2025 Kia K4 hatchback: Cerato replacement revealed

The wraps have been pulled off the Cerato-replacing Kia K4 hatchback after the K4 fastback sedan was shown at the New York Auto Show.

An official launch date hasn’t been set for the hatch, but it’s expected to follow the sedan’s release scheduled for Australian showrooms in early 2025.

The K4 hatch features the same front-end styling as the sedan – inspired by the flagship EV9 electric sedan – but sees a fresh bodywork from the b-pillar and back.

The distinctive design uses the same gloss black detailing and 18-inch alloy wheels up front, but does away with the pseudo-coupe roofline used on the sedan.

While using the extended glass roof, the hatch roofline leads into a blacked-out D-pillar for a ‘floating roof’ effect and more upright hatchback tailgate including an integrated roof-top spoiler.

The five-door hatch’s side glass appears largely the same – with minor revisions to accommodate the hatchback – while the same hidden rear passenger door handles and identical taillights carried across from the four-door.

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The rear bumper, including the aggressive diffuser-style lower section and number plate provision, also appears the same as the K4 sedan’s.

Like the Cerato they replace, the K4 hatch and sedan are twinned with the Hyundai i30 Hatchback and Sedan, meaning similar dimensions and technology throughout.

Based on what we know of the i30, the K4 hatchback should offer greater space than the outgoing Cerato sedan, with the carmaker claiming class-leading rear legroom for the K4 Sedan, and potentially a larger boot area than the K4 sedan.

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The US-spec sedan details confirmed that model will use the Kia EV9 panoramic triple display, including a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, 5.0-inch climate control area and another 12.3-inch infotainment screen.

Also on offer in the US-spec sedan is Harman Kardon audio and Digital Key 2.0 – a system enabling owners to lock/unlock and drive their K4 using a smartphone or via an NFC-enabled smart card.

The entry-level grade sedan will use torsion beam rear and a 110kW 2.0-litre petrol engine with CVT auto shared with the base i30 Sedan.

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Higher-spec GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo models in the US are fitted with multi-link rear suspension.

The Turbo uses a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine and eight-speed auto, expected to make the same 150kW/265Nm as it does in the Hyundai i30 Sedan N-Line already on sale in Australia.

Driver Assistance technology is expected to mirror the K4 fastback sedan’s, which includes adaptive cruise with stop-go functionality, haptic steering wheel alerts, intersection collision warning, blind-spot view monitor, and surround view camera.