The driver’s view is of a wide display strip, in the center of which – as in other Kia models – is the 5.3-inch area for the climate controls. However, its position is so awkward that the steering wheel rim constantly obscures part of the information, and it’s impossible to reach the controls with your fingers. It’s just as well then, that the Koreans have also provided manual buttons for adjusting the vehicle’s temperature.
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The 12.3-inch touchscreen is not ideally positioned either. To reach the far right corners, the driver has to lean forward out of the seat; at least the tile layout is familiar and easy to learn. The navigation system’s graphics are still somewhat basic, but this isn’t a major problem, because smartphones can be easily mirrored wirelessly via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
There’s not much negative to say about the driver-assistance systems either. They work quite unobtrusively, and if the lane-keeping assist’s tugging on the steering wheel becomes too much, it can be quickly deactivated by pressing and holding the corresponding button on the steering wheel. The only real annoyance is the driver-attention system: if you take your eyes off the road for even a tenth of a second, the blaring starts; as little as five minutes into a journey, it prompts you to take a break because it claims you’re not paying attention.
Of course, this digitalization also has its advantages. Compared with the Ceed Estate it replaced, the K4 appears much more modern and minimalist, while its menus are far less convoluted. The software is updated over the air, and if desired, the Sportswagon can be opened and closed via an app on your smartphone or smartwatch.
As always, the question remains: what does all this cost? We’re still waiting on UK prices and specifications, but we expect a small rise over the current K4 hatchback’s £26,795 base price. Trim levels are likely to match the hatch’s, kicking off with Pure, then gaining a slightly sportier look with GT-Line and GT-Line S versions.
Model:Kia K4 Sportswagon 1.6 T-GDIPrice:£29,000 (est)Engine:1.6-litre 4cyl turbocharged petrolPower/torque:176bhp/265NmTransmission:Seven-speed automatic, front-wheel drive0-62mph:8.3 secondsTop speed:130mphEconomy:39.7mpgCO2:162g/kmSize (L/W/H):4,695/1,850/1,435mmOn sale:Now
