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Each every so often, we take a look at 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 vehicles we’ve got examined on this section, we’d have anticipated this K4 to ring in near $40K in at present’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 an enormous 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 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 automotive. Its suspension is tender sufficient for comfy commuting, and its demeanor is chill sufficient when in regular mode for stress-free 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 improbable. 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 value a lot, far 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 driving force.
2) Incredible Infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
3) Premium Harman/Kardon Audio
4) Spare tire!
5) Quiet operation due to 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 cherished the various small particulars Kia included. The spare tire was the very best of those, however we additionally cherished that the automotive had a method for the passenger to manage the amount. 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 relatively 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 package deal.
Throughout our travels, the gas financial system rose to 41.5 MPG earlier than we acquired 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 value 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 reasonably priced.
Belief us; this automotive is a screaming discount even earlier than you consider its 10-year powertrain guarantee. If you’re looking for a fantastic automotive for below $30K, discover a K4 GT-Line Turbo at your nearest Kia supplier, 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 Charge = $1,195
Subtotal = $29,285
Seller Doc Charge – Funds $400
Goal out the door value earlier than tax and registration = $29,700
The Expertise Bundle we’d skip provides $2,200.
Are you able to identify a greater automotive 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 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 revealed 1000’s of articles and opinions at American information shops. He’s identified for providing unfiltered opinions on car subjects. You may join with John on LinkedIn and observe his work on his private X channel or on our X channel. Please be aware 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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