Kia EV4

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Driving

A 201bhp electric motor drives the front wheels, and acceleration from 0-62mph is around 7.5 seconds. The EV4 sits 40mm lower to the ground and has stiffer suspension than the EV3 it's based on. That means you feel more bumps, particularly at lower speeds in urban environments. 

The entry-level Air with its smaller 17in wheels has the most comfortable ride, but it's not overtly firm in higher-spec models with 19in items. Besides, the tighter control actually keeps the EV4 more composed along undulating roads. There's also less body lean through tight twists and turns, especially when you're driving spiritedly. 

However, the steering has a slightly unnatural weighting that robs you of a bit of confidence when driving quickly. On a more positive note, the EV4 has a solid and reassuring brake pedal. Plus, the 81.4kWh version of the EV4 (available to Scheme customers) has an official range of up to 388 miles.

Interior

Inside, there's a minimalist layout with few buttons or switches. GT-Line trim (also available to Scheme customers) adds black roof lining and faux leather over grey cloth seat upholstery. Build quality is solid and there are squidgy materials in the important places. Comfort wise, the fundamental driving position is very good. There's lots of steering wheel adjustment combined with electric seat adjustment in GT-Line spec. The entry-level Air has a manually adjustable driver's seat and also misses out on adjustable lumbar support. Thankfully, the seat is supportive enough for it not to be a big issue. 

It's easy to see the digital driver display behind the steering wheel, but the smaller climate control touchscreen is largely obscured. That issue is mitigated by buttons on the centre console to control temp and fan speed. The central 12.3in infotainment touchscreen has an intuitive layout, and most of the icons are big and easy to select, plus you get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring as standard. Being a hatchback, the forward view is naturally lower than an SUV, which will be a matter of personal preference. The view out the back of the EV4 isn't great, but all trims come with front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

Space and practicality

Space in the front of the EV4 is impressive. There's plenty of headroom, the seats slide back a long way and there are various storage options. Rear legroom is even better, while headroom is adequate for a six-footer. Getting in and out can be a little fiddly, with the flush door handles potentially posing problems for users with dexterity issues. 

The boot has a 435-litre capacity, and the floor has two height settings, the higher of which leaves only a small lip at the boot entrance, making it easier to load luggage. With the floor in its lowest setting and the rear seats folded down, there's a gentle ramp up towards the rear seatbacks rather than a big step in the floor of the extended load bay. There's also an extra storage space underneath the floor for the charging cable. Loading our TGA Whill R mobility scooter was fuss free with two of the rear seats folded and the boot floor on its highest setting.

Equipment

In the Air trim, you get a respectable number of luxuries, including 17in alloys, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and the same infotainment system as pricier models. The GT-Line model adds items such as a more supportive driver's seat, rear privacy glass, wireless phone charging and a digital key.

*All measurements are approximate. Please note, cars can be taken off the Scheme at any time.

Photos: Adam Warner/Kia; Luc Lacey/Volkswagen; Axel Wierdemann/VauxhallAdam Warner/Kia; Luc Lacey/Volkswagen; Axel Wierdemann/Vauxhall