At the Detroit Auto Show today, Kia has officially introduced the 2014 Cadenza for the American market. Set to compete with the Buick LaCrosse and Toyota Avalon, it will represent the company's first attempt in the premium car segment.
"Since the introduction of the range-topping Optima SXL last year, we have seen an increasing number of customers in our retail outlets looking for a sedan with even more upscale amenities and technology," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications for Kia North America. "The Cadenza is the new flagship for Kia in the U.S. market, and when it goes on sale later this year, it will introduce a number of advanced systems that promise to set a new standard in the premium segment."
According to the South Korean carmaker, the mid-size sedan comes with standard features like an 8-inch touchscreen display with SiriusXM Traffic and UVO eServices, leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear seat ventilation, Smart Key keyless entry with push-button start, a 12-speaker Infinity audio system, 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat and Bluetooth wireless technology.
Motivation is provided by a 3.3-liter GDI V6 engine which produces 293 hp at 6,400 rpm and 345 Nm of torque at 5,200 rpm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.
The 2014 Kia Cadenza will go on sale in the U.S. in the second quarter of the year and pricing will be announced closer to launch.
