Kia Cadenza revealed at New York motor show

Kia has revealed the 2017 Cadenza at the New York motor show. 

Although the Cadenza is not a UK model, and this new version won't be sold in the UK, the look of the new car previews Kia's design language, and technology that will make it into UK-bound cars. 

Leading the design highlights are a new grille incorporating a more subtle interpretation of Kia's 'tiger nose' grille and vertical slats - expected to be destined for the UK on the next Kia Ceed - zigzag-shaped LED daytime running lights incorporated into more angular light clusters at the front, as well as Kia's signature quad-foglight clusters below.

The zigzag LED motif also makes it into the intricate rear light clusters, which use other LED accents to give a complex appearance. Sitting above these is a full-width chrome strip, something that appears to be becoming something of an industry trend, after being adopted into the styling of many Mercedes-Benz models.

Technological upgrades may make it to UK cars

Among the new technology to feature on the Cadenza is a series of driver assistance systems, including a new blindspot detection system, a system that applies the brake to one of the front wheels when it detects drift into the opposite lane to correct the car's course, autonomous emergency braking and a forward collision warning system. A head-up display and an improved birds-eye view camera system are also among the new tech to be fitted to the Cadenza, as well as a 'Smart Trunk' with a bootlid that automatically opens when the keyfob is held near the sensor for more than three seconds. 

Improved seat heating, which automatically dips after a period of time and features heating elements that give a more even spread of heat are also included, as well as new adjustable seat cushions with sliding and rotating adjustment for a greater range of possible seating positions. A wireless smartphone charger and updated smartphone technology with Android Auto and Apple Carplay - the former of will arrive on the Optima Sportswagon - complete the interior technology upgrades. 

Mechanical updates over the outgoing Cadenza include a more extensive use of high-strength steel in the car's construction, as well as the use of aluminium in various chassis and steering components. An eight-speed automatic gearbox that is lighter than the previous six-speed 'box also features. An amplitude selective damping system, which Kia claims improves the ride of the Cadenza, is also destined for the UK.

The second-generation Cadenza will go on sale in late 2016, in markets where the previous model is already sold. Although a non-UK car, Kia hopes that demand from other markets will be strong enough to warrant the Cadenza going on sale elsewhere too; this is currently happening with the Optima Sportswagon in the US.