2014 Kia Cadenza

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PRICE : For 2014 Kia Cadenza $35,100

The 2014 Cadenza, Kia's all-new entry-level luxury car, makes a lot of good first impressions. The exterior styling is handsome, the interior is well designed, the standard V6 engine is powerful, the six-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, and the ride is quiet and supple.And at under $42,000 for a fully-equipped version, the Cadeza is very competitive against luxury cars costing thousands more.

In fact, there are only a few shortcomings worth noting. The first is the name, which is too easily confused with a piece of furniture. Both Kia and is corporate sibling Hyundai are having a hard time coming up with good names for their larger cars. The Cadenza is mechanically similar to the Hyundai Azera. Kia's largest model is the all-new K900, while Hyundai has named theirs the Eqqus. Go figure.

And then there is the lack of optional engines. Unlike some competitors, there are no V8 or hybrid power plants available. This would be a much bigger problem if the 3.3-liter Gas Direct Injection engine wasn't so good, but it might cause some potential buyers to check out what others have to offer.But walking away from the Cadenza for such reasons would be a big mistake. Put simply, Kia has done an excellent job with its first affordable luxury car since the Amanti went out of production in 2011.

When Kia and Hyundai decided to step up their game a few years ago, they didn't kid around. Both adopted striking exterior stylings, greatly improved the design and quality of their interiors, added advanced technologies as standard equipment, and came up with engines that offer more power and better fuel economy. All Kia cars except the youth-oriented Soul are similarly styled with aggressive front ends and sharp angles. The Cadenza looks like a beefed-up version of the Optima, the company's popular midsize sedan.

The interior is also upgraded, with similar easy-to-use controls but even better materials. The enterainment/navigation system was top-notch, with a rear view camera that provides a panoramic look at what's behind the car when the shift lever is in reverse. Our test model was equipped with a luxury package that included heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel and a panoramic roof with power sun shades. It also came with a technology package that included multiple safety warning systems. The packages pushed the price up to almost $42,000, which is very reasonable, considering the quality and extensive features.

On the road, the Cadenza was both quick and good handling. During my first drive, I assumed the car had been put into the Sport mode because the power train was so responsive. Only after failing to find a button for an Eco or Normal mode did I realize this is how the car is designed to perform out of the box. A manual shift mode provides for ever faster acceleration by allowing the driver to (of course) shift the transmission manually with either the shift lever or steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The ride is a little on the firm side, which should please enthusiasts. It is not so hard that speed bumps or broken pavement is a problem. That was the case even though our test car came with optional 19-inch wheels and lower-profile tires, a combination that has proven tiresome in some other cars.

Rear seat room is generous, allowing three adults to ride in comfort on moderate trips. And the trunk is enormous, rivaling those in cars that look larger. The combination should easily accommodate long family vacations, which is one of the reasons buy larger cars in the first place.

Although the Cadenza has just been introduced, Kia will soon be bringing out an even larger car as its flagship model, all-new K900. It comes standard with a more powerful 3.8-liter V6 and will offer a 5.0-liter V8 for those who demand that in their large luxury cars. Personally, we wouldn't be surprised is many potential K900 customers don't end up buying Cadenzas instead. It's that good.

EXTERIOR

Unlike all the other models offered on the U.S. market, the 2014 Cadenza features a design language inspired by the European models. Up front, it is distinguished by an aggressive "Tiger Tiger Nose" front fascia, quad headlamps flanking the grille, and chrome accents around the grille and the fog lights. The headlamps come standard with LED technology, but as an option Kia is also offering HID technology.

When viewed from the side, it’s pretty easy to distinguish Cadenza’s imposing long nose, the long hood and lots of gracefully sculpted lines running from the front-door cutline and going down to the taillights. The side also features numerous chrome accents at the lower portions of the doors and the exterior mirrors.

At the rear, the Cadenza receives standard LED taillights and a new exhaust system with twin oval tail pipes.

INTERIOR

Kia makes a big deal out of the "European design" of the Cadenza's exterior, and that it was penned by Peter Schreyer, Kia's chief of design, whom the company poached from Audi. And the interior exudes a tangible luxury that's a cut above other vehicles in this segment.

Elegant wood and chrome trim accent the Cadenza's soft leather upholstery without screaming "bling." The center console is angled toward the driver for improved access and ergonomics, while buttons for the cruise control, infotainment and Bluetooth hands-free are integrated into the steering wheel to enhance ease of operation. And, as in other Kia vehicles, the Cadenza's voice-activation system is one of the most accurate available.

Likewise, the Infinity audio system, which includes 12 speakers powered by 550 watts, performs better than many "premium" stereo options. The infotainment system provides music from almost every source available — AM, FM, CD/MP3, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth streaming and a USB port and auxiliary input jack for portables — and also includes a navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic.

This is all controlled through an 8-inch touch-screen display in the center of the dash that's intuitive and easy to use. And while Kia's UVO eServices provides features such as automatic crash notification and vehicle diagnostics, it doesn't have the range of connected services compared to other cutting-edge systems from competitors. (And not even one single app.) But you can't beat the price: free throughout the warranty period.

Something drivers may not notice at first because it's not present inside the Cadenza is noise. The car's hushed interior is due in part to the use of high-tensile steel for 60 percent of the body structure, which reduces overall vehicle weight and enhances safety since it's stronger than traditional steel. Kia also employs noise-reducing technologies ranging from triple door seals to specially designed wheels with multiple fins that help lessen wind noise at highway speeds for an interior that achieves luxury-class quiet. Our only real knock against the interior is a lack of rear headroom.

SPECIFICATION

► Year:2014
► Make:Kia
► Model:Cadenza
► Price$35100
► Engine:V6
► Transmission:Six-Speed Automatic
► Horsepower @ RPM:293 @ 6400
► MPG(Cty):19
► MPG(Hwy):28
► Torque @ RPM:255 @ 5200
► Displacement:3.3 L
► 0-60 time:6.9 sec. (Est.)
► Top Speed:130 mph (Est.)

FEATURES & TECHNOLOGY

Offered in one opulently equipped trim level, the Kia Cadenza takes in-car technology and premium features to an entirely new level. Standard features include an advanced navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic™ and UVO eServices, displayed on a high resolution 8-inch touch screen. Further enhancing driver assurance is a standard back-up camera and warning system, as well as a premium 550-watt Infinity® 12-speaker audio system including rear surround speakers and subwoofer. The Kia Cadenza's standard equipment level is on par with many premium brands and boasts standard leather seat trim, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear seat ventilation, Smart Key keyless entry with push-button start, 10-way power adjustable driver's seat and Bluetooth® wireless technology. Two option packages are offered: The Premium Package and the Technology Package.

Check the box for the Premium Package and receive a full-length panoramic sunroof with power retractable sunshade, HID headlamps with adaptive front lighting system (AFLS), 7-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster, premium Nappa leather seats, a memory enabled 12-way ventilated driver's seat with seat cushion extension for unsurpassed comfort, heated front and rear outboard seats, heated steering wheel with power tilt and telescoping steering column, as well as a power rear sunshade for enhanced comfort and privacy.

Stepping up to the Technology Package adds sleek 19-inch alloy wheels, electric parking brake and Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), which maintains a set distance to the vehicle ahead and can bring the car to a full stop if necessary. The package also includes water repellant hydrophobic windshield, a radar-based Blind Spot Detection system (BSD) and a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) that provides audible and visual alerts to the driver should they inadvertently veer into another lane without using the turn signal.

COMFORT & QUALITY

Choose a big sedan like the 2014 Kia Cadenza, that's not overtly a sport sedan, and you might expect the ride quality to be pillowy, almost queasy. As with many of the latest entries in this class, that's no longer the case; the Cadenza has top-notch interior comfort, without those boat-like old-fashioned big-car motions. It's also luxury-car quiet inside.

And if you've owned German luxury sedans in the past, don't expect to be stepping down in comfort-related items. When optioned up with the Luxury Package, you'll find a driver's seat thigh extension (quite the improvement for taller drivers on longer highway trips) plus a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and even heated rear seats.

The seats themselves are on the soft side, and while some might prefer a little more firmness, particularly for their back, these there's lots of legroom, and the driving position should be great for a wide range of sizes. In back, too, there's enough legroom—even for long-legger riders over six feet tall, behind other six footers.

Unfortunately, those tall riders won't be comfortable in back if you've opted for the two-panel panoramic sunroof system, which is included with the Luxury Package (mandatory for every other option, like the Tech Package and its smart cruise control and other active safety). You'll need to duck a bit when getting in, because of the downward-sloping roofline. But the real surprise comes inside, where you lose what we estimate to be several inches of headroom to the back housing of the roof system. There are two scooped-out areas in the headliner for outboard riders, but you'll need to hunch forward. The other thing is that if you're on a curvy road, hold on; the front seats are quite soft, and they provide zero lateral support, really, and if you're going around tight corners.

The Cadenza is a very quiet-riding sedan, with almost no wind noise, and very little road noise, at highway speeds—all with good aerodynamics, a tight structure, and smart application of noise-blanketing, rather than stopgap measures like active noise cancellation.

Materials are very impressive throughout the cabin. The ventilated Nappa leather seats that are included with the Luxury Package are as soft and supple as you'll find in $60k luxury rides.

Just as in other Kia models, there's no shortage of real physical buttons here—something we like, actually, and between decent voice control, those hard buttons, and the touch screen, there's a good level of redundancy that allows you to truly do it your own way....SEE ALL PHOTOS

ENGINE

Under the new Cadenza’s hood, Kia installed the most powerful V-6 engine it’s ever offered, a 3.3-liter version with an output of 293 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 255 pound-feet of torque at 5,200 rpm. The engine features technologies like direct injection (GDI), dual continuously variable valve timing for improved fuel economy and performance, a maintenance-free timing chain, and a three-step variable induction system for enhanced torque.

The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission equipped with a Sportmatic manual shift mode and paddle shifters flanking the leather. All the power is sent to the front wheels.

As standard features, the model is equipped with a sport-tuned fully independent suspension with a McPherson strut setup in front and a multilink rear design, and a High Tensile Steel (HTS) system which helps improve torsional rigidity.

DRIVETRAIN

The Kia Cadenza is equipped with Kia's most powerful V6 engine ever. The smooth-revving 3.3-liter utilizes gasoline direct injection (GDI) technology that improves performance while maintaining fuel efficiency. Power is seamlessly transferred to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission that includes a Sportmatic 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. The advanced all-aluminum engine features dual continuously variable valve timing for improved fuel economy and performance, a maintenance-free timing chain, a three-step variable induction system for enhanced torque, and is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline. During durability testing, the engine is run 300 continuous hours at redline under full load then for an additional 20 hours at 10 percent above redline under full load.

To maximize driver engagement and performance, the Cadenza features a sport-tuned fully independent suspension with a McPherson strut setup in front and a multilink rear design. The Kia Cadenza rides on standard 245/45R-18 tires while 245/40R-19 tires are included with the Technology Package.

To further enhance performance and safety, while reducing NVH, 60 percent of the body structure is strengthened through the utilization of High Tensile Steel (HTS), which helps improve torsional rigidity. HTS is produced through a 1,650 degree hot-stamping process, designed to toughen steel. Further reducing the Kia Cadenza's NVH is an extensive list of noise reducing technologies, including a hydraulic transmission mount, optimally tuned damper on the rear cross member and specially designed wheels (the multiple fins help reduce wind noise at highway speeds).

PERFORMANCE

Kia makes no grand claims for the Cadenza's performance; and for those wanting a big sedan that appeals mostly on value, comfort, and style, it's not going to disappoint.

The 2014 Kia Cadenza is relatively quick and responsive for a car its size. That said, those who want something verging on a sport sedan are going to find that the Cadenza is missing some of the fine aesthetic nuance that can make a large, front-wheel-drive sedan rewarding to drive, and much of that is a matter of steering and handling.

Power is provided by a 3.3-liter V-6, making 293 horsepower and 255 pound-feet. This new-generation, all-aluminum engine is direct-injected, with dual continuous variable valve timing, a timing chain, and three-stage variable induction.

The Cadenza's V-6 doesn't make all that much torque at the low end of the rev band (Toyota's V-6 in the Avalon feels perkier that way), which means that stepping away from a standing start, or up a steep hill, feel a bit more sluggish than you'd guess from its power output—until the revs build, and then you rocket ahead. Meanwhile fifth and sixth gear are quite tall, so the transmission downshifts frequently on long highway grades, or when simply resuming the cruise control from small drops in speed.

There's no sport mode for the powertrain or the stability control. There are however steering-wheel paddle-shifters, plus a manual gate, that let you manually command the gears.

Push the Cadenza (about 3,800 pounds as we tested it) hard into a corner, and you'll realize quickly that this is no sport sedan; the body control is better than some other large sedans, but it has neither the steering feel nor the transition chops to satisfy enthusiasts. Whether in steering feel, body control, or general responsiveness, this is a car that feels athletic enough on the twisty sections, provided you're not truly expecting to extract the most out of curvy canyon roads or hustling on country back roads. Brakes feel surprisingly strong and confident, however.

Steering feel is on the light side, and while it loads up enough off center to be helpful, there's very little, if any, feel of the road. It also requires more attention and small adjustments than it should at highway cruising speeds; although it adds up to great maneuverability at parking speeds.

ON THE ROAD

There’s only one engine available: a 3.3-liter V6 with 293 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque that’s shared with the Sorento SUV, and a six-speed automatic transmission. With its curb weight just under 3,800 lbs, the Cadenza is rated for 19 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway, which does seem a little thirsty given the engine’s direct injection.

2014 kia cadenza 01The engine is powerful enough, sure. It doesn’t snap your neck – 60 mph comes up in about seven seconds from a stop, about average in the class – and the way it goes about its business is reasonably smooth.  But the 3.8 from the Genesis would make this a more entertaining ride.  It doesn’t need to hit the 333-horse level of the rear-drive Hyundai, but the extra displacement would also provide more torque, something the Cadenza could use. The rear-drive Genesis-based Kia K900 flagship that’s coming next year will use it, so perhaps Kia’s keen not to have the Cadenza competing with its own products.

After a few years of making products that are nice to look at and own, Kia’s finally making them good to drive. The Cadenza doesn’t exhibit the stiffly-sprung, underdamped behavior of previous efforts, instead it’s a nicely-tuned ride that doesn’t run away screaming if the road gets challenging.

SAFETY

Standard safety features on the 2014 Kia Cadenza include antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags and hill start assist. A rearview camera and rear park assist are standard, while blind-zone and lane departure warning systems are optional.

During Edmunds testing, the Cadenza came to a stop from 60 mph in 122 feet, an average performance for this class.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Cadenza its highest possible rating of "Good" in its moderate-overlap frontal offset, side impact and roof strength tests. The Cadenza's seat/head restraint design was also rated "Good" for whiplash protection in rear impacts.

FUEL ECONOMY

For its size, the 2014 Kia Azera isn't a particularly fuel-efficient vehicle; it's surpassed by powertrains like the EcoBoost four in the Ford Taurus (22/32 mpg), as well as the hybrid powertrain that delivers 40 mpg Combined in the Toyota Avalon Hybrid.

It's also worth noting that the Hyundai Azera, curiously, gets 20/29 mpg ratings with essentially the same engine and transmission. In a 140-mile drive of the Cadenza we saw about 21 mpg, with no passengers aboard, and about two thirds of that on the highway and on rural two-laners; that's within a mpg of what we've observed in the Azera.

The Cadenza's fuel economy ratings are just 19 mpg city, 28 highway. But, as Kia notes, the V-6 in the Cadenza is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline.

VIDEO ( 2014 KIA CADENZA )

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By : Automotive News & Super Modified Sports Cars

Posted by : Shahen Tharammal