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Each occasionally, we check a car that we really feel is a bit out of step with its value level and section. This previous week, it occurred after 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 got examined on this section, we might have anticipated this K4 to ring in near $40K in at this time’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 obtainable 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 automobile. Its suspension is smooth sufficient for comfy 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 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 unbelievable. We used Sport mode about 50% of the time we had the automobile, and nonetheless noticed 38 MPG over a whole bunch of miles of use. We couldn’t cease driving this automobile.
The good drive is simply a part of why this automobile ought to value a lot, rather more. The content material is astounding for below $30K. Here’s what impressed us:
1) Big 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-Velocity Automated Transmission With Paddles and Sport Mode (In different phrases, it isn’t a awful CVT)
We actually beloved the various small particulars Kia included. The spare tire was one of the best of those, however we additionally beloved that the automobile had a means for the passenger to regulate the quantity. The gasoline door and trunk controls are on the ground, as they all the time must be. The SynTex seats felt nice to the contact, and the perforated materials saved 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 reasonably 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 bundle.
Throughout our travels, the gasoline financial system rose to 41.5 MPG earlier than we received caught up within the paddle shifters and drove the automobile like we stole it for hours on a mountain highway. 38 MPG utilizing common gasoline means this automobile has a seven-cent per mile value of gasoline the place we reside (Gasoline is about $2.80). That’s roughly what it prices to energy an EV utilizing public charging. This automobile is loopy inexpensive.
Belief us; this automobile is a screaming discount even earlier than you consider its 10-year powertrain guarantee. In case you are looking for a terrific automobile for below $30K, discover a K4 GT-Line Turbo at your nearest Kia seller, and in the event that they promote it to you at sticker value, 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
Seller Doc Payment – Finances $400
Goal out the door value earlier than tax and registration = $29,700
The Know-how Bundle we might skip provides $2,200.
Are you able to identify a greater automobile at this value level? Inform us within the feedback under.
John Goreham is the Vice President of the New England Motor Press Affiliation and an knowledgeable car tester. John accomplished an engineering program with a concentrate on electrical automobiles, 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 hundreds of articles and opinions at American information shops. 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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