Kia is on a mission to deliver a broad range of futuristic EVs, but it has not forgotten the humble, petrol-powered estate car.
After the unveiling of the compact EV2 electric SUV at this month’s Brussels Motor Show, Kia also announced the new K4 Sportswagon.
It represents the first new Kia estate car since the Proceed of 2019. And the K4 Sportswagon looks set to offer practicality and affordable prices, along with a dash of style.
Like the K4 hatchback it is based upon, the Sportswagon is bigger than traditional C-segment estste models, such as the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports.
In fact, the Kia is closer in scale to a Skoda Octavia Estate, with a wheelbase that is even longer than its Czech rival.
Big on space and style
Its dimensions mean that, depending on the powertrain chosen, the K4 Sportwagon offers up to 604 litres of luggage capacity with the rear seats in place. This is 166 litres more than the K4 hatchback, and only 36 litres behind the Skoda Octavia Estate.
Folding down the rear seats increases cargo space inside the K4 Sportswagon to a maximum of 1,439 litres.
Choosing a mild hybrid model reduces load capacity to 482 litres or 1,382 litres, however, depending on whether the back seats are in use.
Thanks to Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, style has not been sacrificed in the pursuit of space.
There are neat design touches, such as the rear door handles being hidden in the C-pillar. The GT-Line model will offer sportier bumpers and gloss black details.
Petrol and mild hybrid engines
Kia says the engines for the K4 Sportswagon will help owners make the transition to electrification.
It borrows from the powertrain options available for the K4 hatchback, starting with a 115hp turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine.
A six-speed manual gearbox (remember them?) is standard, while a mild hybrid version of the 1.0 engine can be specified with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
For those in search of more power, Kia will offer the K4 Sportswagon with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine. Fitted with the dual-clutch automatic gearbox as standard, buyers can choose between 150hp and 180hp outputs.
Later in 2026, Kia plans to add a full hybrid model to the K4 Sportswagon range. However, fans of classic estate cars may be disappointed to see no mention of a diesel engine on the cards.
‘Practicality without compromise’
As with the K4 hatchback, Kia has given the Sportswagon a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, a 5.3-inch climate control screen and a 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity are included as standard, along with an AI-powered voice assistant.
UK prices for the K4 Sportswagon have yet to be confirmed. They should be competitive, though, given the £25,995 starting figure for the hatchback.
“With the K4 Sportswagon, we are extending the appeal of the K4 to customers who value space and versatility as much as they are interested in design and technology,” said Sjoerd Knipping, chief operating officer at Kia Europe.
“By offering this wagon, we continue to show our ambition to provide practical solutions without compromising on innovation.”
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