In a world where the once behemoth small car segment is forever dwindling in favour of larger and more expensive SUVs, the 2025 Kia K4 is set to hit Australian showrooms soon, with pricing kicking off at $30,590 plus on-road costs. Because of that, the Cerato name – which was first sold in Australia in 2005 – has been killed off locally.
The initial launch will feature four sedan variants—S, Sport, Sport+, and GT-Line—while a five-door hatchback is expected to arrive later in the year, potentially expanding the lineup to eight models.
Built on a new platform, the K4 grows in size and tech, but also brings a price hike. Compared to the outgoing Cerato, prices have increased by between $3,530 and $6,130, with the Sport ($35,190) and GT-Line ($42,990) seeing the biggest jumps.
Engines and Performance
Most variants are powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 112kW and 192Nm, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Kia claims a 7.4L/100km fuel consumption figure for this setup.
The range-topping GT-Line comes with the Kia/Hyundai 1.6-litre turbocharged engine pushing out 142kW and 246Nm. It also benefits from an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission, replacing the dual-clutch unit found in the previous Cerato GT. Despite the extra power, the GT-Line has a lower fuel consumption of 6.7L/100km.
The GT-Line features a multi-link rear suspension, apparently delivering a more refined ride and sharper handling compared to the torsion beam setup on lower trims. It also gains an uprated braking system for added stopping power.
Standard Features
The entry-level S is equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, dusk-sensing automatic LED headlights with auto high beam and keyless entry and start. Inside, it gets a 10.3-inch infotainment display with wireless smartphone mirroring for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, a six-speaker sound system, and a ventilated wireless phone charger. Other highlights include Kia Connect for over-the-air (OTA) updates, adaptive cruise control, and power-folding mirrors.
An optional Safety Pack adds the now familiar Kia/Hyundai curved panoramic display—featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 5.0-inch climate control interface, and 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen—along with dual-zone climate control and additional safety tech like junction crossing and oncoming lane change detection for the front collision assist system.
Stepping up to the Sport adds 17-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, and highway driving assist, while the Sport+ builds on that with artificial leather upholstery, rain-sensing automatic wipers, soft-touch trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, illuminated sun visors, an illuminated glovebox, and heated front seats – though, still a urethane steering wheel.
The range-topping GT-Line features 18-inch alloy wheels, projector LED headlights, a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory functionality, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, ambient lighting, sports pedals, and wireless phone charging. A high-end Harman Kardon eight-speaker sound system, ventilated front seats, and a sportier exterior design complete the package.
All variants offer 508-litres of boot space, expandable via 60:40 split-folding rear seats.
Kia Australia is working with ANCAP to determine the K4’s safety rating. The outgoing Cerato received four stars in 2019, while the related Hyundai i30 Sedan recently scored three stars under the stricter 2023-2025 protocols.
As with all new Kia models, the K4 is covered by a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.
2025 Kia K4 Pricing (plus on-road costs):
- S – $30,590
- Sport – $35,190
- Sport+ – $37,590
- GT-Line – $42,990
Pricing for the hatchback models will be announced closer to their arrival later in 2025. Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto for the latest automotive news and reviews.
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