Kia's Cadenza is packed with state-of-the-art luxury equipment and delivers dramatic looks to differentiate the large sedan -- and indeed the brand itself -- from future rivals.
This marketing ethos typifies Kia's long-term strategy, with the brand on course to become a value -- and quality -- leader in its price sector. If the stylish new Cadenza is anything to go by, Kia has just set a Korean cat among the Japanese luxury-car pigeons.
Penned by Kia's Chief Design Officer, ex-Audi man Peter Schreyer, Cadenza's design brief sought maximum visual impact. A striking profile bolstered by a prominent chrome moulding below the doors confounds the eye by drawing your attention away from the shoulder line.
Sold as K7 in its domestic market, the Cadenza, which draws its name from an Italian musical term that describes an elaborate or ornamental flourish for a concerto or aria, shares a now familiar 'family' front-end its creator says exudes confidence.
"Our new sedan looks masculine and luxurious. The distinctive 'tiger nose' front with its signature grille and headlights are evidence of Kia's new self-confidence," says Schreyer.
Second-generation indirect, surface-emitting type LED position lights (there's a mouthful for you) define the car's wide stance, as do the shapely head and tail lamps. At the rear, integrated Kizashi-esque dual exhaust outlets bolster the car's dynamic attitude, fitting snugly within the rear bumper for a sportier look.
"With the Cadenza, we have created an all-new, large sedan that will revitalize Kia's fortunes thanks to its exciting appearance, strong performance and luxurious cabin which will guarantee its much broader consumer appeal, attracting thousands of new customers to our brand," said Mr Hyoung-Keun Lee, President of Kia Motors Corporation.
Launched into the Middle East (and parts of Africa) this weekend, the front-wheel drive Cadenza is powered by a choice of (132kW) 2.4-litre Theta II four-cylinder petrol or a (213kW) 3.5-litre V6, depending on market. Both powerplants are mated to a maintenance-free six-speed automatic transmission; a six-speed manual transmission being available on four-cylinder models.
An all-new suspension system and monocoque body shave 130kg from Cadenza's kerb weight, while the liberal use of high-strength steel (60 per cent) contributes to body rigidity and, ergo, overall safety.
The Cadenza also includes such important electronic aids as anti-lock brakes (ABS), cornering brake control (CBC), brake assist (BA) and traction control (TCS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD).
A reversing camera, acoustic parking sensors, (up to) six airbags and a lane departure warning system (similar to that found on some Volvo models) are also offered. Hydro-phobic (water repellent) glass is also available as an option for the front doors. The glass enhances safety by allowing water to flow away quicker, leaving the driver with improved lateral vision.
Inside, the generously appointed Cadenza features a futuristic 'floating' dashboard, highlighting the brand's innovative new approach to interior design.
Equipped with mood lighting for a warmer ambience, the cabin also includes such mod cons as keyless entry, engine stop/start button, a panoramic glass sunroof, electro-chromatic mirrors and a 5.5-inch full-colour touch screen that incorporates a hi-tech sound system, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and iPod integration. Xenon HID (high intensity discharge) headlamps and washers are optional.
Further, the car's multi-zone climate control system includes an automatic anti-humidity feature. The cabin environment can be finely adjusted thanks to the Cadenza's high-capacity HVAC heating, ventilating and air-conditioning system.
Cadenza features a large boot with a fixed rear seat (no 60:40 split), but does offer a ski-hatch to accommodate the through-access of longer items.
Currently available only in left-hand drive configuration, the Cadenza is unlikely to make it to Australia for that very reason, at least in the short term.
Kia Australia's Press & Public Relations Manager, Kevin Hepworth, told the Carsales Network that without a right-hand drive variant, we are left with little option.
"Kia doesn't have a product plan for (the right-hand drive) Cadenza at the moment," explained Hepworth. "Kia believes that for the Australian market, Cadenza is too close to the upcoming Optima."
When asked when we could expect to see the Optima Down Under, Mr Hepworth said a lot would depend on how popular the model is in its home market.
"If the Optima proves popular in Korea, it could take a little longer to arrive in Australia," he said. "Currently we're expecting the car in Q4 of this year, but depending on what happens in Korea, that could be pushed back to Q1 next year."
The Optima -- as recently revealed at the New York Motor Show -- is a mid-size sedan, roughly the same size as a Camry, and will replace the aging Magentis in the local line-up. Specification and pricing details will be announced closer to the car's launch.
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