Kia’s first fully electric model to be built in Europe, the all-new EV4, is poised to set fresh benchmarks in the saloon- and C-segment. Combining technology, practicality, and dynamic driving, it arrives later this year with two distinct bodystyles and a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) designed to make driving both safer and more convenient.
At the core of this offering is Kia’s latest generation of ADAS, a system of integrated cameras and radars engineered to detect potential hazards in real time. These systems not only support the driver in avoiding collisions but also help create a more fluid, less stressful driving experience. In the UK, the optional DriveWise ADAS Pack is fitted as standard across all bodystyles and trims – even on the entry-level ‘Air’ variant – at no extra cost.
Safety Without Compromise
“The EV4 is not just safe; the model will also make our customers’ lives easier,” explains Juan Jose Filgueira Guimerans, Senior ADAS Validation Engineer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center. “We’ve integrated intelligent systems that make cruising on the motorway, driving in the city, and parking more convenient and less demanding.”
The EV4’s ADAS suite includes critical safety features such as Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA), and Safe Exit Assist (SEA). These systems work together to help prevent and mitigate accidents, whether manoeuvring in tight city streets or travelling at motorway speeds.
Convenience is also front and centre, with functions like Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), and Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC) ensuring the EV4 maintains its lane and a safe distance from surrounding traffic. NSCC goes further by adjusting speed based on bends in the road using real-time map data, reducing the need for constant driver input. “From a development perspective, we aimed to remove as much resistance from daily driving as possible,” notes Celina Geller, ADAS Engineer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center.
Intelligent Support for Every Drive
The EV4’s technology extends to features that simplify complex driving situations. Blind Spot View Monitor (BVM) and Surround View Monitor (SVM) provide enhanced visibility, while Driver Attention Warning (DAW) and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) actively monitor for driver fatigue or help prevent unintentional speeding.
For parking, Kia’s Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) allows the driver to manoeuvre the vehicle forwards or backwards using the key fob or Kia App, even when standing outside the car – ideal for tight spaces. A 12-inch Head-up Display (HUD) projects essential information directly onto the windscreen, keeping the driver’s focus on the road. Kia’s Direct Grip Detection System (Hands On Detection) ensures the driver maintains control, while over-the-air (OTA) updates enable seamless feature upgrades without a dealership visit.
Designed and Tested for Real-World Safety
Built at Kia’s Žilina plant in Slovakia, the EV4 has undergone extensive high-speed and complex scenario testing to ensure compliance with European safety standards. Its structure incorporates advanced passenger and battery protection, including a multi-load path in the front battery area and safeguards for rear-end impacts. The roof can withstand more than five times the car’s weight, while a multi-rib rocker panel improves side impact protection.
Kia also fine-tunes its safety technology to suit European driving preferences. For example, customer feedback on acceleration response in NSCC led to the development of a more dynamic, region-specific profile.
A Complete Electric Experience
Available in standard EV4 form as well as sportier ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ variants, Kia’s latest electric model balances safety and technology with a driving experience tailored to European roads and lifestyles. With its intelligent driver assistance, practical design, and premium feel, the EV4 is not just a new entry in Kia’s line-up – it is a confident statement of the brand’s future direction in electrified mobility.
