Photo: Kia |
So what better place to introduce a vehicle that combines power and motion than an equestrian themed resort in Loudon County, Virginia? Yes, the Salamander Resort served as a first-class launching pad for Kia’s first-class mid-size luxury sedan.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Lexus ES/GS, Audi A6, Lincoln MKZ/MKS, Tesla Model S, (Hyundai) Genesis G80, Cadillac CTS/CT6, Jaguar XF, Infiniti Q70, Acura
Photo: Kia |
Well, while corporate cousins Hyundai (Genesis) and Kia share technology, they are locked in a pitch battle for peninsula supremacy. Hyundai fired the first salvo in the civil war with the Equus. Stately and full of luxury, but not a serious competitor to big boys S-Class, 7 Series and A8. Hyundai’s new Genesis luxury division
Photo: Kia |
Step it down one level of luxury and the game gets more complicated, but this time, in my humble opinion, Kia is like Floyd Mayweather, a pound for pound champion that adds power, credible handling, requisite luxury, and Volvo-like safety features, all at a price that’s sure to boggle the mind.
Now let’s delve even deeper and consider what Kia has accomplished since coming to Canada with the Sephia, Spectra and Sportage more than 17 years ago. Lacking style, crashworthiness, and reliability, Kia at one point ranked dead last in dependability
Photo: Kia |
For 2016, guess what automaker
Photo: Kia |
Where the Optima used to be the top dog for Kia, the K900 and Cadenza now rule the roost, and for 2017 this newly redesigned Cadenza is better than ever.
Style wise, the 2017 Kia Cadenza’s expressive shape is evolutionary. No need for a dramatic redesign, as the outgoing 2016 model was already a looker.
This second generation Cadenza features a definition contour that spans the length of the car. This “line” visually links matching Z-shaped lighting signatures in
Photo: Kia |
Up front, the Cadenza is available with two different grilles. Lower end models come with the curved “Diamond Butterfly” front grille, while higher trims sport the “Intaglio” grille, featuring vertically oriented blades.
Using a body composed of more than 50 percent strategically placed, high-strength steel, the new Cadenza features a stronger, more rigid yet lighter structure that enhances the driving experience.
Inside,
Photo: Kia |
Photo: Kia |
Befitting its luxury class credentials, the 2017 Kia Cadenza features standard or optional high tech driver assistance features such as Advanced Smart Cruise Control with stop-and-go functionality, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Change Assist, Lane Departure Warning and the very useful Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). Ever inched out of a shopping mall parking spot hoping no one tears your rear bumper off because they don’t see your vehicle clearly? RCTA senses traffic left and right and, together with your rearview camera, makes backing up safer. The available Smart Blind Spot Detection System
Photo: Kia |
Under the hood lies a 290 horsepower 3.3-litre V6 engine that sends power to the front wheels via Kia’s first front-wheel drive configured eight-speed automatic transmission.
On the road, the Cadenza performs well. While not a speed demon there’s ample power from the V6 to safely perform high-speed passing and have some fun on country roads. The eight-speed tranny shows its value here, as it doesn’t “hunt” at any speed, and settles in nicely when you reach cruising rpm. Handling is fairly neutral, and there is no appreciable FWD torque steer, even under full acceleration.
Steering
Photo: Kia |
With the aforementioned J.D. Power goal dead in its sight, Kia’s engineers focused on durability and reliability during the development of the Cadenza. Extreme testing, like running the V6 engine at full power and under full-load conditions for 41 consecutive days, which equates to more than 160,000 km of real-world use, shows the brand is
Photo: Kia |
The 2017 Cadenza comes in three trim levels in Canada, including base, Premium, and Limited, with each offering stepped up levels of comfort, safety, and convenience features. Prices have yet to be announced, but the outgoing model started at just under $38k.
So watch your rearview mirror for unique amber coloured daytime running lights the next time you decide to saddle up and hit the roads. A Korean-built horse named Cadenza may be sneaking up on you.
©(Copyright Canadian Auto Press)