Kia EV4 Fastback

THE days of mainstream four-door saloons populating the upper echelons of the new-car sales charts are behind us.

- Richard Ingram

In a world dominated by SUVs and, to a lesser extent, hatchbacks, the regular three-box shape no longer gets a look in.

But that hasn't dissuaded Kia from launching its new EV4 Fastback in the UK. Based on the boxier hatchback and aimed unashamedly at the fleet and private-hire markets, the sleeker saloon is expected to attract just 15 per cent of EV4 buyers.

The Fastback is more than just a booted version of the EV4 hatch, however. The saloon is a full 300mm longer, with all the extra in the rear overhang, resulting in a generous 490-litre boot.

That space is compromised by the letterbox-style boot opening, but the area is wide and pretty deep. There's no 'frunk', but there is space under the boot floor to keep the charging cables.

The slightly sloping roofline doesn't drastically reduce rear headroom, with enough height for six-foot-tall adults to sit fairly comfortably. The sense of space is boosted by the flat floor, which allows passengers to sit three abreast for short journeys.