First Drive Review: 2014 Kia Cadenza by Henny Hemmes +VIDEO
New entry – added value
By Henny Hemmes
Senior European Editor
The Auto Channel
• SEE ALSO: Kia Buyers Guide
![]() 2014 Kia Cadenza |
GLENDALE, CA - December 24, 2013: Last year I was impressed by the Optima, Kia’s new midsize sedan. Not only did I like the design, but also the handling and quality of fit and finish. When I opened the door of the 2014 Cadenza, it was no surprise to see well a executed cockpit, which is certainly in line with Kia’s new styling direction. It also confirms that the Optima was not a one-off. Under design chief Peter Schreyer both exterior and interior styling are consistent factors in the family resemblance of the new vehicles, adding to the success of the Kia brand in the US, with more than half a million cars sold here for the first time in 2012.
![]() 2014 Kia Cadenza |
The Kia Cadenza was unveiled in December 2009 at the Riyadh Motor Show as the successor to the Opirus/Amanti, dubbed K7 in Korea. However, the Cadenza did not make it to the North American market until this year as a special US version. The luxury sedan shares the underpinnings and the 3.3-liter V6 engine with the Azera, its corporate brother from Hyundai. The Cadenza is some two inches longer, but more important, it is hard to find similarities between the pair. It's easier to find a little BMW, especially in the rear end seen from the side, where the Cadenza can be identified by triangular LED tail lights and twin oval tail pipes that are integrated in the rear bumper.
![]() 2014 Kia Cadenza |
Watch the 2014 Cadenza introduced at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show
With the Cadenza, I drove quite some miles: from Los Angles to San Diego for some leisure time – the first this year – and on to Palm Desert. Leisure still means driving, but the mix of city, country roads and highway proved to be fun and informative.
![]() 2014 Kia Cadenza |
![]() 2014 Kia Cadenza |
It speaks for itself that stitched white nappa leather seat trim asks for extra caution: no eating and no drinking in the car. You cannot complain, as it really looks gorgeous and you want to keep it that way. But if it were your daily driver… white may be a bit unpractical. The interior is really well executed and the Cadenza offers extensive standard equipment, such as leather seat trim, rain sensing wipers, back up warning system, dual zone climate control with air filtration, a cloud-connected navi system with an 8”display, and satellite radio.
![]() 2014 Kia Cadenza |
2014 Kia Cadenza
Engine: 3.3-liter V6, gasoline direct injection (GDI)
Power: 293 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque: 255 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
L/W/H: 195.5/72.8/58.1 in.
Wheelbase: 112.0 in.
Cargo volume: 15.9 cu.ft
Curb weight: 3.472 lbs.
MPG: 19 city/28 hwy
As tested: 25.31 mpg
Base Price: $35,900
As Tested: $41,900