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Each every now and then, we take a look at a car that we really feel is a bit out of step with its worth level and phase. This previous week, it occurred once we examined the $29,285 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo. Primarily based on its content material, and driving satisfaction, we really feel this car is underpriced by about $10K. It’s so good that it has no enterprise being bought for lower than $30,000. Primarily based on the vehicles we now have examined on this phase, we might have anticipated this K4 to ring in near $40K in right this moment’s horribly debased U.S. {dollars}.
The K4 is a roomy, four-door midsized sedan. GT-Line means it has the sporty bits, and Turbo means its powertrain is upgraded to the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. Whereas we completely just like the K4 (non-turbo), the upgraded engine is a giant deal. It bumps up torque from a low by any measure 132 lb-ft, to a really respectable 195 lb-ft.. That torque is on the market from 1,700-4,500 rpm. The interpretation of all this gibberish is that the GT-Line Turbo pulls strongly and affords a really satisfying expertise when pushed assertively.
The K4 GT-Line Turbo is simply wanting being a sports activities sedan. Frankly, we’re glad that Kia didn’t go Full-Sport with the automotive. Its suspension is comfortable sufficient for snug commuting, and its demeanor is chill sufficient when in regular mode for enjoyable cruising. Hit the Sport button conveniently situated on the underside of the steering wheel and begin pulling the paddles, and it this automotive is a blast on open roads.
We took the K4 to New Hampshire’s rural again roads. Up and down lonely mountain passes, the K4 was unbelievable. We used Sport mode about 50% of the time we had the automotive, and nonetheless noticed 38 MPG over a whole bunch of miles of use. We couldn’t cease driving this automotive.
The nice drive is simply a part of why this automotive ought to price a lot, way more. The content material is astounding for underneath $30K. Here’s what impressed us:
1) Enormous energy moonroof with an influence shade.
Heated seats with energy adjustment for the driving force.
2) Improbable Infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
3) Premium Harman/Kardon Audio
4) Spare tire!
5) Quiet operation because of an Acoustic Windshield
6) Passenger quantity controls (thumbwheel)
7) 8-Velocity Computerized Transmission With Paddles and Sport Mode (In different phrases, it is not a awful CVT)
We actually liked the numerous small particulars Kia included. The spare tire was the perfect of those, however we additionally liked that the automotive had a means for the passenger to manage the quantity. The gas door and trunk controls are on the ground, as they at all times must be. The SynTex seats felt nice to the contact, and the perforated materials stored us from overheating.
Our tester added the $2,200 Expertise package deal that provides a bunch of energetic security stuff and a digital key we’d somewhat not have. It additionally provides ventilated seats, which we want to have, however not for $2,200. We’d attempt to discover a K4 GT-Line Turbo with out that package deal.
Throughout our travels, the gas economic system rose to 41.5 MPG earlier than we received caught up within the paddle shifters and drove the automotive like we stole it for hours on a mountain highway. 38 MPG utilizing common gas means this automotive has a seven-cent per mile price of gas the place we reside (Fuel is about $2.80). That’s roughly what it prices to energy an EV utilizing public charging. This automotive is loopy inexpensive.
Belief us; this automotive is a screaming discount even earlier than you consider its 10-year powertrain guarantee. In case you are looking for a terrific automotive for underneath $30K, discover a K4 GT-Line Turbo at your nearest Kia vendor, and in the event that they promote it to you at sticker worth, purchase them a field of donuts.
For full readability, right here is how the K4 GT-Line Turbo pricing works:
MSRP = $28,090
Vacation spot Charge = $1,195
Subtotal = $29,285
Supplier Doc Charge – Price range $400
Goal out the door worth earlier than tax and registration = $29,700
The Expertise Package deal we might skip provides $2,200.
Are you able to title a greater automotive at this worth level? Inform us within the feedback beneath.
John Goreham is the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Affiliation and an skilled car tester. John accomplished an engineering program with a deal with electrical autos, adopted by 20 years of labor in high-tech, biopharma, and the automotive provide chain earlier than turning into a information contributor. He’s a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE int). Along with his eleven years of labor at Torque Information, John has revealed 1000’s of articles and evaluations at American information shops. He’s recognized for providing unfiltered opinions on car matters. You may join with John on LinkedIn and comply with his work on his private X channel or on our X channel. Please word that tales carrying John’s by-line are by no means AI-generated, however he does make use of grammar and punctuation software program when proofreading and he additionally makes use of picture era instruments.
Pictures by John Goreham
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