The all-new 2014 Kia Cadenza is distinctly European on the outside, a technological wonder on the inside, and a powerhouse under the hood that make it a stand-out in the Kia lineup.
I got a chance to drive this new Kia while at the Heels and Wheels automotive conference in Bend, Oregon and when it was time to switch out vehicles, I really didn’t want to get out of the car. After spending the better part of the day on an airplane, at a time when I usually just want to sit down on the couch and close my eyes, I really wanted to drive just a little bit more.
The 2014 Kia Cadenza is just that much fun to drive.
It’s not really a luxury sedan, but has plenty of luxury features. Most notably, this thing is absolutely packed with tech because it only comes in one trim level, Premium, and the name pretty much says it all.
There’s navigation with SiriusXM Traffic and UVO eServices on a high-resolution 8-inch touch screen. A rear-camera, back-up warning system, 550-watt Infinity 12-speaker audio system with rear surround speakers and a subwoofer are all standard.
Leather seat trim with heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, rear seat ventilation, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat and Bluetooth wireless are also standard on every 2014 Kia Cadenza. The words fully loaded were practically invented for this car.
And it’s not just the interior that makes you feel like you’re driving something special, but the ride itself. Powered by a 3.3-liter direct injection V6 that boasts 293 horsepower, the car moves when you press that pedal.
It easily handled steep, twisting roads with hairpin turns that popped out of nowhere and accelerated right back up to speed in straight stretches without feeling like the engine was struggling to keep up. On straight-aways, it was smooth enough that you had to keep an eye on that speedometer to be sure your speed was in check.
Pulling into a lot with vehicles as sexy as the Aston Martin DB9, this car held its own thanks to Kia Motors’ president and chief design officer, Peter Schreyer. His direction has this Korean auto manufacturer’s vehicle looking like it came right out of Europe with the wide, low stance of a sports-coupe.
The 2014 Kia Cadenza sets the brand firmly on the luxury car road with a car that will likely surprise drivers with its comfort, technology and design sophistication.
Nicole Wakelin fell in love with cars as a teenager when she got to go for a ride in a Ferrari. It was red and it was fast and that was all that mattered. Game over. She considers things a bit more carefully now, but still has a weakness for fast, beautiful cars. Nicole also writes for NerdApproved and GeekMom.
