DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Cadenza steps Kia up a notch

Kia has unveiled what it says is its most technologically advanced production model yet – the facelifted Cadenza – at this week’s Detroit motor show.

Effectively Kia’s version of sister brand Hyundai’s new Azera, which replaced Australia’s long-discontinued Grandeur in the US last year, the large front-wheel drive premium Korean sedan will sit atop the mid-size front-drive Optima sedan but below the large rear-drive Quoris limousine in Kia’s North American line-up

Penned by Kia and now Hyundai design head Peter Schreyer, the Cadenza features the smaller brand’s prominent tiger-nose fascia, deeply contoured bonnet and a curved greenhouse framed with faux-chrome trim.

The upmarket design is accompanied by sophisticated driver assistance technologies, a spacious and luxuriously appointed interior and powerful V6 petrol engine.

Riding on large-diameter alloy wheels, the show models emphasised a wide stance with sporty overtones hushed to suit the model’s premium aspirations.

Among the list of features usually found in German prestige cars are a lane departure warning system, automated radar cruise control with active braking (to complete stop if required) and blind-spot detection.

In the US, the Cadenza’s equipment list includes Sirius Traffic-equipped satellite-navigation with UVO eServices (connected freely to Google maps), an eight-inch colour touch-screen for the infotainment array, reversing camera, acoustic parking sensors, electrochromatic rear-view mirror, hydrophobic windshield, 12-speaker, 550-Watt Infinity audio system with Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming, 10-way adjustable driver’s seat, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate-control and remote keyless entry with push-button start.

Optionally, a panoramic sunroof with power retractable sunshade, active cornering HID headlights, TFT LCD instrument cluster, Nappa leather upholstery, 12-way electric driver’s seat adjustment with ventilation, heated front and outboard rear seats, a heated steering wheel with power adjustment and a rear window shade - electronically operated, of course.

The Cadenza is powered by Kia’s most powerful V6 engine yet. An all-aluminium 3.3-litre Lambda unit offers an output of 218kW at 6400rpm and 346Nm at 5200rpm. Outside the US, the Cadenza will employ Hyundai-Kia’s older 3.5-litre V6.

The direct-injected, dual variable valve timing V6 is capable of running on regular unleaded fuel and mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Underpinning the Cadenza is a “sport-tuned” fully independent suspension arrangement comprising MacPherson front and multi-link rear designs. Wheel selections include 18- and 19-inch alloys shod with 245/45 and 245/40 rubber.

Kia says the body is stiffened by the greater utilisation of high-tensile steel, which has the added benefit of reducing NVH. Bolstering this are triple door seals and a three-ply layer of insulative material across the firewall.

Although the Cadenza was previously available in the Middle East and Korea, where it’s known as the K7, the upgraded version will go on sale in the US for the first time in the second quarter of this year.

Like the Quoris, Kia’s new Cadenza is unlikely ever to be sold in Australia, where the popular Optima will remains its flagship sedan for the foreseeable future – just as Hyundai Australia has passed up on the latest Grandeur and larger rear-drive Equus in favour of the mid-size i40 and, for now, i45 sedans.

More news and coverage of the 2013 Detroit Motor Show

Full photo gallery of 2013 Detroit Motor Show at motoring.com.au

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