HERE’s a refreshing change from a world filled with electric crossover SUVs – it’s one that actually looks like a good old fashioned hatchback.

Kia’s first electric hatchback is also their first fully electric vehicle to be built in Europe.

And it’s hugely impressive. If I had to rate it then it would be up there as probably the very best EV driven in the past few months. 
It’s got looks that set it apart from the crowd, it rates highly in user friendliness with its carefully thought out controls and the interior has a refreshing change from the rather bland treatment that some manufacturers give their cars these days. 

The two tone steering wheel on this GT-Line model is a case in point, as are the materials used on the dash itself. A much more welcoming environment to be in, and the overall driving experience might have you wondering why some people are against electric cars.
It’s smooth in operation, behaves itself even if you crack on on a twisty road where the low down weight of the battery obviously aids stability, and it can be a rewarding car to drive whether its round town where it is superbly quiet or when you pressing on across country. It certainly brought a smile to my face and I’ll admit to not being a fully paid up card carrying member of the EV revolution.

It’s got a character inside that a lot of EVs lack because they’re bland. EV4 certainly isn’t, and has a more of a traditional feel inside the high quality cabin. There’s plenty to play with, all in easy reach, and it just works for the driver. Seats offer good support and adjustment, and the icing the cake is a headrest as soft as a Premier Inn pillow.
Unlike the EV5 recently tested, the door handles pop out when you unlock or just walk up to the car, making entry just that little easier.

There’s only one battery option here with GT-Line – the 81.4kWh long range version – and it offers the longest range of any Kia EV to date at 362 miles. And common with other Kia models, there’s three trim options – Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S, all very generously equipped in its low profile and compact bodystyle.
Its steering wheel located drive mode selector gives you five settings to pick from – Normal, Eco, Sport, MyDrive and Snow – and the amount of regenerative braking can quickly be altered by the paddleshifts on the wheel.

It takes just over 30 minutes to go from 10-80 per cent for the big-battery EV4 which is decent given how much range you’re actually adding.

To be brutally honest there’s nothing here that initially hits you between the eyes as being wrong with the EV4. A well thought out and well engineered package.

Kia EV4 GT-Line hatchback

Price: £39,445
Engine: 81.4kWh Li-ion polymer battery
Power: 201 bhp
Torque: 208 lb/ft
Transmission: electric
Top speed: 105 mph
0-62mph: 7.9 seconds
Economy: 362 miles
CO2 emissions: 0 g/km

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