President of Kia Announces New Cadenza Will Raise the Standard for the Brand

With the unveiling of the new Kia Cadenza sedan, all-new for the 2014 model year, the Korean manufacturer says it has raised the bar for the entire brand, as the new car is being heralded as somewhat of a turning point. It is not a major one, but it is nevertheless present, according to the president of the company, Peter Schreyer.

He said: "Our goal was simple: Make a statement and carry it confidently into the future [ . . . ] The Cadenza introduces fresh elements ... of Kia's design language. It combines power and style." The new Cadenza is meant to be a very European car, in the way it looks and drives, and its high quality finish and stylish design are aimed at improving the overall brand image, and shifting it from value-based to sub-premium, like some European manufacturers are doing, like Citroen and even Opel/Vauxhall.

The Cadenza is a front-wheel drive sedan, powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine, which pumps out 293 hp. The car arrives in showrooms in June, and it is a direct rival mid-sized sedans, like the Ford Taurus. It will carry a price tag of around $45,000 when it arrives in US showrooms, later in the year - in June.

Story via The Detroit Free Press