Observe us at this time…
Kia is on a roll with its present EV lineup, and the brand new EV4 is proving the model is great and bending futuristic styling and utility. The model appears to have gone via plenty of bother in making the sedan and hatchback look the identical, a minimum of from the entrance. It was a sensible transfer to maintain the model id sturdy, however the hatchback presents higher. The sedan’s rear particularly seems barely unbalanced in comparison with the hatchback’s glossy form. The shorter rear deck on the hatch additionally makes the automobile seem extra put collectively.
A couple of 12 months and a half in the past, Kia showcased two new EV ideas, the EV3 and EV4, at its EV Day occasion in South Korea. These new EVs could signify Kia’s ambitions higher than the midsize SUV EV9 as a result of they’ll seemingly be produced in bigger numbers. A couple of days in the past Kia simply unveiled them.
Whereas the EV4 sedan gives an elongated tail and fastback silhouette, the hatchback presents a extra versatile design with sculpted fenders and symmetrical physique accents.
“I really like the hatchback, and assume Kia did a fantastic job on a futuristic design language. The sedan alternatively is totally ruined with that prolonged rear, I imply wasn’t there another strategy to make the automobile longer? Possibly skip the sedan and make it a extra helpful wagon. I’m wondering if anybody goes to purchase the sedan model,” writes Duartec3000 person on Reddit, commenting underneath the dialogue of Kia unveiling the EV4 sedan and the hatchback.
The hatchback does have aesthetic similarities just like the extensive stance on the again, however the hatchback contains a sharply angled rear window and linked LED taillight design. It additionally has a shorter overhand and a extra dynamic look, making it appear sportier in comparison with the stretched-out proportions of the sedan. These attributes make it a stronger adversary towards the Tesla Mannequin Y, interesting to consumers searching for aptitude and performance.
EV4 Trumps Mannequin Y in Design
Technicalities apart, EV hatchbacks and crossovers are in season presently. They only look higher and really feel extra forward-thinking. Whereas the Mannequin Y has a robust foothold within the EV hatchback section, Kia’s reply supplies a contemporary choice with elevated practicality, distinctive designs, and instruments that would make it extra enticing to customers.
The EV4 hatchback stands out with aggressive angular headlights, a glossy entrance grille, and sculpted sides. Whereas the Mannequin Y options mushy curves, the unadorned form blends into the crossover section with out visible drama. The identical applies to the entrance and rear ends. Kia’s wraparound LED mild bar on the rear of the sloped rear window blends right into a seamless futuristic present that has drawn vital pleasure on social media.
Higher Driving Dynamics
The Mannequin Y could excel in straight-line energy with a 342 horsepower motor in comparison with the 282 horsepower choice on the EV4, however the latter has a sportier really feel. Its decrease middle of gravity and compact rear design mix to offer a extra responsive driving expertise that feels participating. Kia’s dealing with can also be extra dynamic than Tesla’s laid-back strategy. That is in all probability as a result of superior suspension and steering methods that provide a extra responsive drive.
Practicality with Liftback Design
The Kia EV4 additionally comes with higher storage and a liftback trunk. This isn’t to say the Mannequin Y gives cramped quarters, however the EV4’s design supplies a bigger opening, so there’s higher entry to accommodate cumbersome objects. Although the Tesla gives nice cargo area, it doesn’t have the identical flexibility because the Kia. The rear seating may be folded down flat to create a big cargo space to accommodate those that want the pliability of larger trunk area.
Premium Inside and Superior Expertise
The Kia EV4 and the Tesla each have trendy tech-driven cabins in keeping with the needs of their buyer base, however the EV4 gives vital luxurious with out a substantial price ticket. Kia included consideration to element with soft-touch surfaces, high-quality supplies, and a refined structure to provide the automobile an upscale really feel.
The EV4 additionally contains a extensive digital sprint full with a touchscreen for infotainment and driver help system integration. Tesla may be glossy and futuristic, but it surely additionally feels overly minimal to some. The dearth of conventional dials on the Mannequin Y’s middle console may be disorienting. Therefore, the EV4 hatchback balances tangible controls and tech-forward options by making working simpler. The EV4 cabin structure additionally seems extra spacious as a result of exterior dimensions.
Higher Worth for Cash
Although Tesla has been out there for longer, its excessive value level is inconvenient for a lot of customers who wish to enter the electrical automobile market. The EV4 gives higher driving dynamics, materials high quality, and aesthetics.
Although it has not but been launched, it’s estimated Kia will place the MSRP between $30,000 and $40,000. By offering a extra enticing price ticket, the EV4 gives consumers a premium expertise with out the excessive price ticket. That is significantly necessary for people who wish to change to a budget-friendly open however nonetheless expertise the worth they need.
Although the Tesla Mannequin Y remains to be a robust contender throughout the EV crossover area, the EV4 hatchback makes a compelling argument to change sides. Its higher design, improved inside, practicality, and practicality are just some of the options that make it a superb choice if you’d like a contemporary however reasonably priced electrical automobile. In case your objective is an EV that provides a novel and classy various in comparison with the minimalist Tesla, the Kia EV4 is the most suitable choice.
What do you concentrate on Kia’s design selections with the EV4? Do you favor the glossy and sensible hatchback, or do you see potential within the sedan regardless of its controversial rear? Share your ideas and private experiences within the feedback beneath. We’d love to listen to your take!
Nicholas Muhoro is an automotive journalist masking automobile information and has a decade of expertise sharing working at HotCars and TopSpeed. You may observe Nicholas on X and on LinkedIn to remain in contact and observe his information protection at Torque Information.
Observe us at this time…
