Kia Goes Upmarket In Detroit With New 2014 Cadenza Sedan

By Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Viknesh Vijayenthiran

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Vik is an Editor at High Gear Media and contributor for a number of sites within the High Gear Media network. He was a co-founder of Motor Authority... More

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2014 Kia Cadenza

The new sedan is the 2014 Kia Cadenza, which will serve as the flagship for the Korean automaker here in the U.S.

According to Kia, the decision to launch a new sedan positioned above the Optima was due to demand from customers seeking a sedan with more upscale amenities and technology.

Penned under the watchful eye of Peter Schreyer, Kia’s design chief, the Cadenza’s broad shoulders, contoured hood, large wheels and wide stance give it a strong and grounded appearance. There are also plenty of influences from the automaker’s K9/Quoris flagship sold overseas.

Power comes from a 3.3-liter V-6 rated at 293 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. This makes the Cadenza Kia’s most powerful model ever, though it’s nowhere near class leading. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

You have probably guessed by now that the 2014 Cadenza shares much in common with the Azera over at Hyundai. This means that you’ll be getting a reasonably sized cabin, though Kia’s version offers Nappa leather, tasteful accents of wood and chrome. Ambient lighting and horizontally positioned switch gear adds an uncluttered and sophisticated aesthetic.

Tech goodies include navigation with SiriusXM Traffic, a premium sound system, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, ventilated rear seats, UVO eServices and a reverse camera with an integrated warning system. Two option packages (Premium and Technology) are also available.

The 2014 Kia Cadenza goes on sale in the second quarter of the year. For more details, check out the previous piece on our sister site The Car Connection. And for more from the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, click here.