2018 Kia Cadenza Limited

2018 Kia Cadenza Limited

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2018 Kia Cadenza Limited. This was one of the surprises out of the many reviews I’ve done over the past quarter century. Surprise in the sense a relatively recent newcomer to the auto marketplace. Kia and this Cadenza is up to the challenge of a seeming never end of competitors. The sedan simply fits the needs of most of the market for transportation. And although the SUV is the most popular option of design, gas prices, sure to rise, will put up a barrier to up to the larger ‘sleds’ and sedans will once again look to be a better solution.

Station wagons were popular in the 1950s through the 1970s, but utility is very important, and thus explains the popularity of SUV’s to cover most transportation needs.

My first car was a 1934 Chevrolet coupe two seat car, it was equipped with a rumble seat for two more it put that couple out in the cold…. Literally. We were in California, so the weather wasn’t as much of a problem to this ‘convertible-like’ top down condition where the wind through your hair on the way to the beach was just fine.

General Information:

It is assembled in- Hwasung, Korea; Parts- US/Canadian 1%, Korea 87%; Engine and transmission- Korea; Classification is- Large Cars; Cars from Kia- Cadenza, Forte, Forte 5, K900, Niro, Optima, Rio, Rio 5-door, Sedona, Sorento, Soul, Soul, Sportage and Stinger.

Opinion:

Inconsiderate drivers. It is no revelation to anyone that operating a car is a serious responsibility. Too many, however, put all drivers at risk and it should not be tolerated, and too often “Road Rage” is the unwanted response of those other drivers.

I believe it is the Responsibility of the DMV (department of motor vehicles) to be strict in testing one’s knowledge of ‘driving etiquette’.
Good Manners = Safety
Safety always comes first. But in many cases, actions that keep you safe are also courteous. Here are six important safety reminders:
1. Always wear your seat belt and insist that your passengers do.
2. Never drink and drive. These safeguards are the most thoughtful acts of all as they can save lives.
3. Driving a car requires your full attention. Distractions, such as putting on makeup, snacking, using your iPod, texting, or chatting on a cell phone, interfere with your ability to respond physically and mentally.
4. Signal your intentions. Using your turn signals before turning a corner or switching lanes is a must.
5. Drive at the speed limit. Driving too slowly can also cause accidents.
6. Keep some distance between you and the car ahead of you. Tailgating is both aggressive and a sure way to rear-end someone who stops suddenly.

Handling & Performance:

This Cadenza is really a comfortable ride, that is fast, handles the curves nicely, is good looking and doesn’t argue with every direction taken. Kinda like the list of things I look for in my search for a mate.

Styling:

Sleek and elegant design. My test car was painted Snow White Pearl – lovely.

Fit and Finish:

Excellent.

Cost:

As expected for a car in this class.

Conveniences and comfort:

You’ll note it comes with an outstanding features list.

UVO eServices infotainment: With the UVO app on your smartphone, a few taps are all it takes to connect to your Kia at any time and from anywhere. From hands-free calling and texting, GPS, music on the road, to roadside assistance, vehicle diagnostics and parking minders off the road, UVO puts the convenience of connected driving right at your fingertips. The Parking Minder sends your parking location to your smartphone to help guide you back to your Kia.

Autonomous emergency braking: Radar sensors warn driver of an unexpected vehicle or pedestrian danger. A warning sound is engaged and if no response by the driver, the system will initiate braking.

Consumer Recommendations:

I always recommend consumers to include Kia in their car buying decision options. It is a proven competitor. I have and continue to ask everyone I meet what they think of the product and find there is a universal positive response.

Recognized Competition:

Brand $$$ Cost MPG Avg Seating Doors Country of Origin Assembled
Kia Cadenza 46,000 23 5 4 Korea Korea
Acura TLX 45,000 24 5 4 Japan USA
Audi A4 46,000 31 5 4 Germany Germany
BMW 3 Series 50,000 25 5 4 Germany Germany
Buick Regal 36,000 24 USA Germany
Cadillac ATS 46,000 24 5 4 USA USA
Chevrolet Impala 37,000 22 5 4 USA Canada
Lexus ES Series 40,000 24 5 4 Japan Japan
Lincoln Continental 46,000 20 5 4 USA USA
Nissan Maxima 39,000 25 5 4 Japan USA

Good News:

Elegant, full featured luxury car that is well priced.

Bad News:

N/A

Standard Equipment:

3.3 liter gas injected V6 engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, 19” alloy wheels, front, side and full length side curtain airbags, 4-wheel ABS braking system, traction, stability and hill start controls, tire pressure monitor, dual zone climate control with rear vents, Nav system with 8” touch screen, rear camera, UVO eServices infotainment system, Android and Apple smartphone integration, Harmon Kardon Audio with Sirius XM, Bluetooth technology, Happa Leather seat trim, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, keyless entry and push button start, smart power trunk, Heads up display, power tilt and telescopic steering column with memory, power rear window and manual side sunshades, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning system, smart blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert, land departure warning system, surround view monitor and rear parking assist system, LED headlights and fog lights, panoramic sunroof, auto rain sensing windshield wipers, power folding heated mirrors with turn signals.

Gas Stats:

$3.49-Gal avg. December 1, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

20 City and 28 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $ 44,890.

Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@autolove.com
Copyright © 2018 – An Automotive Love Affair

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