Kia is planning to introduce a limited run of the Kia Cadenza luxury saloon to European markets as a toe-in-the-water exercise ahead of a possible full launch of the model.
The Korean manufacturer currently does not offer the Cadenza, also known as the K7, or the larger Quoris/K9, to its European dealers, and in most territories its biggest saloon is the Optima/K5.
Although the five-metre-long Quoris flagship will remain off-limits for Europe, Kia wants to bring 1000 left-hand-drive examples to the continent.
Soon-Nam Lee, vice president of overseas marketing group for KMC, said: “My opinion is that the K9 is very difficult. However, with the K7 we would like to introduce 1000 units for the western European market so we can get feedback from our customers.”
Lee added that the second-generation Cadenza, which is due in 2016, could also be offered in right-hand drive, which is not the case with the current version.
“We are studying it for the UK, Singapore, Australia and South Africa markets and discussing it with our distributors,” he said.
The current Cadenza is a rival for cars such as the US market Acura RL and Toyota Avalon, and at 4965mm long it’s bigger than a BMW 5-series. Kia reckons there is a demand for well equipped saloons that offer some elements of premium offerings.
One aspect of the car that would likely have to change for European markets would be its engine. In the US, the Cadenza is offered only with a 3.3-litre V6 producing 289bhp and 255lb ft.
