The Kia Cadenza (also known in South Korea as Kia K7) (Korean: 기아 K7) is a full-size/executive sedan manufactured by Kia. It was launched in 2010 to replace the Kia Opirus/Amanti.[1]

Kia Cadenza
Overview
ManufacturerKia
Also calledKia K7 (South Korea)
Production2009–2021
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size car/Executive car (E)
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
RelatedHyundai Grandeur
Hyundai Aslan
Chronology
PredecessorKia Amanti/Opirus
SuccessorKia K8

As of January 2014, it was sold in South Korea, United States, Canada, China, Colombia, Brazil, Chile, and the Middle East. A total of four engines were applied to the car as options, including the 2.4L Theta II MPI engine, 2.7L Mu MPI engine, 2.7L Mu LPI engine, and 3.5L Lambda II MPI engine, and a 6-speed automatic transmission as the gearbox.[2]

First generation (VG; 2009)

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First generation (VG)
 
Kia K7 (pre-facelift)
Overview
Production2009–2016
Model years2010–2016
AssemblySouth Korea: Hwasung (Hwasung Plant)
Kazakhstan: Oskemen (Azia Avto)
DesignerPeter Schreyer
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,845 mm (112.0 in)
Length4,965 mm (195.5 in)
Width1,850 mm (72.8 in)
Height1,475 mm (58.1 in)
Curb weight1,505–1,690 kg (3,318–3,726 lb)

The Cadenza uses the new front-wheel-drive Type-N platform[3] with MacPherson front suspension and a multilink rear suspension. The Cadenza was offered with three gasoline engines ranging from 165 horsepower to 290 horsepower for the 3.5-liter Lambda. A new 2.4-liter Theta II with gasoline direct injection (GDI) that produced 201 horsepower was also available. A hybrid K7 700h was available in Korea, featuring a 159 hp four cylinder engine and a 35 kW electric motor.[4]

The Kia Cadenza was designed by Kia design chief Peter Schreyer who was chief designer at Audi and uses Kia's corporate Tiger Nose grille.

In January 2013, Kia announced that the Cadenza will be available in the United States. It is Kia's version of the Hyundai Azera. Standard features will include leather seats, Bluetooth, a navigation system, Kia UVO, alloy wheels, and other luxury car features. This was one of five Korean luxury sedans sold in the United States at the time, the other four cars being the Hyundai Azera, Hyundai Genesis, Kia K900 and Hyundai Equus.

The car features Nappa leather seats, a feature commonly found on more expensive vehicles such as those from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The Nappa leather is available in three colors: black, beige, or white (the white interior requires all three packages available on the Cadenza: the Luxury, Technology, and White Interior Packages). The driver's seat is both heated and ventilated, and the passenger's seat is heated. The rear seats can also be heated. A dual sunroof is available. The car features the 3.3L, 294 horsepower V6, the most powerful engine available for the Cadenza. The engine is used in the Cadenza's platform mate, the Hyundai Azera, and is a Hyundai-built engine from the Lambda engine family.

Powertrain

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Model Year Transmission Power Torque
Petrol
Theta II 2.4 MPI 2009–2011 6-speed automatic 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) @ 6,000 rpm 23.5 kg⋅m (230 N⋅m; 170 lbf⋅ft) @ 4,000 rpm
Theta II 2.4 MPI Hybrid 2013–2016 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) @ 5,500 rpm
Theta II 2.4 GDI 2011–2016 201 PS (148 kW; 198 hp) @ 6,300 rpm 25.5 kg⋅m (250 N⋅m; 184 lbf⋅ft) @ 4,250 rpm
Mu 2.7 MPI 2009–2011 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) @ 6,000 rpm 26 kg⋅m (255 N⋅m; 188 lbf⋅ft) @ 4,500 rpm
Lambda II 3.0 GDI 2011–2016 270 PS (199 kW; 266 hp) @ 6,400 rpm 31.6 kg⋅m (310 N⋅m; 229 lbf⋅ft) @ 5,300 rpm
Lambda II 3.3 GDI 294 PS (216 kW; 290 hp) @ 6,400 rpm 35.3 kg⋅m (346 N⋅m; 255 lbf⋅ft) @ 5,200 rpm
Lambda II 3.5 MPI 2009–2016 290 PS (213 kW; 286 hp) @ 6,600 rpm 34.5 kg⋅m (338 N⋅m; 250 lbf⋅ft) @ 5,000 rpm
LPG
Mu 2.7 LPI 2009–2011 6-speed automatic 165 PS (121 kW; 163 hp) @ 5,200 rpm 25 kg⋅m (245 N⋅m; 181 lbf⋅ft) @ 4,000 rpm
Lambda II 3.0 LPI 2011–2016 235 PS (173 kW; 232 hp) @ 6,000 rpm 28.6 kg⋅m (280 N⋅m; 207 lbf⋅ft) @ 4,500 rpm
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Second generation (YG; 2016)

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Second generation (YG)
 
2019 Kia Cadenza Limited
Overview
Production2016–2021
Model years2017–2020 (North America)
2017–2021 (Middle East)
AssemblySouth Korea: Hwasung (Hwasung Plant)
DesignerPeter Schreyer
Powertrain
Engine
Electric motor38kW permanent magnet high-power density motor
Transmission6-speed automatic
8-speed automatic
Battery1.76 kWh Li-ion Polymer
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,855 mm (112.4 in)
Length4,970 mm (195.7 in) (pre-facelift)
4,995 mm (196.7 in) (facelift)
Width1,870 mm (73.6 in)
Height1,470 mm (57.9 in)
Curb weight1,555–1,730 kg (3,428–3,814 lb)

Released in Fall 2016, the second generation Kia Cadenza was redesigned by Peter Schreyer. The car is offered with a revised 3.3-liter V6 that generates 290 horsepower (294 PS; 216 kW). Aside from the 6-speed automatic, the Cadenza is offered with a new in-house developed 8-speed automatic with a drive mode select system.[5]

2019 update

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The Cadenza received a facelift in June 2019. Mechanical changes include a new 2.5L SmartStream G engine replacing the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine while the 3.5L Lambda II MPI engine replaces the 3.3L Lambda II GDI engine in some regions. For styling, the update includes a new grille and hood, new front and rear bumpers, new wheel design and a new 12.3 inch infotainment touchscreen.

The Cadenza was discontinued in Canada after the 2019 model year, and in the US after the 2020 model year.[6] Kia cited the market transition from large cars to crossovers and SUVs. Production ended in January 2021 to make way for a new model, the Kia K8.

Powertrain

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Model Year Transmission Power Torque
Petrol
Theta II 2.4 GDI 2016–2019 6-speed automatic 190 PS (140 kW; 187 hp) @ 6,000 rpm 24.6 kg⋅m (241 N⋅m; 178 lbf⋅ft) @ 4,000 rpm
Smartstream G2.5 GDI 2019–2021 8-speed automatic 198 PS (146 kW; 195 hp) @ 6,100 rpm 25.3 kg⋅m (248 N⋅m; 183 lbf⋅ft) @ 4,000 rpm
Lambda II 3.0 GDI 2018–2021 266 PS (196 kW; 262 hp) @ 6,400 rpm 31.4 kg⋅m (308 N⋅m; 227 lbf⋅ft) @ 5,300 rpm
Lambda II 3.3 MPI 2016–2019 6-speed automatic 270 PS (199 kW; 266 hp) @ 6,400 rpm 32.4 kg⋅m (318 N⋅m; 234 lbf⋅ft) @ 4,500 rpm
Lambda II 3.3 GDI 2016–2021 8-speed automatic 284 PS (209 kW; 280 hp) @ 6,400 rpm
294 PS (216 kW; 290 hp) @ 6,400 rpm
34.3 kg⋅m (336 N⋅m; 248 lbf⋅ft) @ 5,200 rpm
35 kg⋅m (343 N⋅m; 253 lbf⋅ft) @ 5,200 rpm
Lambda II 3.5 MPI 2020–2021 290 PS (213 kW; 286 hp) @ 6,600 rpm 34.5 kg⋅m (338 N⋅m; 250 lbf⋅ft) @ 5,000 rpm
Hybrid
Theta II 2.4 MPI Hybrid 2016–2021 6-speed automatic 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) @ 5,500 rpm
LPG
Lambda II 3.0 LPI 2016–2021 6-speed automatic 235 PS (173 kW; 232 hp) @ 6,000 rpm 28.6 kg⋅m (280 N⋅m; 207 lbf⋅ft) @ 4,500 rpm
Diesel
R II 2.2 CRDI 2016–2020 8-speed automatic 202 PS (149 kW; 199 hp) @ 3,800 rpm 45 kg⋅m (441 N⋅m; 325 lbf⋅ft) @ 1,750–2,750 rpm

Safety

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The Cadenza received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).[7]

Test Rating
Overall:      
Small overlap front: Good
Moderate overlap front: Good
Side: Good
Roof strength: Good
Head restraints & seats: Good
Front crash prevention: Superior
Headlights: Acceptable
Child seat anchors (Latch) ease of use: Marginal
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Sales

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Calendar year South Korea[8] United States[9]
2010 42,544
2011 23,708
2012 20,169
2013 25,330 8,626
2014 22,453 9,267
2015 20,805 7,343
2016 56,060 4,738
2017 46,578 7,249
2018 40,978 4,507
2019 55,839 1,630
2020 41,048 1,265
2021 6,143 249
2022 1

References

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  1. ^ "2011 Kia Cadenza - Official Photos & Info - Auto Reviews - Car & Driver". Caranddriver.com. 19 October 2009. Retrieved 9 October 2010.
  2. ^ "Kia Motors "K7" can be seen first in the drama "Iris"". n.news.naver.com. 10 October 2009. Retrieved 10 October 2009.
  3. ^ "Specification". Carscoop.blogspot.com. 24 November 2009. Archived from the original on 17 August 2012. Retrieved 9 October 2010.
  4. ^ "기아 올 뉴 K7 하이브리드 특징 - 연비좋은 하이브리드 자동차 | 기아자동차 공식 사이트". Kia.com. Retrieved 20 February 2017.
  5. ^ Bassett, Abigail (18 August 2016). "2017 Kia Cadenza First Drive Review: Splitting the Hairs of Luxury". Motor Trend. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
  6. ^ "Kia K900 and Cadenza Are Dead for 2021". Car & Driver. 25 January 2021.
  7. ^ "2017 Kia Cadenza". Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
  8. ^ "Investor Relations | Kia Global Brand Site".[permanent dead link]
  9. ^ "News - Sales Data - Sales Data - Kia Motors America Newsroom".