2017 Kia Cadenza: Restyled with Greater Efficiency and Improved Safety [NYIAS]

2017 Kia Cadenza

The New York auto show is the venue for the global debut of the all-new 2017 Kia Cadenza. The full-size sedan has been redesigned with expressive styling, refined luxury appointments, advanced powertrain, and the latest automotive technology. Emphasis was placed on elevating the drive experience to be on par with more expensive luxury sedans.

Starting with a strong foundation that is also lighter. The 2017 Cadenza now has a body structure that has more than 50 percent Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS), which is double the amount of the previous model, and structural stiffness that has improved 35 percent. Factor in significant weight savings and the driving dynamics are greatly improved.

Kia is also aiming for a five-star NHTSA [http://www.nhtsa.gov/] safety rating and a “Top Safety Pick+” designation from IIHS [http://www.iihs.org/].

Power from an updated 3.3-liter V6 engine will be sent through a new 8-speed automatic transmission and delivered to the front wheels. Kia estimates the revised engine will output 290 horsepower. Exact specs and fuel economy numbers will be released at a later date.

“The new Cadenza adds an extra dose of excitement to the large-car segment with its striking, aggressively handsome looks and premium refinements,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, Kia Motors America.  “Everything you see and touch in the Cadenza’s cabin has been improved, but it’s underneath where the Cadenza truly shines with a stiffer and lighter chassis, eight-speed transmission and vastly improved driving dynamics.”

The new interior of the 2017 Cadenza features a wrap-around dashboard and premium materials throughout the cabin. Extra plushness of Nappa leather-covered seats is available. Intuitive and ergonomically intelligent cockpit controls, and a full suite of advanced creature comfort features will make the driving experience pleasant and effortless.

New for 2017 is a head-up display, improved 360-degree camera view with better resolution and revised software, wireless smartphone charging, and automatic opening of the trunk lid after detecting the key fob for more than three seconds. The infotainment system will come standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Also for 2017, Kia equipped the new Cadenza with adaptive cruise control that can bring the car to a full stop, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning.

It is no secret that Kia head designer, Peter Schreyer, used to design Audi’s. In this “first drive” video review, Nathan goes to San Diego to test and review the 2014 Kia Cadenza. Is the full-size Kia sedan a Korean Audi?