Kia EV4 concept "redefines" the EV saloon | GRR
The Kia EV4 concept has been revealed as a car that, according to the company, "redefines" the electric saloon car sector. It also gives us a glimpse into Kia's future exterior and interior designs.
The 'Opposites United' design philosophy of Kia's recent releases remains in the EV4, so it's no surprise there's more than a whiff of EV6 to the new car's raised front hunches and fastback boot. The EV4's overall look is fresher and more defined, though, with sharp creases and angles and distinctive lighting that make this one of the better-looking EV saloons of late.
Lounge-like would be the best way to describe the interior. It has a clean design with ventilation controls you can store in the glovebox and a digital instrument binnacle that's slim and unobtrusive.
A 'Mind Modes' feature sets up the car to match your mood – 'Perform' mode presents you with all the information you need to perform at your best, while 'Serenity' unleashes a range of digital graphics to create a more relaxed ambience for "reflection and restoration".
The element of Earth was, we're told, central to the material design of the interior, which features recycled cotton with natural dyes extracted from madder roots and walnut shells. It features hand-woven strips of material on the dashboard and storage areas.
Meanwhile, Kia's CMF (that's Colour, Material and Finish) team used hemp to make the EV4's control console.
"Hemp is a rapidly growing plant that requires minimal resources to cultivate. Not only is it highly sustainable, but it's also highly mouldable too, which means it is a very versatile material to work with. It also enhances the EV concept's cabin with its beautiful rich colour," says Marília Biill, Head of Kia's CMF Design.
While more information on the EV4 is scarce, the concept points towards a small electric saloon below the generation-defining EV6, meaning we're incredibly keen to see the road-going car.