2014 Kia Cadenza | Harrisburg & Mechanicsburg

2014 Kia Cadenza Premium Reviewed

Kia has truly raised the bar with their new 2014 Kia Cadenza Premium sedan. This model constitutes a new high-water mark for the company as a serious contender in the near-luxury class.

While the exterior is a blend of  young urban tones and sharply-defined lines, the interior has a more classic appeal, rather like the Mercedes. The dashboard modeled on the convex shape characteristic of traditional luxury  motor vehicles rather than the sportier cars, for which Kia is best known.

Ergonomically, Kia has done exceptional work. The cabin is spacious and all-round visibility is superb. Although this model features a rear-view camera, the thought that Kia has put into driver-visibility renders it almost completely unnecessary.

Inside, the centerpiece of Kia's hi-tech offerings is the latest Hyundai-Kia navigation screen. This features UVO e-services, a media-interface, a rear-view camera display, and a navigation display with exceptionally crisp graphics. Voice-command technologies equal, if not surpass the best luxury cars on the market.

The 2014 Kia Cadenza Premium also  features a digital speedometer of a technological standard quite unique at this price point. Situated at the center of the analogue speed gauge, this becomes an information display for a large, yet comprehensible range of information, including navigation direction, lane-drift and blindspot alerts. Kia have managed integrated this digital interface very with the latest in adaptive cruise control technology. There isn't departure control for lane drift, but this doesn't detract from the value for money. 

Underneath the bonnet, the statistics are more than satisfactory. Direct injection engines come standard in all Kia's designs. A 3.3 Liter V6 engine producing 293 horsepower and 255 ft-lbs of torque make for an enjoyable ride, and the power comes on in a smooth linear fashion.  Perhaps the only thing missing is the option of a sports model from Kia. There is, however the option of a 6 speed manual.

The 2014 Kia Cadenza Premium is downright pleasant to drive. The handling and ride balance is better here than it is with the Azera, with superior steering and more ride isolation. Kia is known for small, sporty cars, and the Cadenza offers something different to the market.

But Kia's longstanding emphasis on value has put them on a good footing.  There is lot's of competition in this class, so it's refreshing to find a model that could potentially outdo the competitors as an affordable, yet very stylish car.  If you are looking for a new 2014 Kia Cadenza, stop by Fred Beans Kia in Mechanicsburg to pre-order the 2014 Kia Cadenza or test drive the 2013 Kia Cadenza today!