Kia's golden hatchback does the automaker proud

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- Some motorists see "hatchback" and frown.

Not me.  The tested 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback GT-Line Turbo made me smile. How could I not smile at the sporty wagon dressed up in "Sparkling Yellow" paint?

Actually, Sparkling Yellow doesn't really cover it in my book.  "Gloriously Golden" is closer to reality. Kia calls the layout a "floating roof design," and yeah, I see it.

Color aside, this new-for-2026 offering from Kia is a racy looker from grille to hatch edge. And I've never been one to discard the charms of a vehicle with a wide-opening back cover.

Roomy interior space? Of course.

Priced at a reasonable $32,870, my ride had the usual suite of max five-star federal government crash test ratings.  Generous Kia warranties...also a check.

And stuffed to the brim with standard features, including a power sunroof with sunshade, a Harman/Kardon premium audio system and a handy highway driving-assist system.

Driving it was a pleasure.  The 1.6-liter turbo-4 rated at 190 horsepower is a decidedly aggressive power plant, capable of pressing me into the seat off the line and a most agile dancer on the highway. The sport-tuned suspension highlighted the best traits of the engine.

Kia touts the vehicle as one that appeals to "active drivers." If that means drivers who like to test the limits of a car's capabilities, I completely understand.

Overall, this hatchback offers an appealing mix of sporty fun and affordable common sense. A nice combination for the times.