Kia EV4 review

The 201bhp motor is enough for decent acceleration, but given it's shoving against nearly two tonnes (the big battery hatchback in top spec trim weighs 1,910kg) it's never going to feel lively. Still, you can use it all, as traction is good and there's little-to-no torque steer most of the time. The relationship between what your foot does and how much urge you get is nicely predictable. Many EVs get that wrong; this is Kia's experience showing.

Paddles on the steering column set the regeneration level. For main roads, the automatic setting works well, wafting along until the car in front slows down or the navigation predicts a tight corner. Want a little more engagement? Flick through the paddles like you're using a Porsche-spec PDK 'box. Okay, it's not quite the same sensation - and this is no Hyundai Ioniq 5 N fake gearbox - but we still appreciate the ability to adapt the regen on the fly. 

And while the actual brake pedal may be a little on the light side, the steering is well sorted. Their actions are neatly progressive, so you feel relaxed and empowered. Most of the time the steering feels wrapped in cotton wool, passing up little sense of the road. But push it harder through a corner and things become more transparent. Corners or roundabouts can be fun. Only thing is, you need smooth roads for that.

What about ride quality?

The suspension is an aluminium four-link setup at the rear, which means it can be precise in bends without transmitting bump harshness. But it can't cover up for the soft damping and big mass. Go too briskly down a lumpy road and the dampers lose control, so the body heaves and corkscrews.

But there's an upside: a lovely cushioned ride soaking up potholes, harshness and loud surfaces. That's even on the 19in lower-profile tyre option. It's properly luxurious and there's not too much road or wind noise transmitted into the cabin either. The low seating position means you're not rocking about. Just watch for car-sick kids – some of them actually get on better with a firmer ride.

And driver assists?

The steering wheel buttons give quick access to various lane keeping modes. And a long-press of the wheel's volume button quenches the speed limit beeper. Hurrah.

A broad suite of safety and assistance gadgetry is standard in the UK, including speed and steering assist at low and high speeds. It works smoothly enough and is mostly a useful help, not a smartarse nag. Perhaps the most annoying bong is the one that tells you off for daring to look at the infotainment screen while on the move.