The 2015 Kia Cadenza sedan has grabbed AutoPacific’s 2015 Ideal Vehicle Award (IVA) in the Large Car category, along with another vehicle. Derived from more than 66,000 surveys completed by new-car owners in the first half of 2015, AutoPacific’s IVA recognizes the vehicle that most closely fulfilled requirements and expectations set by buyers. The survey covers ride and handling, driver’s seat comfort, interior storage, safety features, engine power and acceleration, and technology.
Orth Hedrick, Vice President for Product Planning at Kia Motors America (KMA), remarked that the Cadenza was Kia’s response to customer demand for a vehicle larger and more luxurious than the SXL trims of the Sorento CUV and the Optima midsize sedan. He added that the Cadenza is Kia’s first step into the premium segments, thereby helping continue the transformation of the Kia brand.
He noted that the Cadenza paved the way to Kia’s luxury flagship sedan. Hedrick remarked that AutoPacific’s IVA is important as it represents the voice of the customer, adding that the award confirms that the Cadenza – with its fusion of world-class design, quality and features – has gained the nod of Kia owners. This will be the second time that the Kia Cadenza received an award from AutoPacific this year, the first was a Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA).
For the 2015 model year, the Cadenza premium sedan bears a number of improvements in terms of technology and convenience. It is available in two trim levels: Premium and Limited. After gaining Road and Travel Magazine’s “International Car of the Year” award in 2014, the Cadenza continues to offer responsive and engaging driving dynamics as well as style and value.
Kia introduced the Limited trim level this year, featuring design improvements. These enhancements include a new grille and fender garnish for the exterior; Flex Steer, new LED lighting elements, a new analogue clock design and additional chrome trim pieces for the interior.
The Cadenza also features Surround View Monitor, which offers a nearly 360-degree overhead view of the vehicle for easier maneuvering and parking. All Cadenza variants come with a standard eight-way power adjustable passenger seat as well as an available 12-way driver’s seat.
Kia is offering a Technology package that includes: Rear Cross Traffic Alert that warns of cross traffic when in reverse; a radar-based Advanced Smart Cruise Control System; Blind Spot Detection; and Lane Departure Warning System. The package also includes 19-inch alloy wheels, electronic parking brake, and water-repelling Hydrophobic front side windows.
