The 2014 Kia Cadenza is the latest addition to the Kia vehicle fleet. Considered Kia’s new flagship sedan, the 2014 Kia Cadenza is focused on bringing luxury back to the masses at a modest price point. With two models to choose from – the Cadenza or the Cadenza Premium – either option will leave you with a well equipped ride.
ENGINE & DRIVE
The 2014 Kia Cadenza Premium takes its passengers on a smooth and quiet ride, cornering well and hugging the road in turns. The solid driving feel plus the 6 airbags provides a confidence while driving and also a feeling of security within the cabin.
The 2014 Kia Cadenza is powered by a 3.3L V6 engine outputting 293 horsepower and paired with a six speed automatic transmission. Although the ride in the Cadenza was smooth and quiet, I found the power was lacking. For a car with a 293 horsepower engine I was expecting tires to screech off the line and to be thrown back in the seats with the pedal to the metal. However, I was disappointed with the acceleration power for a top of the line model with an almost 300 horsepower engine.
One reason the acceleration may be lacking could be the economic fuel consumption posted as 9.2 L/100km in the city and 5.8 L/100km on the highway. However, after driving the 2014 Kia Cadenza for just over 360 kms, it recorded an actual 12.0 L/100km for combined city and highway driving. This recorded consumption seems a bit too high for an engine that lacks acceleration exhilaration.
INTERIOR & EXTERIOR
The stylish exterior of the 2014 Kia Cadenza closely resembles that of the Kia Optima. However, a bit more refinement is seen in the sleeker lines, 19” rims, chrome highlights, dual exhaust and black front grille. The clear black top with dual sunroofs also adds to the Cadenza’s aggressive look when combined with a different body colour.
The welcomed technology features for the exterior are plentiful and usually only available on higher end vehicles. The bright and wide angled headlights automatically adjust up and down as well as turn with you as you drive, lighting around corners and up and down hills. The side mirrors automatically tilt up and in when the car is parked and tilt out with a courtesy light when you near the car. When reversing, the side mirrors tilt down to see curb side – a useful feature that I think should be on all cars. Other intelligent features on the exterior include automatic rain-sensing wipers, LED rear and daytime running lights, blind spot detection, lane departure warning, smart cruise control and rear parking sensors.
The interior is where the 2014 Kia Cadenza Premium truly shines with high quality materials surrounding the passengers and a long list of premium features and technology. Some of the premium features usually only seen in higher end vehicles include the heated and cooled front seats, nappa leather seating, heated steering wheel, smart key with push button start, rear view camera with sensors and large touch screen display for navigation and other controls. I would have liked to see the ability to control the touch screen from either the steering wheel or the center console.
A second digital screen display is used for the tachometer and speedometer. I think the design of this digital display could have been presented in a more pleasing manner with more use of colours. Since the display is digital, perhaps it can be customized down the road.
The interior is very spacious for driver and passengers and includes a giant trunk for moving almost anything. Although the drive is smooth and quiet, I would have liked the interior cabin noise to be a bit quieter.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The 2014 Kia Cadenza Premium is a great combination of technology, luxury and convenience with good quality materials used on the interior and a pleasing exterior design. The 2014 Kia Cadenza is offered as the base model starting at $37,795 or as the Cadenza Premium offered at $44,995. Some might think this price is too high for a Kia, but take one for a test drive and explore all the features and you will see the value. Improvements I hope to see in future years for the Kia Cadenza, include better acceleration, better fuel consumption and slight reduction in price.
