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Each from time to time, we check a automobile 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 automobile 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 vehicles we’ve examined on this phase, we’d have anticipated this K4 to ring in near $40K in in the present day’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 affords a really satisfying expertise when pushed assertively.
The K4 GT-Line Turbo is simply in need of being a sports activities sedan. Frankly, we’re glad that Kia didn’t go Full-Sport with the automotive. Its suspension is gentle sufficient for comfy 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 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 implausible. We used Sport mode about 50% of the time we had the automotive, and nonetheless noticed 38 MPG over lots of 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, 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) Implausible 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 is not a awful CVT)
We actually beloved the numerous small particulars Kia included. The spare tire was the most effective of those, however we additionally beloved that the automotive had a approach for the passenger to regulate the quantity. The gas door and trunk controls are on the ground, as they at all times needs to be. The SynTex seats felt nice to the contact, and the perforated materials stored us from overheating.
Our tester added the $2,200 Know-how bundle that provides a bunch of energetic security stuff and a digital key we’d fairly 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 gas economic system rose to 41.5 MPG earlier than we bought 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. If you’re looking for an ideal automotive for underneath $30K, discover a K4 GT-Line Turbo at your nearest Kia seller, 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 Price = $1,195
Subtotal = $29,285
Supplier Doc Price – Price range $400
Goal out the door worth earlier than tax and registration = $29,700
The Know-how Bundle we’d skip provides $2,200.
Are you able to title a greater automotive at this worth level? Inform us within the feedback under.
John Goreham is the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Affiliation and an professional automobile tester. John accomplished an engineering program with a give attention to 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 hundreds of articles and evaluations at American information shops. He’s identified for providing unfiltered opinions on automobile matters. You possibly can join with John on LinkedIn and observe his work on his private X channel or on our X channel. Please notice 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.
Photos by John Goreham
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