2017 All-New Kia Cadenza
Kia's all-new Cadenza saloon is making
its debut at the 2016 New York Auto Show, where its new looks, refined cabin
and improved tech represent a clear improvement over its predecessor.
Kia will start selling the second-generation
Cadenza in late 2016, with pricing expected to be announced closer to the
vehicle's launch date, which means we'll have to wait a while longer until
we'll be able to know its exact value compared to direct rivals.
Underneath its hood is a revised version
of Kia's 3.3-liter V6 engine, putting down an estimated 290 HP. The power will go to the front wheels via
Kia's first FWD-based 8-speed automatic transmission - which is said to provide
"quick and crisp shifts for a more enjoyable driving experience."
During development, Kia engineers ran the
V6 at full power and under full-load conditions for 41 consecutive days (over
100,000 miles of real-world use), which should put customers' minds at ease
regarding reliability.
In terms of looks, the 2017 Cadenza
comes with a new front fascia, which contains the signature "tiger
nose" grille, though evolved into a new hexagonal shape that's also
concave - curving toward the engine bay.
The Cadenza will be available with two
completely different grilles as lower trim models will come with the 'Diamond
Butterfly' front grille (same 3D pattern as other siblings within the Kia
range), whereas higher trim models will feature the very Maserati-like
'Intaglio' grille with vertically oriented faceted blades.
Onlookers will also notice the Z-shaped
lighting signatures in both the headlights as well as the LED taillights which
should afford the all-new Cadenza a more distinctive road presence whether it's
day time or night.
Inside, there are higher quality
materials than in the preceding model, though it's the wraparound dashboard
that flows into the door panels that visually widens the cabin. The door panels
themselves now feature higher quality soft-touch materials, while soft leather
can be found all over the Cadenza's cabin space.
The driver will sit lower for a sportier
and more stable feeling, while the new Head Up Display will provide key
information such as speed and turn-by-turn navigation. Additionally, the
Surround View Monitor has been updated with better software and resolution,
giving the driver a clearer view of the area around the vehicle.
As for connectivity, the Cadenza will
feature the latest generation of Kia's UVO system with Android Auto and Apple
CarPlay as standard, while a 12-speaker Harman/Kardon system with Clari-Fi
music restoration tech will serve as an optional extra. Safety-wise, the all-new 2017 Kia
Cadenza will pack systems such as the Advanced Smart Cruise Control with
stop-and-go functionality, Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency
Braking, and Lane Departure Warning. Another first for Kia is the Smart Blind
Spot Detection System which senses unintentional drifting toward an adjacent
vehicle and automatically brakes the opposite side front wheel to help maintain
the vehicle’s intended course.
