There are two big automakers in South Korea: Hyundai and Kia. On our website, we wrote several articles about Hyundai, but we must admit that we have neglected Kia’s vehicles. Therefore today we would like to talk about the upcoming 2017 Kia Cadenza. The Cadenza is the successor of the Kia Opirus and it debuted six years ago. Actually, it is Kia’s variant of the Hyundai Azera. It is assembled in South Korea and Kazakhstan, and it was launched in the US three years after the release. Production of the second generation of this four-door sedan began in autumn 2016 and, according to the first information, 2017 model will be completely redesigned.
2017 Kia Cadenza Pros and Cons
The problem with Kia in the United States is low brand awareness. Marketing experts need to put more effort in order to attract customers and boost sales. Kia may have greater success with the new generation since styling is absolutely marvelous and comes with sportier cues. Both engine and transmission system are more efficient and it is better equipped than some cars in this class. However, lack of all-wheel drive is a huge drawback and they should think about it. All in all, there are no major flaws and you will be absolutely thrilled with the 2017 model.
Engine and Performance
We cannot say it is a surprise to see a 3.3-liter six-cylinder under the hood of the 2017 Kia Cadenza. The V6 was used before, but this time it comes with enhanced performance. It comes with an output of 290 horsepower which is a little bit disappointing since many were expecting an engine with over 300 horsepower. Therefore acceleration can’t be regarded as the best thing this model offers. With 0-60 time at only seven seconds, it is below the average in the class. Top speed, on the other hand, is satisfying since new Cadenza can develop 155 mph.
Although it cannot brag with the acceleration it comes with improved fuel economy. Kia hasn’t released the official figures, but the current model has 19/28/22 mpg and we can expect at least 23 mpg combined. There is only one drive mode – the front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is still not available. This is regarded as the major drawback of the Cadenza thus we hope people at Kia will lend an ear to us. Even though engine and drive mode are going to remain the same, the transmission should be changed. Instead of a 6-speed automatic gearbox, new 8-speed automatic will be placed. The new transmission should enable better performance and we’re looking forward to testing new gearbox by ourselves.
Design and Safety of Kia Cadenza 2017
Kia redesigned new generation of Cadenza. At the first look, it is obvious it lost the aggressiveness it had, but the sedan has kept the elegance. The “tiger nose” grille resembles the previous model. It comes in two different stylings: Intaglio layout and diamond butterfly mesh. At back, you will spot huge exhaust tip and a large bumper. Taillights are thin and are equipped with LED technology.
Although the 2017 Kia Cadenza will share lots of things with the predecessor it will also have plenty of upgraded features. The dashboard is going to have fewer buttons and the infotainment system should be updated. The steering wheel has been modernized and reconfigured controls. Safety is always under the spotlight. The new model is equipped with various safety technologies such as autonomous emergency braking, smart blind spot detection, lane departure warning, advanced smart cruise control and much more. In addition, 50% of the body frame was made from advanced high-strength steel which improves safety.
2017 Kia Cadenza Price and Release Date
The 2017 Kia Cadenza will be more expensive than the last model and it should cost around $37,000. When it comes to release date there is no available info. However, reportedly it should be launched sometime in 2017.
2017 Kia Cadenza
Summary
We cannot say it is a surprise to see a 3.3-liter six-cylinder under the hood of the 2017 Kia Cadenza. The V6 was used before, but this time it comes with enhanced performance. It comes with an output of 290 horsepower which is a little bit disappointing since many were expecting an engine with over 300 horsepower. Therefore acceleration can’t be regarded as the best thing this model offers. With 0-60 time at only seven seconds, it is below the average in the class.
Price: $37,000