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Each every now and then, we check 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. Based mostly 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. Based mostly on the automobiles we’ve examined on this phase, we’d 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 out there from 1,700-4,500 rpm. The interpretation of all this gibberish is that the GT-Line Turbo pulls strongly and presents 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 automobile. Its suspension is gentle sufficient for snug commuting, and its demeanor is chill sufficient when in regular mode for stress-free cruising. Hit the Sport button conveniently positioned on the underside of the steering wheel and begin pulling the paddles, and it this automobile 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 implausible. We used Sport mode about 50% of the time we had the automobile, and nonetheless noticed 38 MPG over lots of of miles of use. We couldn’t cease driving this automobile.
The good drive is simply a part of why this automobile ought to price a lot, rather more. The content material is astounding for underneath $30K. Here’s what impressed us:
1) Large energy moonroof with an influence shade.
Heated seats with energy adjustment for the motive 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-Pace Computerized Transmission With Paddles and Sport Mode (In different phrases, it isn’t 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 automobile had a means for the passenger to regulate the amount. The gasoline door and trunk controls are on the ground, as they all the time ought to be. The SynTex seats felt nice to the contact, and the perforated materials stored us from overheating.
Our tester added the $2,200 Expertise bundle that provides a bunch of energetic security stuff and a digital key we’d slightly not have. It additionally provides ventilated seats, which we wish to have, however not for $2,200. We’d attempt to discover a K4 GT-Line Turbo with out that bundle.
Throughout our travels, the gasoline economic system rose to 41.5 MPG earlier than we bought caught up within the paddle shifters and drove the automobile like we stole it for hours on a mountain street. 38 MPG utilizing common gasoline means this automobile has a seven-cent per mile price of gasoline the place we stay (Fuel is about $2.80). That’s roughly what it prices to energy an EV utilizing public charging. This automobile is loopy reasonably priced.
Belief us; this automobile is a screaming cut price even earlier than you think about its 10-year powertrain guarantee. If you’re looking for a fantastic automobile for underneath $30K, discover a K4 GT-Line Turbo at your nearest Kia supplier, 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 Payment = $1,195
Subtotal = $29,285
Supplier Doc Payment – Finances $400
Goal out the door worth earlier than tax and registration = $29,700
The Expertise Package deal we’d skip provides $2,200.
Are you able to identify a greater automobile 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 twenty years of labor in high-tech, biopharma, and the automotive provide chain earlier than changing 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 printed 1000’s of articles and evaluations at American information retailers. He’s identified for providing unfiltered opinions on car matters. You’ll be able to join with John on LinkedIn and observe 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 technology instruments.
Photographs by John Goreham
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