The 2014 Kia Cadenza.
Kia has grown quickly in recent years by offering consumers an array of interesting and well-designed vehicles that belie the brand’s original image as the maker of stripped-down econoboxes even while Kia maintains its focus on value.
The introduction this month of the Kia Cadenza is yet another big step in the evolution of the Korean brand, Kia taking its first step into $35,000-plus price range was once reserved for major luxury. Much like the Genesis offered by sibling Hyundai, the new Cadenza offers a level of refinement and features until now not associated with the Kia brand.
Moreover, the Cadenza, like the Hyundai Genesis, is a very attractive vehicle. Its long, low silhouette endows the new Kia sedan with a long, elegant stance that conveys the sense this is a luxury vehicle. The front and rear fascias are very handsome with a nicely tailored appearance set off by the distinctive lamps at all four corners of the vehicle.
Starting around $35,000, the 2014 Cadenza is the most expensive car Kia has ever sold in the US.
The roofline is also very distinctive and the overall exterior design clearly captures the best expression of Kia design chief Peter Schreyer’s ability to blend European, Asian and American design influences into one coherent look.
On the inside, the cabin is exceptionally quiet under all kinds of driving conditions while the visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent.
Cadenza departs from Kia’s most recent interior motifs by adapting an almost minimalist approach to the dashboard and instrument panel. The overall impact of the interior architecture is actually quite pleasing as it eliminates much of the busyness that Kia has been using to communicate the car’s technological advances.
The materials are also first-rate throughout and the two-tone color scheme in the vehicle I drove was quite pleasing, even a bit daring.
As it stands, the Cadenza is also very well equipped, which is a virtual a necessity when the car’s price tag starts at $35,100 and nudges into the $40,000 range when fully loaded.
(For more on Kia’s entry into the premium segment, Click Here.)
Cadenza's wheelbase is 5 inches longer than the midsize Optima - which means plenty of interior space.
The list of standard features found on the 2014 Kia Cadenza includes a navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic and UVO, Kia’s Bluetooth system for connectivity to smart phones and hands-free calling. All systems found in the Cadenza are displayed on a high-resolution 8-inch touch screen. A rear-camera display and back-up warning system, and a premium 550-watt Infinity12-speaker audio system are also part of the standard equipment package.
In addition, the Cadenza also comes equipped with leather seat trim with heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear seat ventilation, Smart Key keyless entry with push-button start and 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat.
An optional “Luxury Package” includes a full-length panoramic sunroof with power retractable sunshade, HID headlights with adaptive front lighting, premium Nappa leather seats and heated rear passenger seat.
The Cadenza features an extensive range of digital technology - and a more refined use of materials.
The technology package, priced at $41,00 adds 19-inch alloy wheels, electric parking brake and advanced smart cruise control, which maintains a set distance to the vehicle ahead and helps bring the car to a full stop if necessary. This package also includes water-repellant hydrophobic front side windows, blind spot detection system and a lane departure warning system.
The Cadenza’s powertrain is a 3.3-liter gasoline direct injection V-6 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and paddle shifters flanking the leather and wood-wrapped steering wheel. The GDI powerplant produces 293 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 255 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm.
Fuel economy is middle-of-the-road at 19 City, 28 Highway, according to the EPA – but unlike some competitors, Cadenza runs on regular.
Kia, like its Korean partner Hyundai, has gotten so-so marks recently for ride and handling because its approach to suspension and steering don’t have quite the precision and feel of the better European or Asian competitors. Fixing that is, in fact, a high priority for both brands, Hyundai CEO John Krafcik has told TheDetroitBureau.com.
The new Kia Cadenza will face off against some serious competition in the "premium" sedan market.
The good news is that the ride and handling on the Cadenza is significantly improved over much of the current Kia line-up. The steering isn’t quite as precise as some drivers would like but overall the 2014 Kia Cadenze delivers a comfortable road feel even as it manages curves and lane changes smoothly and precisely.
But as good as the Cadenza is, I suspect that some motorists will find it not quite up to some of the other cars in the price class, such as the Chrysler 300 or the Nissan Maxima.
Nonetheless, the Cadenza represents a credible and serious challenge in a pricey segment dominated by cars with much more lengthy pedigrees. Considering the way buyers have been flocking to lower-priced models already in Kia showrooms we have no doubt the 2014 Cadenza will impress many buyers looking for a blend of strong styling, plenty of features and good value.