Five-Point Inspection: 2014 Kia Cadenza

It wasn’t long ago when Kias were considered the automotive industry’s facial tissue; they were something you’d use once and throw away like a snot-soaked Kleenex. But that’s no longer the case; Kia builds some truly impressive and stylish vehicles, the latest of which is the Cadenza.

Smooth surfaces, subtle details and a lack of excess ornamentation make the car appear clean and classy. This is no coincidence; a few years ago the company poached Peter Schreyer, Audi’s former design honcho. There are worse companies to steal talent from. The only questionable feature is the brand’s signature “Tiger Nose” grille, which doesn’t seem to work quite as well on such a large car. The taller opening loses a bit of its elegance.

From a design perspective the Cadenza fits the bill as Kia’s flagship model – for now at least. Who knows if or when the company could introduce something even nicer? This car has the power to surprise just sitting in your driveway.