Observe us right now…
Each infrequently, we check a car that we really feel is a bit out of step with its worth level and phase. This previous week, it occurred once we examined the $29,285 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo. Based mostly on its content material, and driving satisfaction, we really feel this car is underpriced by about $10K. It’s so good that it has no enterprise being offered for lower than $30,000. Based mostly on the vehicles we now have examined on this phase, we might have anticipated this K4 to ring in near $40K in right now’s horribly debased U.S. {dollars}.
The K4 is a roomy, four-door midsized sedan. GT-Line means it has the sporty bits, and Turbo means its powertrain is upgraded to the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. Whereas we completely just like the K4 (non-turbo), the upgraded engine is a giant deal. It bumps up torque from a low by any measure 132 lb-ft, to a really respectable 195 lb-ft.. That torque is offered from 1,700-4,500 rpm. The interpretation of all this gibberish is that the GT-Line Turbo pulls strongly and affords a really satisfying expertise when pushed assertively.
The K4 GT-Line Turbo is simply in need of being a sports activities sedan. Frankly, we’re glad that Kia didn’t go Full-Sport with the automobile. Its suspension is smooth sufficient for comfy commuting, and its demeanor is chill sufficient when in regular mode for enjoyable cruising. Hit the Sport button conveniently positioned on the underside of the steering wheel and begin pulling the paddles, and it this automobile is a blast on open roads.
We took the K4 to New Hampshire’s rural again roads. Up and down lonely mountain passes, the K4 was incredible. We used Sport mode about 50% of the time we had the automobile, and nonetheless noticed 38 MPG over a whole lot of miles of use. We couldn’t cease driving this automobile.
The nice drive is simply a part of why this automobile ought to value a lot, rather more. The content material is astounding for below $30K. Here’s what impressed us:
1) Enormous energy moonroof with an influence shade.
Heated seats with energy adjustment for the driving force.
2) Implausible Infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
3) Premium Harman/Kardon Audio
4) Spare tire!
5) Quiet operation because of an Acoustic Windshield
6) Passenger quantity controls (thumbwheel)
7) 8-Velocity Automated Transmission With Paddles and Sport Mode (In different phrases, it is not a awful CVT)
We actually cherished the various small particulars Kia included. The spare tire was the very best of those, however we additionally cherished that the automobile had a approach for the passenger to manage the quantity. The gas door and trunk controls are on the ground, as they all the time needs to be. The SynTex seats felt nice to the contact, and the perforated materials saved us from overheating.
Our tester added the $2,200 Expertise package deal that provides a bunch of lively security stuff and a digital key we’d slightly not have. It additionally provides ventilated seats, which we want to have, however not for $2,200. We’d attempt to discover a K4 GT-Line Turbo with out that package deal.
Throughout our travels, the gas economic system rose to 41.5 MPG earlier than we obtained caught up within the paddle shifters and drove the automobile like we stole it for hours on a mountain street. 38 MPG utilizing common gas means this automobile has a seven-cent per mile value of gas the place we reside (Fuel is about $2.80). That’s roughly what it prices to energy an EV utilizing public charging. This automobile is loopy inexpensive.
Belief us; this automobile is a screaming discount even earlier than you think about its 10-year powertrain guarantee. In case you are looking for an awesome automobile for below $30K, discover a K4 GT-Line Turbo at your nearest Kia seller, and in the event that they promote it to you at sticker worth, purchase them a field of donuts.
For full readability, right here is how the K4 GT-Line Turbo pricing works:
MSRP = $28,090
Vacation spot Payment = $1,195
Subtotal = $29,285
Seller Doc Payment – Funds $400
Goal out the door worth earlier than tax and registration = $29,700
The Expertise Bundle we might skip provides $2,200.
Are you able to identify a greater automobile at this worth level? Inform us within the feedback beneath.
John Goreham is the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Affiliation and an skilled car tester. John accomplished an engineering program with a give attention to electrical automobiles, adopted by twenty years of labor in high-tech, biopharma, and the automotive provide chain earlier than turning into a information contributor. He’s a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE int). Along with his eleven years of labor at Torque Information, John has revealed hundreds of articles and opinions at American information shops. He’s recognized for providing unfiltered opinions on car subjects. You may join with John on LinkedIn and comply with his work on his private X channel or on our X channel. Please word that tales carrying John’s by-line are by no means AI-generated, however he does make use of grammar and punctuation software program when proofreading and he additionally makes use of picture era instruments.
Pictures by John Goreham
Observe us right now…
