2017 Kia Cadenza vs. old Kia Cadenza - Old vs. New
Kia has unveiled the 2017 Kia Cadenza at the 2016 New York International Auto Show. Here's a comparision between the second generation Kia Cadenza and the first generation Kia Cadenza.
Exterior
The Kia Cadenza makes its way to the second generation with an evolutionary redesign. The new design is more expressive and features Kia's latest signature identities. Up front, the "tiger nose" grille has evolved into a new hexagonal shape. Lower trim models feature a "Diamond Butterfly" grille while the higher ones get the "Intaglio" grille. The sharper new headlamps have Z-shaped lighting signatures in them. At the rear, there's the new "piano key" LED taillights and chrome garnish that extends through the trunk lid.
The 2017 Kia Cadenza is slightly wider and lower in height. This aids in the all-new model's sportier stance. The roofline has been extended rearward more than two inches. The length has remained unchanged, but the wheelbase has been stretched marginally, the rear legroom has been improved by nearly a half-inch.
Interior
The interior has been redesigned with higher quality materials. The wraparound dashboard that flows into the door panels and features real stitching gives a sense of more spaciousness in the cabin. The door panels have higher quality soft-touch materials and soft leather has been used for other elements in the cabin. A dark brown interior color option has been added, bringing the total number of color combinations to four. The optional White Package has been upgraded with a new black wood-grain-style trim finished with a pearlescent sheen.
The driver's seat is placed lower now for a sportier and more stable feeling. The seat cushion of the driver's seat has been extended, and an innovative cushion extension mechanism that slides and rotates makes it easier for drivers to make seat adjustments.
Other new interior features include Head Up Display, updated Surround View Monitor with improved software and resolution, Smart Trunk and wireless smartphone charger. The latest generation UVO infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration capability is standard.
Performance
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The 3.3-liter V6 gasoline engine has been retuned for improved fuel economy. In the 2016 model, the engine makes 293 hp and 255 lb.-ft. (346 Nm) of torque. In the 2017 model, Kia estimates that this engine will make 290 hp. Power is sent to the front wheels via the company's first FWD-based 8-speed automatic transmission. The new transmission designed in-house, has two extra cogs but still weighs lesser than the unit in the outgoing model. Exact power output and fuel economy figures will be released closer to the car's market launch.
The 2017 Kia Cadenza will go on sale in USA in late-2016 and its pricing will be announced closer to that time.