Kia has just unveiled their upwardly-mobile Cadenza (called the K7 in certain markets) premium saloon at the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Kia says it is the most technologically advanced vehicle they’ve ever brought into North America.
We thinks it’s probably the catchy name that snagged us early on, but we’ve been following the progress of the Kia Cadenza for some time now, from the concept stage, through to the world launch and now to its arrival in the all-important North American market.
The new saloon will serve as the flagship for Kia in North America, as it is positioned above the Kia Optima with more upscale amenities and technology. Proving to be another homerun from the creative pen of Peter Schreyer, Kia and Hyundai’s new design chief, the Cadenza’s broad shoulders, contoured bonnet, large wheels and wide stance, give it a whole lot of presence.
While drivetrains will vary the world over, depending on market needs, power in the debut American Cadenza comes from a 3.3-litre V6 GDI petrol engine, which produces 218 kW and 345 Nm of torque.
This makes the Cadenza Kia’s most powerful model ever. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission, which should be more than enough for a front-wheel drive car to handle.
A front-wheel drive drivetrain might not sound all that riveting, but on the inside the Cadenza receives equipment such as Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Lane-Departure Warning System (LDWS).
The chassis is paired with fully independent suspension, featuring McPherson struts in the front and a multi-link layout at the rear. The Kia Cadenza rides on standard 18-inch wheels, while 19-inch options are available with an upgraded ‘Technology Package’.
Standard equipment for the Cadenza includes: leather seats; 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 further specification options are also available, namely, the ‘Premium’ and aforementioned ‘Technology’ package.
The Premium Package adds a panoramic sunroof with sunshade, adaptive front HID headlamps, 7-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster, Navigation with SiriusXM Traffic, premium Nappa leather seats, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel with power tilt adjustment and telescoping steering column, as well as a power rear sunshade.
The Technology Package adds 19-inch alloy wheels, electric parking brake, Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), a hydrophobic windshield, Blind Spot Detection and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS).
The impressive Kia product march continues to gain momentum, with the Kia Cadenza scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in the second quarter of the year.
