New Kia EV4 GT: 288bhp hot hatch is an all-electric VW Golf R rival
Kia’s C-segment EV is now available in a range-topping GT trim with a dual-motor set-up
The Kia EV4 hatchback and its Fastback sibling have only just arrived in British showrooms, but the Korean brand has already introduced a new high-performance derivative. The Kia EV4 GT adds a second electric motor to the rear axle, adding more power and capability to the Volkswagen Golf-sized EV.
Under the skin, the EV4 shares its basic electric powertrain and battery pack with the slightly smaller EV3 GT crossover. This means that its two electric motors create a total of 288bhp, with power coming from an 81.4kWh battery pack. Kia quotes a 5.4-second 0-62mph time, which is a solid 2.3 seconds faster than the standard EV4 with the same battery pack.
As well as the extra power, Kia has fitted the EV4 GT with its virtual gearshift system, which mimics the feel and sound of an ICE-powered car through the car's speakers and throttle mapping. While this adds no extra performance, it should unlock an extra level of driver engagement.
Kia has also focused some attention on the chassis, fitting a set of adaptive dampers with unique tuning for the GT model. There’s also a set of larger 20-inch wheels and high-performance tyres, plus a unique GT driver mode that alters the steering feel, throttle mapping and dial packs.
Kia’s styling updates are subtle, just as on its other GT models, so you’ll have to look closely to see the acid green elements and tweaked bumpers. Inside, a set of more supportive seats and more acid green details are included, but the otherwise tidy and contemporary interior design of the standard EV4 remains.
No range figures have been revealed so far, but we suspect a small drop over the 388-mile range you get in the standard EV4 Long Range model. Precise charging power is also unknown, but Kia has confirmed that the GT will top up from 10-80 per cent in around 31 minutes.
There’s no confirmed pricing so far, but the GT will go into production in the next few months before reaching customers by the middle of this year. When it does arrive, expect a price somewhere between £46,000 and £50,000. Both the European-built hatchback and Korean-built Fastback models will be available in GT forms.
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