Kia's stylish EV hatchback offers a compelling package

Kia's latest EV is a genuine head-turner, certainly for me, with a choice of models, excellent range and keen pricing, particularly the model tested here.

It features eye-catching light clusters, LED star map lighting and daytime running lights. The swooping bonnet line and sculpted flanks complete a striking design, rounded off by unique alloy designs. Not everyone will love the pop-out door handles – designed to sit flush for better aerodynamics, I certainly don’t.

What you get for the money

It is available in hatchback form driven here, and fastback form, with two battery options: a 58.3kWh standard range or an 81.4kWh long-range pack.

There are three grades – 'Air' (exclusive to the EV4), 'GT-Line' and 'GT-Line S' – with six versions, all well equipped. Kia expects 'GT-Line' to be the most popular choice, even though the Air offers the best discount and plenty of standard kit. This entry-level Air model qualifies for the maximum Band 1 Government Electric Car Grant, raising the discount from £1,500 to £3,750 – a significant saving.

Space and practicality

Longer than direct rivals, with an extended wheelbase freeing up passenger space, yet still sleek despite almost tourer-like proportions. A sturdy boot grab handle is a small but thoughtful touch that makes closing the tailgate far less awkward.

The hatchback's boot offers 435 litres with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,415 litres when the rear seats are folded 60:40, creating an almost flat load floor. It passed the 'tip run' test with flying colours. It comfortably accommodates most daily life necessities and maybe even the kitchen sink.

Interior and technology

Minimalist inside: the Air trim comes with quality cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats and a multi-function steering wheel. A column-mounted gear selector frees up centre console space. Move up the range and you get extra bells and whistles.

The cabin itself is light and airy with good head and legroom, though the sloping roofline reduces rear headroom for taller passengers.

Fixtures feel sturdy, though some plastics feel budget. Central is a 12.3-inch digital driver display and 12.3-inch touchscreen controlling infotainment, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and navigation. ~It is generally easy to use, though deeper menu dives frustrate, and the climate controls sit awkwardly between the two screens.

On the road

Virtually silent running, a smooth, comfortable ride and only some road and wind noise intruding.

Around 200bhp delivers plenty of pace – 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds – with good, well-planted handling and nicely weighted steering on twisting country lanes. On the motorway you could sit all day in comfort enjoying the impressive sound system.

This model's larger 81kWh battery claims up to 372 miles. But a week's running returned just over 4.1 miles per kWh – roughly 335 miles – achieved with high-speed motorway and significant night driving.

Equipment and safety

Impressive standard kit for the money: 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, heated leather-trimmed steering wheel, adaptive cruise control and a rear-view camera. Euro NCAP awarded the EV4 4 stars as standard and 5 stars with the optional DriveWise ADAS package. Standard safety includes forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind spot collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control; the 5-star version adds enhanced radar for better pedestrian and cyclist detection.

Verdict

The EV4 Air is a sensible EV choice – good real-world range, generous space and a spacious boot in a distinctive design. Some hard plastics and awkward climate control placement are minor flaws. Accept the 4-star rating without the optional safety package and the Air trim delivers exceptional value.

Factfile

• Model: Kia EV4 Air 81.4kWh
• Price: £36,995 (OTR; £33,245 with Electric Car Grant)
• Mechanical: 201bhp (150kW) front-mounted electric motor, 283Nm torque, drivng the front wheels
• Max speed: 105 mph
• 0 to 62mph: 7.5 sec
• Range: 372 miles (WLTP)
• Insurance group: 35D
• CO2 emissions: 0 g/km
• BiK rating: 4%
• Warranty: 7yrs/100,000 miles (Kia UK standard)