Kia Australia product boss "would love" the K4 Wagon, but it might be too niche
Kia Australia product boss "would love" the K4 Wagon, but it might be too niche
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The Advertiser
a day ago
- The Advertiser
2026 Kia Sportage price and specs
UPDATED 14/06/2025:We've updated this article, first published 29 May, with newly confirmed specification details. Pricing and specifications for the facelifted 2026 Kia Sportage have been announced for Australia as first vehicles arrive in showrooms, and the upgraded mid-size SUV lineup brings more more hybrid variants, more standard equipment, and the introduction of Kia Connect services, accompanied by price increases of up to $4070. As before, the Sportage will be offered in S, SX, SX+ and GT-Line trim levels, with no less than five different drivetrain variants available. The six-speed manual is dead, and 1.6T AWD variants swap out their dual-clutch automatic transmission for an eight-speed torque converter unit. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Further, hybrid (HEV) versions of the SX and GT-Line are now available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) form, taking the total number of hybrid options to four. Hybrids also get a slight power and torque bump thanks to a new electric motor – now 173kW/367Nm. Revised design details, new alloy wheel options and increased tech levels round out the highlights. Pricing for the MY26 Kia Sportage starts from $37,990 before on-road costs, which is $5000 higher than the old base manual and $3000 more than the outgoing entry-level S automatic. These price rises are somewhat offset by enhanced specification levels, as detailed further down. Prices are up across the board, by at least $500 and an average of around $3000 depending on the model variant. Four different engine variants are offered, with the turbocharged hybrid now offering both front- and all-wheel drive. The Sportage HEV has seen a slight power and torque bump to 173kW/367Nm (up from 169kW/350Nm) courtesy of a more powerful electric motor which sits between the transmission and turbocharged petrol engine. Braked towing capacity for hybrid models has also been upped to 1900kg, which matches the diesel. Another significant change is the transmission for 1.6T AWD versions, which switches out the old and disliked seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) for a smoother-shifting eight-speed auto. Fuel consumption, however, is up by almost 0.5L/100km on the combined cycle as a result. Kia Australia hasn't confirmed any changes to the Sportage's dimensions – see below for pre-facelift figures. The updated Kia Sportage, like the Korean brand's other models, will be covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre new vehicle warranty. Hybrid vehicles are also subject to a seven-year/150,000km high-voltage battery and component warranty. Kia Australia offers seven years of capped-price servicing across its lineup, though finer details around intervals and pricing for the updated Sportage range are still to be confirmed. For reference, 2.0L petrol and turbo-diesel models in the pre-facelifted range have 12-month/15,000km intervals; while the turbocharged 1.6L petrol and HEV versions have shorter 10,000km distance intervals. Pricing over a seven-year period varied between $3344 and $4502 depending on engine variant, which is quite expensive compared to the competition. The updated Kia Sportage is expected to retain its five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on 2022 Euro NCAP tests. Highway Driving Assist (HDA) system from SX+ level and up – the fundamentals appear to be the largely same. Some new or enhanced features have been confirmed from the base model up, however, including an emergency assist function for the adaptive cruise control if the driver becomes unresponsive, and front parking sensors. Standard safety equipment includes: SX+ adds: GT-Line adds: The previous range walk carries over – i.e. S, SX, SX+ and GT-Line – though there's more equipment across the lineup. 2025 Kia Sportage S equipment highlights: Sportage SX adds: Above: GT-Line 1.6T AWD Sportage SX+ adds: Sportage GT-Line adds: Two new paint options join the Sportage's palette, while the outgoing model's Dawning Red has been discontinued. Standard: $NCO Premium paint: $TBC MORE: Everything Kia Sportage Content originally sourced from: UPDATED 14/06/2025:We've updated this article, first published 29 May, with newly confirmed specification details. Pricing and specifications for the facelifted 2026 Kia Sportage have been announced for Australia as first vehicles arrive in showrooms, and the upgraded mid-size SUV lineup brings more more hybrid variants, more standard equipment, and the introduction of Kia Connect services, accompanied by price increases of up to $4070. As before, the Sportage will be offered in S, SX, SX+ and GT-Line trim levels, with no less than five different drivetrain variants available. The six-speed manual is dead, and 1.6T AWD variants swap out their dual-clutch automatic transmission for an eight-speed torque converter unit. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Further, hybrid (HEV) versions of the SX and GT-Line are now available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) form, taking the total number of hybrid options to four. Hybrids also get a slight power and torque bump thanks to a new electric motor – now 173kW/367Nm. Revised design details, new alloy wheel options and increased tech levels round out the highlights. Pricing for the MY26 Kia Sportage starts from $37,990 before on-road costs, which is $5000 higher than the old base manual and $3000 more than the outgoing entry-level S automatic. These price rises are somewhat offset by enhanced specification levels, as detailed further down. Prices are up across the board, by at least $500 and an average of around $3000 depending on the model variant. Four different engine variants are offered, with the turbocharged hybrid now offering both front- and all-wheel drive. The Sportage HEV has seen a slight power and torque bump to 173kW/367Nm (up from 169kW/350Nm) courtesy of a more powerful electric motor which sits between the transmission and turbocharged petrol engine. Braked towing capacity for hybrid models has also been upped to 1900kg, which matches the diesel. Another significant change is the transmission for 1.6T AWD versions, which switches out the old and disliked seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) for a smoother-shifting eight-speed auto. Fuel consumption, however, is up by almost 0.5L/100km on the combined cycle as a result. Kia Australia hasn't confirmed any changes to the Sportage's dimensions – see below for pre-facelift figures. The updated Kia Sportage, like the Korean brand's other models, will be covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre new vehicle warranty. Hybrid vehicles are also subject to a seven-year/150,000km high-voltage battery and component warranty. Kia Australia offers seven years of capped-price servicing across its lineup, though finer details around intervals and pricing for the updated Sportage range are still to be confirmed. For reference, 2.0L petrol and turbo-diesel models in the pre-facelifted range have 12-month/15,000km intervals; while the turbocharged 1.6L petrol and HEV versions have shorter 10,000km distance intervals. Pricing over a seven-year period varied between $3344 and $4502 depending on engine variant, which is quite expensive compared to the competition. The updated Kia Sportage is expected to retain its five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on 2022 Euro NCAP tests. Highway Driving Assist (HDA) system from SX+ level and up – the fundamentals appear to be the largely same. Some new or enhanced features have been confirmed from the base model up, however, including an emergency assist function for the adaptive cruise control if the driver becomes unresponsive, and front parking sensors. Standard safety equipment includes: SX+ adds: GT-Line adds: The previous range walk carries over – i.e. S, SX, SX+ and GT-Line – though there's more equipment across the lineup. 2025 Kia Sportage S equipment highlights: Sportage SX adds: Above: GT-Line 1.6T AWD Sportage SX+ adds: Sportage GT-Line adds: Two new paint options join the Sportage's palette, while the outgoing model's Dawning Red has been discontinued. Standard: $NCO Premium paint: $TBC MORE: Everything Kia Sportage Content originally sourced from: UPDATED 14/06/2025:We've updated this article, first published 29 May, with newly confirmed specification details. Pricing and specifications for the facelifted 2026 Kia Sportage have been announced for Australia as first vehicles arrive in showrooms, and the upgraded mid-size SUV lineup brings more more hybrid variants, more standard equipment, and the introduction of Kia Connect services, accompanied by price increases of up to $4070. As before, the Sportage will be offered in S, SX, SX+ and GT-Line trim levels, with no less than five different drivetrain variants available. The six-speed manual is dead, and 1.6T AWD variants swap out their dual-clutch automatic transmission for an eight-speed torque converter unit. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Further, hybrid (HEV) versions of the SX and GT-Line are now available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) form, taking the total number of hybrid options to four. Hybrids also get a slight power and torque bump thanks to a new electric motor – now 173kW/367Nm. Revised design details, new alloy wheel options and increased tech levels round out the highlights. Pricing for the MY26 Kia Sportage starts from $37,990 before on-road costs, which is $5000 higher than the old base manual and $3000 more than the outgoing entry-level S automatic. These price rises are somewhat offset by enhanced specification levels, as detailed further down. Prices are up across the board, by at least $500 and an average of around $3000 depending on the model variant. Four different engine variants are offered, with the turbocharged hybrid now offering both front- and all-wheel drive. The Sportage HEV has seen a slight power and torque bump to 173kW/367Nm (up from 169kW/350Nm) courtesy of a more powerful electric motor which sits between the transmission and turbocharged petrol engine. Braked towing capacity for hybrid models has also been upped to 1900kg, which matches the diesel. Another significant change is the transmission for 1.6T AWD versions, which switches out the old and disliked seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) for a smoother-shifting eight-speed auto. Fuel consumption, however, is up by almost 0.5L/100km on the combined cycle as a result. Kia Australia hasn't confirmed any changes to the Sportage's dimensions – see below for pre-facelift figures. The updated Kia Sportage, like the Korean brand's other models, will be covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre new vehicle warranty. Hybrid vehicles are also subject to a seven-year/150,000km high-voltage battery and component warranty. Kia Australia offers seven years of capped-price servicing across its lineup, though finer details around intervals and pricing for the updated Sportage range are still to be confirmed. For reference, 2.0L petrol and turbo-diesel models in the pre-facelifted range have 12-month/15,000km intervals; while the turbocharged 1.6L petrol and HEV versions have shorter 10,000km distance intervals. Pricing over a seven-year period varied between $3344 and $4502 depending on engine variant, which is quite expensive compared to the competition. The updated Kia Sportage is expected to retain its five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on 2022 Euro NCAP tests. Highway Driving Assist (HDA) system from SX+ level and up – the fundamentals appear to be the largely same. Some new or enhanced features have been confirmed from the base model up, however, including an emergency assist function for the adaptive cruise control if the driver becomes unresponsive, and front parking sensors. Standard safety equipment includes: SX+ adds: GT-Line adds: The previous range walk carries over – i.e. S, SX, SX+ and GT-Line – though there's more equipment across the lineup. 2025 Kia Sportage S equipment highlights: Sportage SX adds: Above: GT-Line 1.6T AWD Sportage SX+ adds: Sportage GT-Line adds: Two new paint options join the Sportage's palette, while the outgoing model's Dawning Red has been discontinued. Standard: $NCO Premium paint: $TBC MORE: Everything Kia Sportage Content originally sourced from: UPDATED 14/06/2025:We've updated this article, first published 29 May, with newly confirmed specification details. Pricing and specifications for the facelifted 2026 Kia Sportage have been announced for Australia as first vehicles arrive in showrooms, and the upgraded mid-size SUV lineup brings more more hybrid variants, more standard equipment, and the introduction of Kia Connect services, accompanied by price increases of up to $4070. As before, the Sportage will be offered in S, SX, SX+ and GT-Line trim levels, with no less than five different drivetrain variants available. The six-speed manual is dead, and 1.6T AWD variants swap out their dual-clutch automatic transmission for an eight-speed torque converter unit. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Further, hybrid (HEV) versions of the SX and GT-Line are now available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) form, taking the total number of hybrid options to four. Hybrids also get a slight power and torque bump thanks to a new electric motor – now 173kW/367Nm. Revised design details, new alloy wheel options and increased tech levels round out the highlights. Pricing for the MY26 Kia Sportage starts from $37,990 before on-road costs, which is $5000 higher than the old base manual and $3000 more than the outgoing entry-level S automatic. These price rises are somewhat offset by enhanced specification levels, as detailed further down. Prices are up across the board, by at least $500 and an average of around $3000 depending on the model variant. Four different engine variants are offered, with the turbocharged hybrid now offering both front- and all-wheel drive. The Sportage HEV has seen a slight power and torque bump to 173kW/367Nm (up from 169kW/350Nm) courtesy of a more powerful electric motor which sits between the transmission and turbocharged petrol engine. Braked towing capacity for hybrid models has also been upped to 1900kg, which matches the diesel. Another significant change is the transmission for 1.6T AWD versions, which switches out the old and disliked seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) for a smoother-shifting eight-speed auto. Fuel consumption, however, is up by almost 0.5L/100km on the combined cycle as a result. Kia Australia hasn't confirmed any changes to the Sportage's dimensions – see below for pre-facelift figures. The updated Kia Sportage, like the Korean brand's other models, will be covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre new vehicle warranty. Hybrid vehicles are also subject to a seven-year/150,000km high-voltage battery and component warranty. Kia Australia offers seven years of capped-price servicing across its lineup, though finer details around intervals and pricing for the updated Sportage range are still to be confirmed. For reference, 2.0L petrol and turbo-diesel models in the pre-facelifted range have 12-month/15,000km intervals; while the turbocharged 1.6L petrol and HEV versions have shorter 10,000km distance intervals. Pricing over a seven-year period varied between $3344 and $4502 depending on engine variant, which is quite expensive compared to the competition. The updated Kia Sportage is expected to retain its five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on 2022 Euro NCAP tests. Highway Driving Assist (HDA) system from SX+ level and up – the fundamentals appear to be the largely same. Some new or enhanced features have been confirmed from the base model up, however, including an emergency assist function for the adaptive cruise control if the driver becomes unresponsive, and front parking sensors. Standard safety equipment includes: SX+ adds: GT-Line adds: The previous range walk carries over – i.e. S, SX, SX+ and GT-Line – though there's more equipment across the lineup. 2025 Kia Sportage S equipment highlights: Sportage SX adds: Above: GT-Line 1.6T AWD Sportage SX+ adds: Sportage GT-Line adds: Two new paint options join the Sportage's palette, while the outgoing model's Dawning Red has been discontinued. Standard: $NCO Premium paint: $TBC MORE: Everything Kia Sportage Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- The Advertiser
Kia Australia product boss "would love" the K4 Wagon, but it might be too niche
The Kia K4 Sedan will soon be joined by a hatchback body style and a more efficient petrol engine in Australia, and the wagon variant is also on Kia Australia's wishlist – but the business case may not stack up here. Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian launch of the updated Kia Sportage mid-size SUV, general manager for product at Kia Australia, Roland Rivero, said that while a K4 Wagon will likely be offered in right-hand drive for the UK, demand for wagons continues to shrink in Australia. "The ultimate question is the appetite. The [Australian] market has evolved, and I think it's very SUV-biased. I'd love a wagon, but I think the business case for our market is not as much as Europe's," Mr Rivero said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Above: 2026 Kia K4 Wagon prototype When asked if the wagon-bodied K4 could be reserved for a GT warm performance hero, Mr Rivero remained reluctant. "It would be pretty expensive. We'd have to convince the Mexican plant for that additional variant, which isn't that hard because the UK will have it in right-hand drive – but it's still another derivative that the factory has to churn out." A camouflaged Kia K4 Wagon prototype was recently spotted testing in Europe, ahead of its anticipated reveal later this year. The K4 will replace the popular European-market Kia Ceed, in the same way it replaced the Cerato in Australia. While heavily disguised under sheets and cladding, the K4 Wagon appears to have the extended rear overhang of the K4 Sedan, but with the high roof and tailgate of the incoming K4 Hatch. In the same interview, Mr Rivero confirmed the new K4 Hatch will introduce a more efficient petrol engine and transmission combination when it arrives in the latter stages of 2025. "We've got [the] hatchback first. That does adopt a new powertrain which you're familiar with from the Seltos [small SUV]… which helps us out from a CO2 perspective – that will be our first adjustment in light of NVES [the federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard]," Mr Rivero said. The powertrain in question is an Atkinson-cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated with what Hyundai and Kia call an 'IVT' or Intelligent Variable Transmission. Effectively, it's Hyundai/Kia-speak for a CVT. "The CO2 on that is better than even the 1.6 turbo – I think it's about a 30g/km improvement [over the 2.0L MPI]. Whether we spec it with [idle stop/start] is TBC," Mr Rivero added. Above: Kia K4 Sedan (left) and K4 Hatch (right) The current 2.0L MPI engine with a six-speed automatic in the K4 Sedan quotes combined fuel consumption of 7.4L/100km and CO2 emissions of 167g/km, while the more powerful 1.6 T-GDI engine in the GT-Line with its eight-speed auto quotes 6.7L/100km and 158g/km. Mr Rivero said the new drivetrain will be applied to both the upcoming K4 Hatch as well as the existing K4 Sedan during the fourth quarter of 2025, likely coinciding with model year 2026 (MY26) production. For reference, the related Hyundai i30 Sedan with the Smartstream-branded Atkinson-cycle engine and CVT quotes a much thriftier 6.1L/100km and 139g/km on the combined cycle. As yet there's still no word on a K4 Hybrid or HEV variant, which has been all but confirmed for future introduction. It will almost certainly draw upon the 1.6-litre petrol-electric system used in the i30 Sedan and Kona hybrids, in which it makes 104kW and 265Nm. Let us know in the comments if you want Kia Australia to bring the K4 Wagon! MORE: Kia K4 Hatch to debut more efficient engine in AustraliaMORE: Everything Kia K4 Content originally sourced from: The Kia K4 Sedan will soon be joined by a hatchback body style and a more efficient petrol engine in Australia, and the wagon variant is also on Kia Australia's wishlist – but the business case may not stack up here. Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian launch of the updated Kia Sportage mid-size SUV, general manager for product at Kia Australia, Roland Rivero, said that while a K4 Wagon will likely be offered in right-hand drive for the UK, demand for wagons continues to shrink in Australia. "The ultimate question is the appetite. The [Australian] market has evolved, and I think it's very SUV-biased. I'd love a wagon, but I think the business case for our market is not as much as Europe's," Mr Rivero said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Above: 2026 Kia K4 Wagon prototype When asked if the wagon-bodied K4 could be reserved for a GT warm performance hero, Mr Rivero remained reluctant. "It would be pretty expensive. We'd have to convince the Mexican plant for that additional variant, which isn't that hard because the UK will have it in right-hand drive – but it's still another derivative that the factory has to churn out." A camouflaged Kia K4 Wagon prototype was recently spotted testing in Europe, ahead of its anticipated reveal later this year. The K4 will replace the popular European-market Kia Ceed, in the same way it replaced the Cerato in Australia. While heavily disguised under sheets and cladding, the K4 Wagon appears to have the extended rear overhang of the K4 Sedan, but with the high roof and tailgate of the incoming K4 Hatch. In the same interview, Mr Rivero confirmed the new K4 Hatch will introduce a more efficient petrol engine and transmission combination when it arrives in the latter stages of 2025. "We've got [the] hatchback first. That does adopt a new powertrain which you're familiar with from the Seltos [small SUV]… which helps us out from a CO2 perspective – that will be our first adjustment in light of NVES [the federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard]," Mr Rivero said. The powertrain in question is an Atkinson-cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated with what Hyundai and Kia call an 'IVT' or Intelligent Variable Transmission. Effectively, it's Hyundai/Kia-speak for a CVT. "The CO2 on that is better than even the 1.6 turbo – I think it's about a 30g/km improvement [over the 2.0L MPI]. Whether we spec it with [idle stop/start] is TBC," Mr Rivero added. Above: Kia K4 Sedan (left) and K4 Hatch (right) The current 2.0L MPI engine with a six-speed automatic in the K4 Sedan quotes combined fuel consumption of 7.4L/100km and CO2 emissions of 167g/km, while the more powerful 1.6 T-GDI engine in the GT-Line with its eight-speed auto quotes 6.7L/100km and 158g/km. Mr Rivero said the new drivetrain will be applied to both the upcoming K4 Hatch as well as the existing K4 Sedan during the fourth quarter of 2025, likely coinciding with model year 2026 (MY26) production. For reference, the related Hyundai i30 Sedan with the Smartstream-branded Atkinson-cycle engine and CVT quotes a much thriftier 6.1L/100km and 139g/km on the combined cycle. As yet there's still no word on a K4 Hybrid or HEV variant, which has been all but confirmed for future introduction. It will almost certainly draw upon the 1.6-litre petrol-electric system used in the i30 Sedan and Kona hybrids, in which it makes 104kW and 265Nm. Let us know in the comments if you want Kia Australia to bring the K4 Wagon! MORE: Kia K4 Hatch to debut more efficient engine in AustraliaMORE: Everything Kia K4 Content originally sourced from: The Kia K4 Sedan will soon be joined by a hatchback body style and a more efficient petrol engine in Australia, and the wagon variant is also on Kia Australia's wishlist – but the business case may not stack up here. Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian launch of the updated Kia Sportage mid-size SUV, general manager for product at Kia Australia, Roland Rivero, said that while a K4 Wagon will likely be offered in right-hand drive for the UK, demand for wagons continues to shrink in Australia. "The ultimate question is the appetite. The [Australian] market has evolved, and I think it's very SUV-biased. I'd love a wagon, but I think the business case for our market is not as much as Europe's," Mr Rivero said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Above: 2026 Kia K4 Wagon prototype When asked if the wagon-bodied K4 could be reserved for a GT warm performance hero, Mr Rivero remained reluctant. "It would be pretty expensive. We'd have to convince the Mexican plant for that additional variant, which isn't that hard because the UK will have it in right-hand drive – but it's still another derivative that the factory has to churn out." A camouflaged Kia K4 Wagon prototype was recently spotted testing in Europe, ahead of its anticipated reveal later this year. The K4 will replace the popular European-market Kia Ceed, in the same way it replaced the Cerato in Australia. While heavily disguised under sheets and cladding, the K4 Wagon appears to have the extended rear overhang of the K4 Sedan, but with the high roof and tailgate of the incoming K4 Hatch. In the same interview, Mr Rivero confirmed the new K4 Hatch will introduce a more efficient petrol engine and transmission combination when it arrives in the latter stages of 2025. "We've got [the] hatchback first. That does adopt a new powertrain which you're familiar with from the Seltos [small SUV]… which helps us out from a CO2 perspective – that will be our first adjustment in light of NVES [the federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard]," Mr Rivero said. The powertrain in question is an Atkinson-cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated with what Hyundai and Kia call an 'IVT' or Intelligent Variable Transmission. Effectively, it's Hyundai/Kia-speak for a CVT. "The CO2 on that is better than even the 1.6 turbo – I think it's about a 30g/km improvement [over the 2.0L MPI]. Whether we spec it with [idle stop/start] is TBC," Mr Rivero added. Above: Kia K4 Sedan (left) and K4 Hatch (right) The current 2.0L MPI engine with a six-speed automatic in the K4 Sedan quotes combined fuel consumption of 7.4L/100km and CO2 emissions of 167g/km, while the more powerful 1.6 T-GDI engine in the GT-Line with its eight-speed auto quotes 6.7L/100km and 158g/km. Mr Rivero said the new drivetrain will be applied to both the upcoming K4 Hatch as well as the existing K4 Sedan during the fourth quarter of 2025, likely coinciding with model year 2026 (MY26) production. For reference, the related Hyundai i30 Sedan with the Smartstream-branded Atkinson-cycle engine and CVT quotes a much thriftier 6.1L/100km and 139g/km on the combined cycle. As yet there's still no word on a K4 Hybrid or HEV variant, which has been all but confirmed for future introduction. It will almost certainly draw upon the 1.6-litre petrol-electric system used in the i30 Sedan and Kona hybrids, in which it makes 104kW and 265Nm. Let us know in the comments if you want Kia Australia to bring the K4 Wagon! MORE: Kia K4 Hatch to debut more efficient engine in AustraliaMORE: Everything Kia K4 Content originally sourced from: The Kia K4 Sedan will soon be joined by a hatchback body style and a more efficient petrol engine in Australia, and the wagon variant is also on Kia Australia's wishlist – but the business case may not stack up here. Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian launch of the updated Kia Sportage mid-size SUV, general manager for product at Kia Australia, Roland Rivero, said that while a K4 Wagon will likely be offered in right-hand drive for the UK, demand for wagons continues to shrink in Australia. "The ultimate question is the appetite. The [Australian] market has evolved, and I think it's very SUV-biased. I'd love a wagon, but I think the business case for our market is not as much as Europe's," Mr Rivero said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Above: 2026 Kia K4 Wagon prototype When asked if the wagon-bodied K4 could be reserved for a GT warm performance hero, Mr Rivero remained reluctant. "It would be pretty expensive. We'd have to convince the Mexican plant for that additional variant, which isn't that hard because the UK will have it in right-hand drive – but it's still another derivative that the factory has to churn out." A camouflaged Kia K4 Wagon prototype was recently spotted testing in Europe, ahead of its anticipated reveal later this year. The K4 will replace the popular European-market Kia Ceed, in the same way it replaced the Cerato in Australia. While heavily disguised under sheets and cladding, the K4 Wagon appears to have the extended rear overhang of the K4 Sedan, but with the high roof and tailgate of the incoming K4 Hatch. In the same interview, Mr Rivero confirmed the new K4 Hatch will introduce a more efficient petrol engine and transmission combination when it arrives in the latter stages of 2025. "We've got [the] hatchback first. That does adopt a new powertrain which you're familiar with from the Seltos [small SUV]… which helps us out from a CO2 perspective – that will be our first adjustment in light of NVES [the federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard]," Mr Rivero said. The powertrain in question is an Atkinson-cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated with what Hyundai and Kia call an 'IVT' or Intelligent Variable Transmission. Effectively, it's Hyundai/Kia-speak for a CVT. "The CO2 on that is better than even the 1.6 turbo – I think it's about a 30g/km improvement [over the 2.0L MPI]. Whether we spec it with [idle stop/start] is TBC," Mr Rivero added. Above: Kia K4 Sedan (left) and K4 Hatch (right) The current 2.0L MPI engine with a six-speed automatic in the K4 Sedan quotes combined fuel consumption of 7.4L/100km and CO2 emissions of 167g/km, while the more powerful 1.6 T-GDI engine in the GT-Line with its eight-speed auto quotes 6.7L/100km and 158g/km. Mr Rivero said the new drivetrain will be applied to both the upcoming K4 Hatch as well as the existing K4 Sedan during the fourth quarter of 2025, likely coinciding with model year 2026 (MY26) production. For reference, the related Hyundai i30 Sedan with the Smartstream-branded Atkinson-cycle engine and CVT quotes a much thriftier 6.1L/100km and 139g/km on the combined cycle. As yet there's still no word on a K4 Hybrid or HEV variant, which has been all but confirmed for future introduction. It will almost certainly draw upon the 1.6-litre petrol-electric system used in the i30 Sedan and Kona hybrids, in which it makes 104kW and 265Nm. Let us know in the comments if you want Kia Australia to bring the K4 Wagon! MORE: Kia K4 Hatch to debut more efficient engine in AustraliaMORE: Everything Kia K4 Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
3 days ago
- 7NEWS
Kia Australia product boss "would love" the K4 Wagon, but it might be too niche
The Kia K4 Sedan will soon be joined by a hatchback body style and a more efficient petrol engine in Australia, and the wagon variant is also on Kia Australia's wishlist – but the business case may not stack up here. Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian launch of the updated Kia Sportage mid-size SUV, general manager for product at Kia Australia, Roland Rivero, said that while a K4 Wagon will likely be offered in right-hand drive for the UK, demand for wagons continues to shrink in Australia. 'The ultimate question is the appetite. The [Australian] market has evolved, and I think it's very SUV-biased. I'd love a wagon, but I think the business case for our market is not as much as Europe's,' Mr Rivero said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Above: 2026 Kia K4 Wagon prototype When asked if the wagon-bodied K4 could be reserved for a GT warm performance hero, Mr Rivero remained reluctant. 'It would be pretty expensive. We'd have to convince the Mexican plant for that additional variant, which isn't that hard because the UK will have it in right-hand drive – but it's still another derivative that the factory has to churn out.' A camouflaged Kia K4 Wagon prototype was recently spotted testing in Europe, ahead of its anticipated reveal later this year. The K4 will replace the popular European-market Kia Ceed, in the same way it replaced the Cerato in Australia. While heavily disguised under sheets and cladding, the K4 Wagon appears to have the extended rear overhang of the K4 Sedan, but with the high roof and tailgate of the incoming K4 Hatch. In the same interview, Mr Rivero confirmed the new K4 Hatch will introduce a more efficient petrol engine and transmission combination when it arrives in the latter stages of 2025. 'We've got [the] hatchback first. That does adopt a new powertrain which you're familiar with from the Seltos [small SUV]… which helps us out from a CO2 perspective – that will be our first adjustment in light of NVES [the federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard],' Mr Rivero said. The powertrain in question is an Atkinson-cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated with what Hyundai and Kia call an 'IVT' or Intelligent Variable Transmission. Effectively, it's Hyundai/Kia-speak for a CVT. 'The CO2 on that is better than even the 1.6 turbo – I think it's about a 30g/km improvement [over the 2.0L MPI]. Whether we spec it with [idle stop/start] is TBC,' Mr Rivero added. Above: Kia K4 Sedan (left) and K4 Hatch (right) The current 2.0L MPI engine with a six-speed automatic in the K4 Sedan quotes combined fuel consumption of 7.4L/100km and CO2 emissions of 167g/km, while the more powerful 1.6 T-GDI engine in the GT-Line with its eight-speed auto quotes 6.7L/100km and 158g/km. Mr Rivero said the new drivetrain will be applied to both the upcoming K4 Hatch as well as the existing K4 Sedan during the fourth quarter of 2025, likely coinciding with model year 2026 (MY26) production. For reference, the related Hyundai i30 Sedan with the Smartstream-branded Atkinson-cycle engine and CVT quotes a much thriftier 6.1L/100km and 139g/km on the combined cycle. As yet there's still no word on a K4 Hybrid or HEV variant, which has been all but confirmed for future introduction. It will almost certainly draw upon the 1.6-litre petrol-electric system used in the i30 Sedan and Kona hybrids, in which it makes 104kW and 265Nm.
