NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: 2025 Kia K4 sedan detailed

The 2025 Kia K4 sedan has made its public debut at the New York motor show ahead of its launch Down Under in the first quarter of next year as the all-new replacement for the ageing Cerato.

K4 is the new global nameplate for Kia’s next small car, replacing the Cerato, K3 and Forte monikers used across various markets.

Measuring 4709mm long and 1849mm wide, the K4 is the same length as the related Hyundai i30 sedan with which it shares its platform, but 24mm wider.

The K4 is also 68mm longer and 49mm wider than the current Cerato sedan.

The new underpinnings support a radically different body that draws inspiration from the now-retired Kia Stinger sports sedan, as well as the bigger K5 (Optima).

The muscular and edgy design language carries over into the cabin, which on high-series models includes a dual 12.3-inch virtual cockpit and digital infotainment display.

The North American range will offer four model grades at launch – LX, LXS, EX and GT-Line, the latter serving as a slightly less-aggressive replacement for the sporty Cerato GT.

For comparison, the K4 GT-Line uses a 142kW/264Nm 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine combined with an eight-speed torque-converter automatic (with paddle shifters), whereas the Cerato GT’s 1.6T offers 150kW/265Nm and is matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Notably, the new GT-Line will feature a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension compared to the lesser grades’ torsion-beam set-up, regardless of whether it’s fitted with the 1.6-litre turbo or the entry 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine.

Also developing less power and torque than the current Cerato (110kW/179Nm versus 112kW/192Nm), the 2.0-litre engine will be paired exclusively to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

There’s no sign yet of a hybrid powertrain.

The K4 will finally introduce wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity across the board, as well as over-the-air updates, Kia Connect compatibility and an all-new operating system.

It’s a similar story with advanced driver assist tech, the K4 scoring the latest versions of Kia’s speed limit assist, lane keeping assist, smart cruise control with stop-and-go, forward collision avoidance, blind spot collision warning and rear cross traffic alert systems.

The GT-Line adds blind spot collision avoidance assist and a blind spot view monitor, a 360-degree camera and optional evasive steering assist.

Making a cameo appearance in New York was the incoming K4 hatch, which is expected to arrive in Australia alongside the sedan early next year with comparable model grades and powertrain options, along with the added practicality of five doors.

Local suspension tuning on both the sedan and hatch will also be a feature of the new K4.

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