Kia's Cadenza (K7 in Korea) jumped ahead of Toyota's Avalon in Consumer Reports magazine's list of top large sedans, turning the tables on its Japanese rival some three months after the former was released in the country. The Cadenza ranked second in the category, while the Avalon was third. GM's Chevrolet Impala topped the list.
"The Cadenza banishes any lingering thoughts that Kia is just a manufacturer of cheap, unrefined cars," said Jake Fisher, director of automotive testing for the influential U.S. magazine.
The Cadenza carries a price tag of US$35,900, making it more expensive than the Avalon, Nissan Maxima and Grandeur. Kia plans to soon launch its K9 premium large sedan in the U.S.
