Kia’s electric hot hatch spotted in action for the first time [Images]

After opening orders for the EV4 GT earlier this month, we are getting our first look at Kia’s electric hot hatch (and fastback) driving in public.

Meet Kia’s new electric hot hatch: The EV4 GT

The EV4 GT was one of three new electric GT vehicles Kia unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show last month, alongside the EV3 GT and EV5 GT.

With the new models, Kia will offer a high-performance EV in basically every segment, from the compact EV3 GT to the three-row EV9 GT.

The EV4 GT is unique as Kia’s first electric hot hatch. Kia offers the EV4 as a hatchback and sedan (Fastback) in Europe and other global markets.

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Like the EV3 GT, the EV4 GT is equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) powertrain. The setup includes a 145 kW (194 hp) front motor and a 70 kW (94 hp) rear-mounted motor, delivering a combined 215 kW (288 hp) and a maximum torque of 468 Nm (345 lb-ft).

Powered by an 81.4 kWh battery, the electric hot hatch can accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.6 seconds.

Kia has yet to reveal WLTP range figures, but given the standard EV4 GT-Line hatch is rated with up to 582 km (362 miles), the GT variant is expected to offer slightly less with an AWD powertrain.

Although it’s covered in the new images from Autospy, the electric hot hatch has GT-exclusive badges and design elements inside and out.

The EV4 GT features semi-bucket sports seats, a three-spoke steering wheel, and a GT-specific interface. It also includes a dedicated GT drive mode, along with features such as a Virtual Gear Shifter (VGS) and an Active Sound System (e-ASD), similar to those in the Hyundai IONIQ 5.

We also got our first look at the EV4 GT Fastback, Kia’s high-performance sedan, driving in public. The new footage from HealerTV shows a design similar to the hatchback version.

Outside of the modified front and rear bumpers, the GT version looks nearly identical to the lower-priced GT-Line trim.

Kia launched the EV4 GT in Korea earlier this month, priced from 55.17 million won ($38,000). The EV3 GT and EV5 GT are also now available to order, starting from 53.75 million won ($37,000) and 56.6 million won ($39,000), respectively.

After opening pre-orders in Korea, Kia is expected to launch the EV4 GT in Europe and other global markets throughout 2026.

Will Kia bring the electric hot hatch to the US? Don’t get your hopes up. Kia has already indefinitely delayed the standard EV4 for the US due to the auto tariffs and other policy changes, including ending the $7,500 EV tax credit incentive.

What about the EV3 GT or EV5 GT? While Kia is still reportedly planning to bring the EV3 to the US sometime this year, we could see the GT variant offered.

The EV5 is sold exclusively in Canada in the North American market, so the GT model is unlikely to be offered in the US. Hopefully, Kia (or the US) changes its mind.

Which electric Kia GT would you buy? The compact EV3, EV4 hot hatch or fastback, or the mid-size EV5 GT? Let us know in the comments below.