√Mystery prototype could be long-awaited Kia EV4 small electric SUV
Little has been revealed about the Kia EV4 since the company showed off a teaser back in 2021, but new spy pics mean the small electric SUV may be making its debut in the coming months.
What could be a new small electric SUV from Kia – possibly dubbed the 2024 Kia EV4 – has been caught on camera undergoing testing in South Korea by Instagram account Shorts Car.
While plans for the EV4 have yet to be confirmed by Kia, unsubstantiated reports suggest the vehicle has been in development at the company since 2021.
The mystery prototype appears to align with shadowy photos of a smaller electric SUV released by Kia in early 2021 (below), adopting a boxy, upright stance – with design cues from the Kia EV6 and EV9 electric vehicles.
The test vehicle in these spy photos also looks to have the same notable kink at the top of the C-pillar behind the rear doors – hints of which are visible on the vehicle in the 2021 teaser image.
MORE: Kia EV4 imagined – Seltos-sized electric SUV coming soon
The potential EV4 prototype – which is expected to sit roughly between the Kia Seltos and Kia Sportage in size – appears to have borrowed its side mirrors from the Kia Niro, while the wheels have come from a Kia Sorento.
The intricate pattern in the headlights is remiscent of the latest, full-size Kia EV9 electric SUV.
Earlier reports suggest the EV4 could be based on the E-GMP platform – the same 800-volt electric-vehicle architecture that underpins the Kia EV6, as well as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Genesis GV60.
However, the EV4 may adopt a cheaper architecture intended to keep costs down – which may be bound for the forthcoming EV5 SUV – or the next-generation ‘IMA’ chassis planned for next-generation Kia and Hyundai electric cars.
MORE: Kia electric hatchback reportedly coming soon with GT hot hatch
The IMA platform is said to be an evolution of the E-GMP architecture, but designed to accommodate different standardised battery packs and electric motors, depending on the model.
The switch from the E-GMP to IMA platforms could explain the lengthy delay from the initial chatter about the car in early 2021, to now.
While exact details of the new model are scarce at this stage, it may only be a matter of months before the Kia EV4 is unveiled by the company, given it appears to be undergoing road testing in its production body.
The post Mystery prototype could be long-awaited Kia EV4 small electric SUV appeared first on Drive.
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