Words by Adrian McQueen / Photos by Adrenaline Lifestyles
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Automotive Rhythms 2017 long-term Kia Cadenza while receiving a vast amount of compliments as we hit numerous social events, music concerts, and car shows over the past four months. Onlookers were immediately captivated by the sleek design and aerodynamic contour of our Snow White Pearl premium sedan. The latest Cadenza is definitely more refined, upscale, and mature, requesting the presence of a proprietor claiming equivalent attributes. For instance, its LED headlights and fog lights not only shine brilliance when required, but they also elevate the design methodology of the front fascia.
The Korean vehicle is an appealing site when cruising through the city and pretty sure footed when hitting corners around scenic, bending roads. Typically a large sedan it is not expected to hug turns with such fluidity, but it held its own. Only minimal body roll was noticed. More importantly there are four Drive Modes to select from depending on your mood or the environmental situation: Comfort, Eco, Sport, or Smart. Steering wheel and transmission algorisms change a bit in each mode to adjust the driving dynamics for each scenario. Additionally, the 8-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic and steering wheel paddle shifters allow you to control the timing of the shifts in a smooth and harmonious ride experience. Under the hood the Cadenza is equipped with a direct-injected 3.3-liter V6 delivering 290 horses and 253 lb-ft of torque. Although I would prefer a little more power the engine is adequate. Expect 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway when out and about.
Inside our White Nappa Leather trimmed cabin Kia showcases it technological bravado with the updated UVO eServices Infotainment System. UVO is a subscription free OEM infotainment and telematics service offered by Kia to help integrate your personal digital lifestyle with your automotive digital lifestyle. Pairing my phone through Bluetooth was a breeze as well as using Apple CarPlay and some of the other features from the 8″ touchscreen and navigation system such as audio streaming and voice recognition. The 12-speaker Harmon Kardon surround sound with Quantum Logic and Clari-Fi technology is a blessing as well. UVO includes diagnostic capabilities, Emergency Assistance, Parking Minder, and My Car Zone to name a few. The smartphone app allows you to find your Kia in a parking lot or monitor other drivers in your car with custom alerts.
Kia Motors expanded to the United States in the early 1990s with the Sportage and the Sephia. These were not considered good cars due to their known transmission issues, bad gas mileage, 100-horsepower or less engines, and undesirable designs. The vehicles were small, uncomfortable, road noisy, unsafe, and unreliable. Boy how times have changed! The 2017 Cadenza is among Kia’s quality line of rides offered at a respectable price and comes with a pleasing warranty (10-year, 100,000 mile bumper to bumper).
My colleagues at Automotive Rhythms who have also been behind the wheel have a few remarks as well.
Leon Brittain —
Automotive Rhythms’ long-term 2017 Kia Cadenza Limited is an ideal, sophisticated match for a day of enjoying the local arts and civics scene. Clean styling, a dab of luxury, and respectable performance situates the Korean sedan well against worthy competitors. Starting at $44,390 our Snow White Pearl sedan was blessed with Nappa Leather trim, a panoramic sunroof, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Harman Kardon premium audio, and 19″ Dark Satin Rims which we upgraded to 19×8 Petrol P3As in matte black. So far the vehicle has been a heavy topic of conversation.
Kyle Ayoung —
The interior design is impressive and distinctive. Quilted leather accentuates the seating while chrome details on the control knobs and the Piano Gloss finish are just enough to make the interior pleasing to the eye without overwhelming. Though, the cabin space is what truly impressed my 6’5” frame. A power rear window shade and manual rear door shades are a nice touch as well, not to mention the panoramic sunroof which is one of my favorite features on any vehicle. The Cadenza scores high on exterior and interior design and definitely proves it belongs in the near-luxury class.
Infotainment systems have become the focal point of all modern vehicles since our technology driven society has transformed driving experiences and expectations. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both supported by the Cadenza’s multimedia system and UVO eServices has the ability to diagnose a mechanical problem, alert the driver for vehicle maintenance, and call for help in the event that you are involved in an accident or need road side assistance. Vehicle diagnostic reports can be downloadable to the driver’s smart phone for viewing by using the UVO app which requires a brief registration process that was not much of a burden at all.
