission is to support mental wellness through the freedom of driving and a shared love of cars.

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    Overall Rating
    7.9
    Cost of Ownership8.5
    Ride Comfort8.5
    Fit for Purpose8
    Handling Dynamics8.5
    Interior Practicality and Space8
    Fuel Efficiency7
    Value for Money7.5
    Performance7
    Technology Infotainment8.5

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