This weekend we had some distance to cover and with the aid of the 2025 Kia K4 EX we got it done. We found ourselves driving around to four different cities in various weather conditions, and have this comprehensive test drive as a result.
Coming from a large seven seater SUV for two the week before, we appreciated how small, zippy, and easy to drive the Kia K4 was. It gave us an uncomplicated leisurely cruise for errand heavy days.
The cabin was trimmed in all plastics with cloth elements and wrapped seats. The interior was simple, stylish, with no superficial design or patterns. No skylight or moonroof, so with the lowered ceiling it did feel a little tight. Whereas this and the simple infotainment set up has you feeling like this is a base model, there are plenty of luxury features to give you all the modern conveniences you would want from any standard four door sedan.
For example there was no individual climate control and the temperature gauge was one bottom and eight settings, as indicated by the row of lit up lights. Four blues to make it cold, four reds for the heat. However device charging was prioritized. There was a series of c-cable options and even a wireless charging mat that unnecessarily took up a whole compartment.
Push button to start, a heated seat button with three settings located on the side of the doors, and cup holders with push button release for securing heavier cup walls.
We liked the unique oblong shaped wheel, an off-circle with ergonomic grip. There were dimples at the four corner points of the wheel for a wider more secured grip.
However the suspension was not as firm. We were able to feel every movement, every dip and bump on the road. Every wider turn with a tail whip out, and the struggle to propel forward on a steep hill. My partner has done a stint as a professional driver, and prides himself as being a great one, one who actually follows speed restrictions. Therefore it was now weird to feel like he was driving quick and reckless, and it had me sliding around in my non-cupped or bucketed seat.
One thing we did like was the fuel economy, we got a lot of miles and didn’t have to pay for it. Plus the unassuming large trunk. We were not expecting it to be this deep. The backseats don’t fold down, but so long as your cargo isn’t lengthy beams of wood, you are fine.
On Saturday we visited North Vancouver for the latest Healthy Family Living Snacks in the City collaboration with Fresh St. Market. Participants/ticket holders are able to pick up a goodie bag filed with healthy and nutritious snack, drinks, and products that they might not otherwise think of buying or trying themselves. This also allows them to discover such local health and wellness focused grocery stores, such as Fresh St. With a handful of locations we were able to visit, we chose the North Vancouver one that was closest to us.
You pick up your bag from the designated tent with the ability to enter and win various prizes, both in store and online when you praticpate in their live Instagram event, the evening of. This is where the Healthy Family Living team unboxes everything, showcasing all the great local products and offering ideas and inspirations on how to enjoy all of it. The audience participates through comments and the community comes together to support good eating and living. Sadly I did not win any of the prizes, but it is nice to be part of the experience.
We then had enough complimentary products to to be able to make breakfast with the next morning.
Seeing as we were already out this way in North Vancouver we decided to stop by Two Rivers Meats to pick up a steak for dinner. We decided to slurge and get a 2.5 ounce dry aged wagyu steak. A beautiful cut of beef that set us back $50+, will have to tell you if it was worth it. Sadly the weekend escaped us and we were unable to prepare it fresh, as we had intended.
Then looking for a quick meal we stopped at the nearby Black Kettle for some smash burgers. I have been to the brewery a handful of times and have always celebrated their burgers. And even though I have brought a couple home for my partner to try, I wanted to bring him out for the full experience today.
We took our time ordering a couple of beers with our two burger and onion ring lunch. Then catching the tale end of the Captials versus Penguin hockey games at the bar, while playing some black Jack together. Full review of what we ordered and enjoyed to come on the blog.
The next day we drove out to Coquitlam to check out another Taste of the Tri-cities restaurant. Despite the name Doppio Zero Pizza, they are more than just pizza. This is a lovely homey restaurant with a fine dining feel, and definitely a great spot for our leisurely spent lunch today. This is the sort of bar I would frequent if I lived in the neighbourhood.
During the Taste of the Tri-cities, you can get a great introduction to their food through their 3 courses for $45 special that is definitely worth driving down for. We certainly found our new favourite causal Italian restaurant in them, during this visit. Full review of this meal also to come in its own post.
And for dinner it was a drive downtown to The Greek’s Gastown location for a Three Sisters Wine Maker’s Dinner. They will not be participating in this year’s Vancouver International Wine Festival that starts this week, so have hosted this dinner instead. Matt, the winery owner is friends Yanni the owner of The Greek since they were 6; and we got to hear the stories. According the Matt, Yanni was instrumental in deciding whether or not he would open his own winery. The two friends had agreed that The Greek would carry Three Sisters wine, and the rest is history.
Today we would celebrating this pairing through a seven course tasting menu curated to seven different wines available at the restaurant. And for those interesting in making a purchase you could do so online with 10% off and free delivery right to your door by using the promotional code “GREEK”. More about the night, all we ate, and the wine notes to come in its own post.
