Wild 2026 Kia EV4 GT is coming for the Golf R

We’ve just had our first look at Kia’s next performance car, after the 2026 Kia EV4 GT all-wheel drive hot hatch was teased at a media event. Set to boast a powerful dual-motor AWD powertrain, the EV could produce more than 300kW and will go up against the MG4 XPower and Cupra Born VZ as well as more conventional combustion-powered hot hatches like the Volkswagen Golf R and the Audi RS3.

The first official pic of the inbound 2026 Kia EV4 GT was snapped by Brit mag Auto Express, after an image was teased at the international launch of the regular EV4.

Featuring the same neon green detailing as the larger Kia EV6 GT, the new all-electric hot hatch looks like it will get its own body kit that includes a unique front bumper.

Larger alloy wheels and a performance brake upgrade, denoted by neon green calipers will also be included.

Beneath the skin, instead of the regular EV4's 150kW e-motor, the hotter GT version will gain a new dual-motor set-up that will see it produce upwards of 300kW.

With plenty of power, the all-electric Golf R rival will launch from 0-100km/h in around 4.0 seconds, while top speed will be limited to around 260km/h.

Ramping up engagement, like the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N and Kia EV6 GT, the new EV4 GT should come with the car-maker's latest Virtual Gear Shift (VGS) tech that will mimic an eight-speed transmission.

As well as the bigger brakes, chassis changes will include adaptive dampers, the car-maker's latest torque vectoring know-how and an electronically controlled rear limited-slip differential.

Finally, the EV4 GT will feature retuned steering and handling developed on the Nurburgring by Hyundai N, with the costs of its development set to be shared with the inbound IONIQ 3 N.

While some might baulk at the idea of an all-electric hot hatch, we relish the prospect of a more affordable take on the IONIQ 5 N that will be only a little slower but should still deliver maximum thrills behind the wheel.

Next year is set to be a huge year for Kia in Australia, with the Kia EV4 hatch and sedan both set to land in 2026 and could be joined by both the smaller EV2 SUV and EV1 city car. Originally, the Slovakian-made Kia EVs were off the menu over additional shipping costs but now partly because EVs exported from Europe to Australia avoid the five per cent tariff imposed on ICE vehicles, Kia has reconsidered its strategy.

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