The Kia EV4 GT is a new 288bhp AWD hot hatch!

Kia has unveiled three new performance cars, so yes, it’s Fri-yay. Ahem. Welcome to the EV3 GT, EV4 GT, and EV5 GT. And for us in the UK, it’s the middle car that’s the most exciting.

Chiefly because that middle car takes the shape of a punchy hot hatch. An electric hot hatch of course, because 2026 and all that. But considering how good the South Korean carmaker is at this stuff, it’s news to be thankful for.

Kia Europe boss Soohang Chang reckons all three will “deliver an engaging, confidence-inspiring drive, combining the instant responsiveness of electric power with sporty character and all-purpose capability”.

As such, the EV4 GT gets a 288bhp (215kW) dual-motor AWD setup – 194 horsies up front, 94 in the back – powered by an 81.4kWh battery. There’s “electronically controlled suspension” (read: active) along with GT-specific tuning, “improved cornering stability” and 20in wheels shod in fancy performance rubber.

Naturally you’ll find a ‘GT’ drive mode that ‘harmonises’ the power, steering and suspension for greater ‘watch this’ hoonery. And it also borrows the quite excellent ‘virtual gear shift’ deployed to great effect in the EV6 GT and Top Gear Award-winning Ioniq 5 N.

You can get the EV4 GT as either a hatch or ‘fast’ back, or get all of the same technical content in the EV3 GT. The EV5 GT on the other hand, is the fast SUV, offering up a bit more power (302bhp), and a raft of exclusive GT-spec details.

“Our new electric Kia GT models prove that electrification can be emotional and resolute,” said Kia Europe boss Soohang Chang. “These GTs are crafted for those who seek the best of both worlds: excitement while embracing a future of responsible mobility.”

You’ll have to temper that responsible excitement for the time being, mind: prices have yet to be confirmed, and all three will be built later in 2026.