2024 Kia K4 hatch revealed: New look and new name for Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30 and Mazda3 challenger

The Kia K4, the all-new replacement for the long-serving Cerato, broke cover at this week’s New York Motor Show overnight and the brand sprung a surprise by revealing the first look at its hatchback sibling.

The new K4 hatch wasn’t on show physically, but the brand showed off a look at the new five-door model during its presentation. The arrival of the K4 sedan underlined Kia’s commitment to the small-car segment (although the new model is noticeably larger than the out-going Cerato) but there was uncertainty around the hatch.

The confirmation of the K4 five-door reaffirms the brand isn’t giving up in its contest against the Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30, Mazda3 and other small hatches, despite the growing popularity of compact SUVs.

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Kia didn’t reveal any specific details about the hatch, but it’s expected to follow the same formula as the sedan. That means the choice of two engines, the 110kW/179Nm 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol and 142kW/264Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol. The latter engine is now paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the Cerato’s seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. 

Kia didn’t reveal any specific details about the hatch, but it’s expected to follow the same formula as the sedan.

Kia North America pushed the more premium focus for the K4, presenting it as a bigger, more refined car with more safety and technology. However, it also announced it would be available in five levels of trim, so it’s also highly probable that Kia Australia will still have a competitive value leader in the small-car market.

The new K4 hatch wasn’t on show physically, but the brand showed off a look at the new five-door model during its presentation.

Kia Australia has confirmed that it will drop the Cerato name and adopt 'K4' for the Australian market. The also confirmed the K4 sedan will roll into local showrooms in the first quarter of next year.

It's unclear if that will just be the sedan or if the hatch will arrive at the same time. Stay tuned and we’ll bring you more details on the K4 hatch and sedan as they come to light.