2016 Kia Cadenza – first official images surface

2015-kia-cadenza-1

Following a few design sketches that were shown recently, Kia is continuing to take its time revealing its second-gen Kia Cadenza. This time, the Korean car maker has provided us with just two images of the car it plans to launch in 2016.

The Kia Cadenza is a model that sits in a segment just above the Optima K5 we know in Malaysia, and one step below the flagship K900 sedan. Specifically, the car you see here is a Korean-market model, where it is known as the Kia K7. European and US-market versions may get a slightly different look.

Surprisingly, the design sketches were not very far off from this production model. As previewed, the brand’s signature tiger nose grille curves inwards for the first time. The new wraparound LED headlamps are underlined by a chrome strip that extends from the front grille. The brand’s signature four-point LED daytime running lights are also present.

The side profile of the car reveals the K7’s typically long bonnet and sloping roofline. The variant of the Cadenza also appears to feature 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, wrapped in 245/40R19 rubbers.

2015-kia-cadenza-2

At the rear, the wide tail lights feature a similar S-shaped graphic to the headlamps, and are linked by a chrome strip that runs across the boot of the car. The rear bumper is squared-off, with twin exhaust tips visible on each side of the car.

Interestingly, the Cadenza here wears a “3.3” badge at its rear, suggesting that the car could be carrying forward the model’s existing 293 hp 3.3 litre V6 GDI unit. However, there are rumours that suggest that the car could potentially feature a new 3.3 litre twin-turbo V6.

The latter is a powertrain believed to be developed for the Genesis G90 – the first model set to be launched by the new Hyundai luxury sub-brand. Interestingly, the G90 is set to be a rear-wheel drive car, while the previous-gen Cadenza featured a front-wheel drive layout.

Kia hasn’t revealed any interior images of its new Cadenza just yet, but has claimed that it will feature “high levels of interior quality and contemporary luxury.” How closely do you think the Cadenza’s interior will be to the design sketches they’ve revealed?

GALLERY: Next-gen Kia Cadenza K7 design sketches


GALLERY: Current Kia Cadenza K7

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Chris Aaron

With an equal passion for fast cars and everyday workhorses, Chris Aaron maintains a passion for European makes, Formula 1, playing the electric guitar and spending endless hours on the PlayStation - first-person shooters and the Gran Turismo franchise are his favourites. He also finds it strange to have written this in the third person.

 

Comments

  • Korean Car Fan on Nov 24, 2015 at 6:09 pm

    What a mega let down. The design sketches made me feel excited for a couple of days.

    However, the butt looks very good. Just the front is not that right.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 7
    • karam singh on Nov 24, 2015 at 8:56 pm

      Bimmer like interior.
      The rear very high class look, but the Rims need to be like the sketches.Bigger.
      The front looks like belong in the standard D-segment car.
      Just need some revamp on the front grill, chrome gonna make it looks more luxury.
      Overall, far better than previous one. Good job.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
    • Korean Car Fan on Nov 24, 2015 at 9:36 pm

      I think i know what’s wrong. The arches are not pronounced enough like BMWs, or even the K5.

      Besides that, the head lights are just a tad too small, unlike the concept sketches. The “air dams” housing the led fog lights need to be bigger, more aggressive too.

      If they follow the sketches, i will sell my K5 immediately and get this. XD

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • artset on Nov 24, 2015 at 6:32 pm

    odd looking front grill…overall like lexus

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
    • tokmoh. on Nov 24, 2015 at 10:25 pm

      I think it looks more like upcoming Volvo S90

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • fireman on Nov 25, 2015 at 12:11 am

      Overall Kia is trying very hard to look like a BMW. But this rear is really ES like.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
      • I also aware that Kia have been trying to copy Toyota or Lexus design lately:

        Kia Sportage: Toyota Harrier Rear Design.
        Kia Cadenza: Lexus ES Rear Design.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • Aaron on Nov 24, 2015 at 7:35 pm

    Kia is good at making sexy arses

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
  • Sammy Loo on Nov 24, 2015 at 7:54 pm

    The rear lamp looks like Lexus ES doesn’t mean it is as good as the ES.

    This is a kimchi and it got no RV.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 19
  • shawal on Nov 24, 2015 at 7:59 pm

    gorgeous rear….

    Only the front is just about doable…

    the difficulty of styling a bulky full sized sedan, just look at the origami mess that nissan come up with to compete with the sleek avalon…

    anyway, things are bigger in the US, cars especially…., this was designed to be appealing to the yanks….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • K7 Hype on Nov 24, 2015 at 9:50 pm

    Front grille looks Maserati-ish but needs to be bigger or else it looks plain weird

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Same L0rrr on Nov 25, 2015 at 8:13 am

    Kia? No RV!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 4
    • Albert on Nov 25, 2015 at 9:47 am

      Same lorr,Is Ford made in korea,Thailand or Japan?
      OMG….I saw Mudah’s car advert FORD MONDEO 2.3, 2012 Model asking price RM49,000.This means the original car owner might have traded in to the dealer 7-8 K less,at perhaps rm40,000.
      The original price tag of a Ford Mondeo is close to Rm200,000. Inless than 3 years,the value has plummeted by rm150K!!
      By the way,my friend is still waiting for you to order your 5th Lexus.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Nobrand on Nov 25, 2015 at 9:53 am

      Sam loo? No resale value

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • The back is totally a Lexus

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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