Kia Cadenza 2011 world debut in Riyadh

The all-new 2011 Kia Cadenza luxury sedan, revealed in Korea recently as the Kia K7, will have its overseas world premiere at the 2009 Riyadh Motor Show in Saudi Arabia on 12 December, followed immediately by an appearance at the 2009 Dubai Motor Show on 15 December. Unfortunately, after much speculation that the Cadenza is a large rear-wheel-drive sedan based on the Hyundai Genesis, it turns out that the Cadenza is really a front-wheel-drive sedan, likely derived from the Hyundai Sonata platform.

The Kia Cadenza, at 4965 mm long, is larger than a midsize sedan and shorter than rear-wheel-drive full-size German luxury sedans, and will replace the 10-year old Opirus. The Cadenza is apparently shorter than the Opirus, but comes with a longer wheelbase, additional exterior width and more compact rear suspension.

Design traits include an aerodynamic Cd of just 0.29, LED driving lights up front, LED rear lights, dual mufflers integrated into the bumper, and an optional full-length three-part glass panoramic roof. Most models get 16-inch alloy wheels, with 17-inch optional, and all get four-wheel independent suspension with solid-disc brakes.

The interior features a ‘floating’ dashboard, a ‘welcome’ system turns on the exterior puddle and interior lights to ‘greet’ the car owner, interior mood lighting strip, and an additional large ‘mood’ lamp runs down the centre of the cabin ceiling. Dual-zone climate control air-conditioning is standard, and other comfort features include keyless entry and start button, reversing sensors, reversing camera with interior mirror display screen and a powered extension for the driver’s seat cushion. Early reviews out of Korea suggest better interior quality than the overrated Audi A6.

The 2011 Cadenza will be manufactured with a total of three engines, with different engines being available around the world to best suit local legal requirements, ranging from a 163 hp 4-cylinder to a 286 hp V6, all with front-wheel drive and a new 6-speed automatic transmission.

It seems the 286 hp 3.5-litre V6, good for 338 Nm of torque at 5000 rpm, is earmarked for GCC markets. The 1575-kg sedan is capable of the 0-100 kph sprint in 7.2 seconds, with a top speed of 230 kph. It is apparently capable of 9.4 litres/100 km of fuel consumption.

Manufacturing of the new Cadenza sedan will start in January 2010 for export markets, with sales to begin during March 2010.