2014 Beijing: Kia Previews China-Only K4

In China, the C-segment market is worth around 5.5 million cars per year. It's the largest market segment in China and this partly explains why the C-segment is split into several more sub-segments. While Kia sells its Cerato (also known as K3 in some markets) globally, there is a demand in China for a car that's slightly bigger than a Cerato, but not quite the size of an Optima (K5 in some markets). In comes the K4.

Although the K4 seen here is still exhibited as a concept car, Kia has confirmed that the K4 will go on sale in China later this year.

“From its earliest development stage, the K4 concept was designed specifically to satisfy Chinese consumers’ needs and preferences. Now, we are confident that the production version of the mid-size K4 family sedan will set a whole new standard for its class in China when it is launched later this year,” commented Soon-Nam Lee, Vice President of Kia Motors Corporation’s Overseas Marketing Group.

At 4.72 metres long and 1,815 mm wide, the K4 is about 160 mm longer and 30 mm wider than the Cerato. Its 2,770 mm wheelbase is also 70 mm longer than the Cerato, and Kia adds that the K4's wheelbase is one of the longest in its class. Height however remains identical at 1,445 mm.

Kia says when the K4 goes into production, it will be powered by a 1.6-liter turbo gasoline direct injection engine paired to a seven-speed duel clutch transmission.