'Kia Luxury' also means the 'impossible to ignore' Cadenza.

'Kia Luxury' also means the 'impossible to ignore' Cadenza.

It is no secret that Kia is bringing its considerable automotive engineering experience and design sense to the luxury vehicle market. And most of the attention has been on the K900.

That's understandable. But, for purposes of Minnesota drivers the new Cadenza may look even better. For one thing, the price is about $20,000 less than the K900. For another, the K900 is rear-wheel drive while the Cadenza is a front-wheel drive luxury vehicle, almost unquestionably better for a climate such as ours.

All of which makes the Cadenza Impossible to ignore. It stands out in any company. A powerful, eye-catching statement artfully fusing luxury, performance, and technology into one expectation-defying package (okay, that's from the website. In plain truth, this is an amazing car at an amazing price point).

The design is new and exciting, yet at once timeless. Touches like LED positioning lights, dual integrated exhaust pipes, and power folding outside mirrors all reflect Kia's devotion to sleek style and refined detail.

Reviewers have noted the Cadenza's V6 engine has plenty of power, and the six-speed automatic transmission delivers prompt, smooth shifts. They also like the ride, saying the suspension is comfortable enough to absorb most bumps but firm enough for quick turning on curvy roads.

According to test drivers, the Kia Cadenza has a high-quality interior with a long list of standard features and high-tech options. The cabin is especially quiet, and among the standard features are navigation, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, a back-up camera, rear parking sensors, an 8-inch touch screen, Kia's UVO infotainment system, Bluetooth and a 12-speaker Infinity surround-sound system. Options include a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, active headlights that turn with the steering wheel to illuminate corners, a lane departure warning system, a heated steering wheel and a power rear window shade.

Road & Travel Magazine named Cadenza its 2014 International Car of the Year for, as they said, “a variety of reasons. Overall, the car is beautiful and affordable, making upscale style and performance attainable by mid-America. We applaud Kia's rapid rise from underdog to unbelievable!"

It also was "Highest Ranked Large Car in Initial Quality" by JD Power & Associates, taken from the Initial Quality Study, which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership.

And in Motor Trend Magazine’s comparison of full-sized sedans, the Cadenza came out on top - ahead of Chevy Impala LTZ, Chrysler 300S, Ford Taurus SEL and Toyota Avalon Ltd.

Come see for yourself why the experts hail the Cadenza! Models are available to test drive, lease and purchase now at Barnett Kia.