2017 Kia Cadenza says Hello at New York International Auto Show

MANILA: Kia has graced the ongoing New York International Auto Show with its highly awaited and much talked about executive sedan, the 2017 Kia Cadenza. This second-gen Cadenza has been given significant changes inside-out, including a lighter chassis architecture, more aggressive exterior character, and an elegant, well-insulated cabin.

Originally launched in 2010, Kia Cadenza is the Korean manufacturer's high-end sedan offering, which is placed at a segment higher than the popular Optima sedan. Kia had earlier revealed the all-new Cadenza through a set of official images released late last year. And after ensuring that enough hype is developed across this new Kia sedan, the automaker has now made its world premier at the New York show.

Talking about the major changes, the new Cadenza is built on a lightweight frame, that comprises of more than 50% of Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS), while joints and important support beams have been fabricated from aluminum in order to minimize weight and maximize rigidity. The front fascia gets a beefier bumper, redesigned headlamps with z-shaped DRLs, while Kia's trademark tiger nose grille now gets a hexagonal shape. Other changes on the outside include a fresh tail lamp cluster, broad chrome bar at the boot lid, and a set of new 18-inch/19-inch alloys.

Under the hood, there is no change in the powering mill, though the transmission mechanism gets a major swap. The 3.3-litre V6 engine, developing 294 PS of power, is now mated to an all-new 8-speed automatic gearbox. This gearbox sends power to the front wheels, and is touted to be lighter than the older 6-speed unit that it replaces.

We believe Kia Philippines should introduce the new 2017 Cadenza in the domestic market as well, in order to expand its portfolio reach.

Image Courtesy: Newspress USA

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