We use cookies and other technologies to understand and improve your browsing experience. By using our site, you agree to us collecting this information and to our Privacy Charter.
You’ll be sent the latest news, exclusive offers and competitions to your inbox.
Review
2025 Kia K4 GT-Line review
Andrea Matthews
February 20, 2025
The stylish 2025 Kia K4 is replacing the Kia Cerato, one of Australia’s most popular small cars. Here's how the range-topping K4 GT-Line variant stacks up.
A solid reworking of the Cerato, the Kia K4 features a new platform and is substantially revised with new powertrains, larger dimensions, a sharper design and enhanced technology.
The K4 is arriving first as a sedan with a hatch to follow later this year. It’s available with two engine and transmission choices, and five model grades.
At the top of the range is the Kia K4 GT-Line, the only variant to receive a sports-oriented 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with eight-speed automatic transmission. The rest of the line-up is powered by a 2.0-litre normally aspirated engine matched to a six-speed auto transmission.
The K4 GT-Line has a recommended retail price of $42,990 plus on-road costs - a decent price increase on the outgoing Kia Cerato GT sedan ($36,860).
Significantly, the Cerato GT was also equipped with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine but in that vehicle it's paired with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. This transmission unit has been replaced in the K4 due to customer feedback.
As you’d expect from the hero of the range, the K4 GT-Line carries the best specification of the K4 line-up and features Kia’s widescreen digital display incorporating a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and 12.3-inch digital driver display either side of a five-inch climate monitor.
Entertainment is provided by a Harman/Kardon premium sound system with 8 speakers, and wireless phone charging is available along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The Kia K4 GT-Line includes a smart key system with push-button start and remote engine start, and has an exclusive 3-spoke premium heated steering wheel. Ambient mood lighting is also featured for an premium feel.
The Kia K4 range is supported in market by a seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and capped price servicing is available across the range. The GT-Line model is more expensive to service with tighter 10,000 km service intervals due to its engine, so if you choose to service at an authorised dealership, expect to pay $3877 across the first seven years or 70,000 kms of ownership
This compares to $3225 for 105,000 kms of driving in variants equipped with the 2.0-litre engine which benefits from lower service costs and 15,000 km intervals.
The K4 GT-Line is longer, wider and lower than the Cerato sedan, and now has an edgy design compared to the rounded look of the Cerato.
The K4 presents as a fastback, rather than a sedan. So while it has the appearance of large rear tailgate, it actually has a conventional boot, which is marginally larger than the Cerato sedan.
The front end features Kia’s signature 'Tiger Nose' grille while the car has satin silver accents, gloss black window surround, and 18-inch alloy wheels. LED projector headlights and rear combination lamps are unique to GT-Line variants.
The Kia K4 has a sharper exterior design than the Cerato
What is the Kia K4 GT-Line like inside?
Inside, the Kia K4 GT-Line is comfortable and feels suitably modern. The GT-Line features artificial leather seats with embossed GT-Line details and a unique two-tone colour scheme. It feels a cut above the outgoing Cerato.
The driver has an 8-way power-adjustable seat with 2-way lumbar support, and a steering wheel with paddle shifters. Both driver and front passenger benefit from heated and ventilated front seats, however some may prefer a lower driving position than that offered by the K4.
Ambient lighting allows for cabin personalisation, and as in Kia’s other products, the K4 features Sounds of Nature, which allows for themed audio when you’ve exhausted your podcast subscriptions and music playlists.
There’s four USB-C type chargers, two for the front and two for rear seat passengers, and the GT-Line is the only K4 model to receive wireless phone charging.
Room in the rear seat is good for anyone that isn’t a six-footer, and the sharply swooping roofline doesn’t impinge much on headroom. Three adults across the back might stretch a friendship, but two ISOFIX child seat fixing points and three top-tethers offers flexibility for family buyers.
1 of 3
Is the Kia K4 GT-Line good to drive?
The Kia K4 GT-Line has benefitted from local suspension tuning, presenting a mature and refined driving experience with a satisfying balance between ride comfort and handling.
The 142kW 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, paired with the eight-speed automatic, delivers a satisfying surge of power, making overtaking and merging effortless. While the transmission can occasionally feel hesitant in normal mode, and isn’t naturally as ‘snappy’ as a dual clutch transmission when at speed, switching to sport sharpens its responses, revealing a more engaging character.
While the Kia K4 GT-Line was confident and composed on a diverse selection of city tarmac, it did its best work on the winding roads around Healesville. The steering is precise and well-weighted, allowing for confident cornering. The sportier suspension setup and grippy Hankook tyres provide a planted feel, minimising body roll and maximising grip. The engine pulls strongly out of corners, and the transmission readily downshifts when needed.
The Kia K4 GT-Line has a claimed fuel economy figure of 6.7L/100km (ADR Combined) but the best we saw from the test drive was 7.4L/100km, and at the end of a twisty drive, the worst was 9.1L/100km. I'd expect those numbers to even out on a more balanced drive.
Driving the GT-Line back to back with the Kia K4 's 2.0-litre powered sibling delivers a driving experience that's chalk and cheese. The GT-Line's power unit positively shines compared to the disappointing and somewhat lazy engine used across the rest of the K4 range. Don't head to the Kia dealership expecting anything other than the K4 GT-Line to deliver a rewarding driving experience.
The Kia K4 is larger than the Cerato which translates to a bigger boot
What safety features does the Kia K4 GT-Line have?
The Kia K4 GT-Line is not currently rated by ANCAP, but it carries a wide range of safety features including Kia's Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Follow Assist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist. It also features a full complement of seven airbags, including a front Centre Side Airbag.
If you’re looking elsewhere in the Kia K4 range, bear in mind the most affordable Kia K4 S model isn’t equipped with the same level of safety as the GT-Line, but can be purchased with an additional Safety pack that upgrades the Forward Collision system to include junction crossing and oncoming lane change detection, as well as adding the infotainment display featured across the rest of the range.
In practice, the Kia systems remain some of the best calibrated driver assistance tools. However the Kia K4 is afflicted with chimes, with no related visual alert - so it's tricky to work out what the car is telling you. such as you're ‘good to go’, ‘stay alert’, or ‘be alarmed.’
The Kia K4 is also supported by a seven-year subscription to the Kia Connect app that enables automatic collision notification with emergency call, and offers functions including remote locking, vehicle tracking and vehicle status that lets you know if the boot or a door is open.
The Kia K4 is supported by the Kia Connect app
How does the Kia K4 GT-Line compare?
The small passenger car segment is not as vibrant and competitive as it once was and sales are dominated by the Toyota Corolla, which is available exclusively as a hybrid. It’s much more frugal than the Kia K4, so if fuel efficiency is important to you, the Corolla is a better choice. But if fit and presentation are more your bag, you might prefer the more stylish Kia K4 GT-Line.
The Kia K4 GT-Line is a compelling option for drivers seeking a stylish, well-equipped, small car with a whiff of sports about it. Its combination of driveability, technology, and comfort makes it an attractive choice for those looking for a premium driving experience from their small car.
Recently purchased a new car?
With RACV Insurance, you're protected by Victoria's most trusted insurance.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
