The carefully considered features of the 2014 Kia Cadenza reflect the brand's first realistic attempt to make a grand entrance into the prestigious motoring sector. Kia's position on the cusp of their rise towards the luxury sedan market has been fraught with challenge, given that they intend to reach their goal by 2017 despite the relative failure of the Cadenza's chunkier predecessor, the Amanti. To make up for the latter's shortcomings, Kia's latest offering had to entice a classier market without piling too many dollars onto its price tag - a task of considerable difficulty. Nevertheless, the Cadenza has achieved its goals almost perfectly.Â
A Master of UnderstatementÂ
Audi's celebrated former designer, Peter Schreyer, is responsible for the Candenza's subdued, streamlined aesthetic. One could be forgiven for thinking that the body of the 2014 Kia Cadenza was crafted to soothe away lofty expectations: Its exterior has been styled as a near luxury product and, as such, it is unassuming and unpretentious. It is also a visibly distant cousin of Hyundai, with only a lightly heftier subframe to make room for its V-6 engine and large wheelbase.Â
As is the theme of the rest of the car's features, the subtle exterior hides the higher ambitions of its makers: High tensile featherweight steel, luxurious poise, and tasteful bells and whistles push the Cadenza into the sedan market impressively. Chrome trim, large alloy wheels, and LED taillights add to the visual feast while blind spot monitoring systems and adaptive cruise control satisfy practical demands.
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Under the Hood and On the RoadÂ
For locals in PA, the 2014 Kia Cadenza will deliver the most thrills when it is taken onto the tarmac. McCafferty Autogroup clients seeking a truly luxurious drive will not find the sedan lacking. It offers a controlled, smooth ride that clings to corners and feels refreshingly athletic. While its 293 horsepower is impressive, the effortlessness with which the car achieves high speeds does detract from the car's ability to push up adrenalin levels. Still, its muscular shape and centered steering give it a sturdy feel on the road. A 3.3-liter engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission that is directly attached to the front wheels means that gear shifts are barely noticeable. Electronic stability control and lane departure warnings with emergency brake and hill assist help keep the powerful 255 pound feet of torque easy to reign in.Â
Inner Workings
It is in the cabin that the 2014 Kia Cadenza reveals its true, luxurious identity. It is spacious enough to house five passengers and even a few golf bags. With dual zone climate control and heated ten-way front seats, passengers are treated to ostentatious levels of comfort. An 8-inch touch screen navigation system operates flawlessly, while hands free calling and a potent 550 watt sound system ensures that travelling is done stylishly. Add to that push button start, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, a rear parking camera, and adaptive cruise control, which all offer a silent, easy ride that puts security first.Â
 Going PremiumÂ
For those in the market for a premium upgrade, Napa leather seats, a panoramic retractable roof, a ventilated driver's seat, and heating for the steering wheel and back seats are offered. HID headlights, a seven-inch digital instrument display, and power tilt with a telescopic steering column ensure that your extra investment pays off in terms of both visual and driving pleasure. The existence of a Luxury Package in no way insinuates that the Cadenza's stock package lacks extravagance, however. For its mid-range price the sedan's frills are likely to kick up a fuss among its competitors.