The K4 (Sedan and Hatch) is available in five grades, and pricing and equipment is identical across the body styles. That means no matter the shape you choose, you can have a K4 S for $32,090, an S with Safety Pack for $34,190, a Sport for $36,690, a Sport+ for $39,090 or a GT-Line for $43,790.

The K4 feels quite plush in the cabin. All the materials kind of melt under the touch, and you get cloth trim is S and Sport trims and synthetic leather in the Sport+ and GT-Line. 

The big news for most of the K4 range is a new and more efficient 2.0-litre engine with a CVT that drops power slightly, and fuel use more significantly. The new engine and gearbox combination makes 110kW and 180Nm, compared to 112kW and 192Nm. Also available is a 1.6-litre tubocharged engine (GT-Line only) which produces 142kW and 265Nm.

The K4 is slightly shorter and slightly lower than the Cerato that it effectively replaces, but there is some clever interior packaging, so much so in fact that Kia says you get more legroom and headroom in both the front row and the second row than you did in the old Cerato, but marginally less shoulder room in the back seat.

Kia hasn't quoted an official zero-to-100km/h time for the K4, but I would estimate around 10 seconds for the 2.0-litre sedan and eight seconds for the 1.6T hatch. Expect a top speed of 210km/h for the 2.0L and 230km/h for the 1.6 turbo.

All K4 Hatch variants get a 47-litre tank, which should mean a 783km driving range with the 2.0-litre engine, and 701km with the 1.6-litre turbo sedan.