Kia continues to pick up its power game with what seems like a Keno card of EV
numbers – the EV4 sedan being the latest in a line from EV3, EV4, EV5, RV6 and EV9.
What does this newbie bring to the party?
Well, there’s the company’s longest range electric vehicle at more than 600 kilometres
for its top-specced twins. With a choice between standard and long-range electric power
the EV4 sedan comes in three trim levels, Air, Earth, and GT-Line.
Air is equipped with a Standard Range battery system (456km), while Earth and GT-
Line jump up to a Long Range specification (612km).
The Kia EV4 kicks off at an impressive $49,990 for the Air Standard Range, with the
Earth Long Range at $59,190, and GT-Line Long Range topping out at $64,690.
On test was the EV4 Air, which continues with Kia’s signature Opposites United
language as well as adding its own unique character, the lowest aerodynamic drag
coefficient (0.23Cd) of any Kia model.
‘With electrified vehicles challenging petrol for outright sales in Australia, Kia is proud to
offer a diverse line-up that caters for the full spectrum of electrification, while
maintaining strong offerings for customers suited to conventional fuel types,’ says
Damien Meredith, Kia Australia chief executive officer.
EV4 warranty is seven years unlimited kilometres and seven-years 150,000 kilometres,
for the battery.
STYLING
Joining the EV3, EV5, EV6, and EV9 electric line-up, the EV4 sedan is a fresh face
throughout. A clear vertical theme has been applied to the EV4’s front and rear lighting,
positioned at the outer edges to accentuate the car’s wide stance.
Aerodynamics shape the car’s profile with flowing geometric shapes taking in flush front
and hidden rear door handles. Air-specific 17-inch alloy wheels bear little in design to
standard alloys found on rivals. They are ultra-modern, with three geometric black and
machine finished panels in place of the traditional five spokes.
Air and Earth models are distinguished also by a geometric front grille, with matte black
details that run along the side to the rear over a body-coloured lower edge and vertical
reflectors.
INTERIOR
Each of the three EV4s feature an individual colour scheme – Air, black and grey cloth
trim, Earth black and light grey cloth with synthetic leather and GT-Line black and white
artificial leather.
The interior has been designed to make occupants feel right at home. Minimalistic
details make use of soft-touch materials wide-screen displays and big buttons for
frequently used functions.
Convenience extends to a column-type shift-by-wire gear selector, which along with a
flat floor, gives rise to a versatile floating centre console incorporating multiple storage
facilities and retractable cup holders.
Despite its sleek exterior the EV4 Air cabin optimizes interior space, especially leg and
headroom, for all five seating positions. Cargo can be carried conveniently in 490 litres
of boot space, which expands to carry bulky kit with the 60:40 rear seat folded.
INFOTAINMENT
The Kia Connect phone app interface is hooked up across the range enabling physical
control of various functions by remote, including presetting of climate control, plus
monitoring and scheduling of battery charging.
Over The Air updates are accessed via the multimedia system, which can be installed
and activated remotely without a trip to a dealership. All EVs feature wireless and wired
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone mirroring.
Vehicle to Load is part of the EV4 package with a connection (Max 250V/16A) at the
base of the back seat. An external V2L adaptor is available for the EV Air as a Kia
Genuine Accessory.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The EV4 uses Kia’s E-GMP platform, developed from the ground up, for no compromise
with its single-motor layout driving the front wheels. The Kia EV4 Air Standard Range is
powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering maximum power of
150kW and torque of 283Nm, mated with a one-speed reduction gear automatic
transmission. This is good for a range of up to 436 kilometres.
The Air’s Standard Range battery is rated at 58.3 kWh, while the Earth and GT-Line’s
Long Range steps up to 81.4 kWh. Both batteries are lithium-ion NCM type.
SAFETY
There’s no lack of active and passive safety in the EV4. Features across the board
include Highway Driving Assist 2, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 2, Driver Attention
Warning with Hands on detection sensors built into the steering wheel and a centre side
airbag among seven airbags.
DRIVING
The EV4 Air with Standard Range battery is no slouch, the maker claiming acceleration
to 100km/h from standstill in 7.4 seconds, just 0.4 of a second faster than the bulkier
Earth and GT-Line.
Standard Range and Long Range batteries can be charged via a Type 2 port, with DC
from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 29 minutes for the 58.3kWh standard battery using
a 350kW fast charger. The 81.4kWh battery will do the same in 31 minutes.
Also helping to optimise driving range is the EV4’s incorporation of the latest i-Pedal 3.0
adjustable regenerative braking system along with Smart Braking.
Initiated by an extended push of the left-hand paddle shifter, i-Pedal 3.0 enables one-
pedal driving with adjustable levels of regenerative braking, while also facilitating
maximum efficiency. Settings will remain after restarting the vehicle.
Not that non-electric features take a back seat, with the EV4 given a ride-and-handling
once-over by Aussie engineers to ensure it is fit for purpose on the unique road
conditions Down Under.
The result is a steering tune that delivers stable and responsive cornering with good
feedback in both Comfort and Sport driving modes.
SUMMARY
The EV4 is doing more than just making up numbers in Kia electric power plans, with
the sedan showing the way in style and technology.
RATINGS
Looks – 8
Performance – 7
Safety – 7
Thirst – 7
Practicality – 7
Comfort – 6
Tech – 8
Value – 7
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
Kia EV4 Air Standard Range $47,600
Kia EV4 Air Long Range $53,315
Kia EV4 Earth Long Range $58,600
Kia EV4 GT-Line Long Range $63,950
Note: These prices do not include government of dealer delivery charges. Contact your
Kia local dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Kia EV4 Air Standard Range,1sp auto, FWD sedan)
ENGINE
Electric motor: Front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor
Maximum power 150kW
Maximum torque: 283Nm
DRIVELINE: 1 Speed Automatic Transmission (Reduction Gear), FWD
BATTERY: Lithium ion
Capacity 8.2Ah
Energy: 81.4kWh
PERFORMANCE:
Driving range: 456km
Energy consumption: (claimed) 14.4kWh/100km
Energy consumption on test 12.1kWh/100km
CHARGING:
DC Fast Charge 10-80% (128kW Charger) Approx. 29m
DC connector: CCS type 2
AC Charge 10-100% – with 11kW Charger Approx. 5h 20m (3 Phase 230V 16A)
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT, AND CAPACITIES
Length: 4730mm
Width: 1860mm
Height: 1480mm
Wheelbase: 2820mm:
Turning circle: 10.9m
Kerb weight: 1805kg
BRAKES
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Disc
STANDARD WARRANTY
Seven years / unlimited kilometres
Seven-years / 150,000 kilometres, battery
