Kia Prices 2014 Cadenza; New Near-Luxury Model Starts at $35,900

Kia has announced pricing for the 2014 Cadenza, its entry into the near-luxury segment. For $35,900, buyers will get a well-equipped sedan featuring a 293-hp V-6 mated to a six-speed automatic. Kia is keeping things simple, offering only one trim level to which buyers can then add their choice of two options packages. The base Cadenza offers standard features such as keyless entry, navigation with satellite radio and SiriusXM Traffic, Kia's UVO infotainment, Bluetooth, an eight-inch touch screen, a 550-watt Infinity sound system with 12 speakers, rearview camera, leather seating surfaces, and heated power-adjustable front seats. For those seeking more features, the two options packages—Luxury and Technology— are available as follows: Luxury: $38,900; adds a full-length panoramic sunroof with a power-operated sunshade, upscale Nappa leather trim, a 12-way adjustable and ventilated driver's seat, heated outboard rear seats, a heated steering wheel with power tilt/telescope, a seven-inch LCD instrument panel, and HID headlamps with adaptive front lighting. Technology: $41,900; the Technology package includes all of the features of the Luxury package and adds 19-inch aluminum wheels, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, and lane-departure warning. In addition, the front side windows feature "hydrophobic technology," which repels water for increased visibility when driving in rain. Photos and Info: 2014 Kia Cadenza First Drive Review: 2012 Hyundai Azera Comparison Test: 2012 BMW 328i vs. 2012 Audi A4 2.0T, 2012 Infiniti G25, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 Sport, 2012 Volvo S60 T6 AWD Kia is making a bold move with its pricing, making the base Cadenza a higher-priced alternative to the Toyota Avalon XLE ($31,785), the new Chevrolet Impala LT V-6 ($30,760), the Buick LaCrosse V-6 ($32,555), and the Ford Taurus V-6 ($27,495). Instead, Kia seems to be stealing buyers from the competition one rung higher up the luxury ladder, such as the Lexus ES350 ($37,265) and the Acura TL ($36,800). Is it crazy to think that Lexus shoppers might look at an Asian manufacturer that's new to the class? Perhaps, but then that's what a lot of people thought back when Lexus introduced the LS400 in 1990, and look how that turned out. from Car and Driver Blog http://blog.caranddriver.com

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