Kia Motors America will clearly follow through on its plans to bring its Cadenza premium sedan to the North American market, unveiling this long-awaited and overdue model at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week. This five-passenger, front-wheel drive sedan will sit above the Kia Optima and provide a level of refinement that this Korean automaker did not previously offer.
European style
Kia is confident that customers will find the Cadenza’s European styling appealing as a reason to take a closer look at this sedan. Consider that the new product will help Kia retain some of its current customers, including those who may have purchased the Optima SXL, its current flagship model.
An trim level will be offered when the Kia Cadenza goes on sale this spring. Its standard features pair well with premium models and can better compete with models like the Lexus ES and Buick LaCrosse, as well as front-wheel drive sedans. This sedan will also match the Hyundai Azera, a sedan from Kia’s corporate cousin.
Cabin comforts
Standard equipment includes soft leather seats, wood and chrome accents, ambient lighting, power accessories including power-heated automatic folding side mirrors. Included is SiriusXM satellite radio with traffic reports, telematics service, a 550-watt Infinity audio system with 12 speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone climate control, and keyless entry with a push button.
Premium and Tech Packs allow for further customization of any Cadenza. The premium package includes upgraded leather seats, a power tilt and telescope heated steering wheel, a power retractable sunshade, heated front and rear outboard seats, and a power rear window sunshade. Choose the technology package and your Cadenza will be equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, blind spot detection, lane departure warning, electric parking brake, intelligent cruise control and hydrophobic windshield.
Engine and transmission
An engine and transmission offering will be available with the 2014 Kia Cadenza. This model is powered by a 3.3-liter gasoline direct injection V-6 engine producing 293 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 255 pound-feet of torque at 5,200. rpm. Kia combines this 24-valve engine with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capabilities. Steering wheel mounted paddle shifters are included.
Cadenza Dimensions
The 2014 Kia Cadenza sits on a 112-inch wheelbase and measures 195.9 inches long, 72.8 inches wide, and 58.1 inches high. The Cadenza has a sport suspension with MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-member rear configured in the rear.
Pricing has yet to be announced for the 2014 Kia Cadenza, but we expect it to be slightly below the Azera’s $ 32,250 label. With the included premium and technology packages, a fully equipped Kia Cadenza could sell for more than $ 40,000. That’s a price Kia hasn’t gone to before. Moreover, the Cadenza is unlike any other Kia product to date.