This car’s loaded with value
Full-size luxury model rare on Canadian roads, and that’s a shame because it’s a pretty darn good car
One could be forgiven for being only vaguely aware of the Cadenza, one of the two full-size luxury sedans at the top Kia’s model range. For those keeping score, the even larger and equally inconspicuous K900 is the other.
The main reason these cars have a low profile is because they are pretty rare birds on Canadian roads. In the case of the Cadenza, it has been a part of Kia’s lineup since spring 2013, but has yet to break the 200 annual sales barrier in Canada.
With only 126 sold through the end of September, that trend is unlikely to change in 2015.
It’s a shame because the Cadenza is a pretty darn good car.
Built on a front-wheel drive platform that’s also responsible for the Hyundai Azera (not sold in Canada since 2009), the 2016 Cadenza is available in three trims — Base, Premium, and Tech — that range in price from $37,995 to $45,595.
As is the case across the entire Kia lineup, all three Cadenza models come with a long list of standard features.
Speaking of features, that is the differentiator within the Cadenza range, as all models are equipped with a 3.3litre V6 engine (293 horsepower, 255 lb-ft. torque) and a six-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. All-wheel drive is not available. For the purposes of this evaluation, Kia furnished me with a Tech model finished in Snow White Pearl paint, which adds $200 to its price tag.
From the outside, the Cadenza shares a strong family resemblance with other Kia products, particularly when viewed from the front where the company’s corporate Tiger Nose grille is prominent.
Large high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps that respond to both steering angle and road pitch, along with LED accent lighting frame the grille that wrap into the corners of the front fenders.
The sheet metal features sculpted lines that give the Cadenza a trim, slippery look that exudes an impression of simple elegance.
The application of chrome has been used sparingly — around the grille, door frame, trunk and exhaust outlets — to great effect to give the car a more premium feel without appearing forced or tacky.
Completing a refined exterior look is a gorgeous set of 19-inch alloy wheels (standard with the Tech trim) wrapped in premium Hankook rubber. On the inside, the Cadenza’s cabin is spacious, comfortable and loaded with an abundance of features and quality touches.
While the grade of the materials is a notch below the finest available from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, they are of good quality nevertheless and represent great value for a car in this price range.
The leathers and plastics look good and feel good to the touch, and it’s a similar story with the controls and switches, all of which operate with a pleasing tactile feel.
In terms of equipment, the Tech trim includes nearly every conceivable bell and whistle. The list includes heated and cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, navigation system with satellite radio, backup camera along with a suite of collision mitigation features and a whole lot more.
Not surprisingly, all of this equipment combined with a powerful drivetrain makes the Cadenza a very comfortable car to drive, both in city traffic and at highway speeds.
The engine isn’t built for fast getaways, but with lot of power in reserve it pulls nicely through the rev range to make darting through midtown traffic or passing trucks on the expressway a breeze. A bit of a grunt is noticeable under hard acceleration, but thanks to a very well-insulated cabin, its effort is nearly undetectable save for increasing speed.
Combined with a comfortable driving position — that features not only an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, but also a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel that extends and retracts with the on/off of the ignition — and a quiet ride, the Cadenza makes for an enjoyable car to drive in just about any situation.
The four-wheel independent suspension gives the Cadenza a ride that strikes a good balance between comfort and performance. On most roads, even ones that are pockmarked and
frost-heaved, the Cadenza tracks straight and true with little drama.
In all, the Cadenza offers an impressive value proposition. All trims offer a lengthy list of standard features, a quiet and powerful engine, a spacious and comfortable cabin and plenty of available safety tech.
It even returned reasonably good fuel economy. During a week of mixed highway and city driving, my tester averaged 11.5L/100 km on regular gas.
Taking all of this into account, along with its mid-$40,000 price, I’d argue the Cadenza is actually a luxury bargain.
While luxury isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of Kia, the Cadenza proves the company can build a compelling entry worthy of consideration. The challenge moving forward is to raise awareness and sales numbers for a car that appears to deserve it. Freelance writer Lee Bailie is a regular contributor to Toronto Star Wheels. Travel and other expenses for this story were paid by the manufacturer. To reach him, write to wheels@thestar.ca and put his name in the subject line.