Kia’s electric hot hatch caught in action for the first time [Images]
Days after opening orders for the EV4 GT, we are getting our first look at Kia’s electric hot hatch driving in public.
The EV4 GT was one of three new electric GT vehicles Kia unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show last month, alongside the EV3 GT and EV5 GT.
With the new models, Kia will offer a high-performance EV in basically every segment, from the compact EV3 GT to the three-row EV9 GT.
The EV4 GT is unique as Kia’s first electric hot hatch. Kia offers the EV4 as a hatchback and sedan (Fastback) in Europe and other global markets. Advertisement - scroll for more content
Like the EV3 GT, the EV4 GT is equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) powertrain. The setup includes a 145 kW (194 hp) front motor and a 70 kW (94 hp) rear-mounted motor, delivering a combined 215 kW (288 hp) and a maximum torque of 468 Nm (345 lb-ft).
The Kia EV4 GT electric hot hatch (Source: Kia)
Powered by an 81.4 kWh battery, the electric hot hatch can accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.6 seconds.
Kia has yet to reveal WLTP range figures, but given the standard EV4 GT-Line hatch is rated with up to 582 km (362 miles), the GT variant is expected to offer slightly less with an AWD powertrain.
Although it’s covered in the new images from Autospy, the electric hot hatch has GT-exclusive badges and design elements inside and out.
The EV4 GT features semi-bucket sports seats, a three-spoke steering wheel, and a GT-specific interface. It also includes a dedicated GT drive mode, along with features such as a Virtual Gear Shifter (VGS) and an Active Sound System (e-ASD), similar to those in the Hyundai IONIQ 5.
Kia EV4 GT interior (Source: Kia)
Kia launched the EV4 GT in Korea just over a week ago, priced from 55.17 million won ($38,000). The EV3 GT and EV5 GT are also now available to order, starting from 53.75 million won ($37,000) and 56.6 million won ($39,000), respectively.
After opening pre-orders in Korea, Kia is expected to launch the EV4 GT in Europe and other global markets throughout 2026.
Will Kia bring the electric hot hatch to the US? Don’t get your hopes up. Kia has already indefinitely delayed the standard EV4 for the US due to the auto tariffs and other policy changes, including ending the $7,500 EV tax credit incentive.
What about the EV3 GT or EV5 GT? While Kia is still reportedly planning to bring the EV3 to the US sometime this year, we could see the GT variant offered. The EV5 is sold exclusively in Canada in the North American market, so the GT model is unlikely to be offered in the US. Hopefully, Kia (or the US) changes its mind.
Which electric Kia GT would you buy? The compact EV3, EV4 hot hatch, or mid-size EV5 GT? Let us know in the comments below.
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