Kia Australia has revealed full details of its new, slick-styled K4 midsize sedan that replaces Cerato in its local line-up and arrives in showrooms this month.
The K4 nameplate, which aligns model nomenclature with global convention, effectively puts the Cerato nameplate to pasture after two decades on sale in Australia.
Bold new exterior styling, a fresh interior design and new platform aim to revitalise Kia’s play in the affordable end of the passenger car market, where K4 essentially carries over outgoing Cerato’s petrol-only powertrain formula and familiar variant (S, Sport, Sport+ and GT-Line) structure, with Safety Pack augmentation again a cost-option on the base S.
However, K4 pricing is up significantly on the outgoing MY24 Cerato line-up.
Pricing starts from $30,590 list for the entry K4 S, up $3530 on the outgoing equivalent Cerato S. The S with Safety Pack, at $32,690, represents an increase of $4630.
The mid-range Sport enters at $35,190 (up a whopping $6030), while the Sport+ lists for $37,590 ($5280), or pricier than the outgoing turbocharged Cerato GT-Line (was $36,860).
The flagship of the K4 line-up, the GT-Line, is $42,990, a sizable $6130 increase over its Cerato-badged forebear.
To debut as a four-door only, the K4 sedan will be joined by a five-door hatchback “in late 2025,” says Kia.
The fastback-like silhouette, low beltline, ‘Tiger face’ front fascia and Kia’s now corporate ‘Star-Map’ front and rear lighting, the K4 melds exterior design cues from both its current ‘EV’ lineup and its stalwart Stinger large sedan. It sits on a choice of 16- (S), 17- (Sport and Sport+) and 18-inch (GT-Line) wheels.
At 4710mm long, the K4 is 70mm longer than the outgoing Cerato sedan and certifiably mid-size, while promising improved interior space (56mm more rear legroom). Boot space is up by six litres to 508L.
Inside, the K4 adopts EV9-like design and tech cues, featuring dual-12.3 digital displays and five-inch HVAC touchscreen on all variants from Sport through to GT-Line. The base S gets a four-inch LCD driver’s display.
A new Double D-cut steering wheel features, while the range offers a choice of cloth (S and Sport) or artificial leather (Sport+ and GT-Line) trim. Interior construction features no fewer than 10 different sustainable and recycled materials.
Powertrain choice is the familiar 2.0 naturally aspirated four-cylinder good for 112kW and 198Nm, with front-drive and six-speed torque converter automatic, for grade S through Sport+. Here suspension is strut front and torsion beam rear.
The GT-Line is the sole variant offering a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol four outputting 142kW and 264Nm, again front-wheel drive if here with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The flagship is the sole version featuring a multi-link rear end and also fits larger (305mm front/284mm rear) brakes.
Consumption wise, the 2.0L versions are ADR rated at 7.4L/100km combined, while the turbo GT-Line brings a thriftier 6.7L/100km claim.
As is customary with many Kia Australia models, the ride, handling and steering package has been localised by the importer’s local development team after “thousands of kilometres” of testing R&D.
The K4 arrives in a choice of eight different colours, including four new hues called Interstellar Gray, Fiery Red, Wave Blue and Honeydew and four carryover Cerato colours. Premium colours outside of standard Snow White carry a $600 upcharge.
Kia K4 2025: prices in Australia
All prices listed are before on-road costs (while relative pricing is MY24 Cerato).
- S: $30,590 (up $3530)
- S with Safety Pack: $32,690 (up $4630)
- Sport: $35,190 (up $6030)
- Sport+: $37,490 (up $5280)
- GT-Line: $42,990 (up $6130)