2014 Kia Cadenza catapults brand into luxury territory

OK, let’s admit one thing to start: When I say “Kia,” you typically don’t say “luxury.”

That’s because the Korean automaker has successfully focused on creating models that are more value-centered and economical than they are luxurious and opulent. It’s a business that is keenly focused on the needs and desires of the typical American car buyer, one who wants all the bells and whistles available at a price that doesn’t break the bank. Economy and value have been the keys to Kia’s model lineup.

And, according to Kia, that approach clearly seems to be working.

“Kia Motors America is one of only three auto brands to increase U.S. sales in each of the past four years, and in 2012 the company surpassed the 500,000 unit mark for the first time. With a full line of fun-to-drive cars and CUVs, Kia is advancing value to new levels of sophistication by combining European-influenced styling – under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer – with cutting-edge technologies, premium amenities, affordable pricing and the lowest cost of ownership in the industry.

Kia recently joined the exclusive ranks of Interbrand’s “Top 100 Best Global Brands,” and is poised to continue its momentum with seven all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles scheduled to arrive in showrooms in 2013. Over the past decade Kia Motors has invested more than $1.4 billion in the U.S., including the company’s first U.S. assembly plant in West Point, Georgia – Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia – which is responsible for the creation of more than 11,000 plant and supplier jobs.

The success of the U.S.-built Optima and Sorento in two of the industry’s largest segments has fueled Kia’s rapid growth and is complemented by Kia’s comprehensive lineup which includes the Cadenza flagship sedan, the Soul urban passenger vehicle, Sportage compact CUV, Optima Hybrid, the Forte sedan, 5-door and Koup compacts, Rio and Rio 5-door sub-compacts and the Sedona minivan.”

So now, to top it all off, Kia has launched a large, mid-luxury sedan at the top of its lineup – the 2014 Kia Cadenza – that company executives are calling a “game-changer.”

The Cadenza features European-influenced design aesthetic and plenty of muscle with Kia’s most powerful V6 along with a cabin that features wood and chrome accents, and soft touch points. That is why Kia executives are calling the Cadenza a model for the emerging market between mainstream and luxury.

Starting with a base MSRP of $35,100 (plus $800 destination charge), the Kia Cadenza features a 3.3-liter, GDI V6 engine with speed automatic transmission. Two upgrade packages that offer a wide range of extras that are typically found only on high-end vehicles. Check them out:

Luxury Package ($38,100)