Kia UK has unveiled an electrifying twist on a classic, celebrating the brand's 80th anniversary with an unexpected vehicle - an electric restomod of the 1996 Kia Pride.
This compact hatchback, originally known for its modest 1.3-litre petrol engine, has been revitalised with a powerful electric motor while retaining its original five-speed manual transmission.
The 1996 Kia Pride, which you might remember from the early '90s, was an entry-level city car. It shared its underpinnings with the Mazda 121 and was also marketed in the as the Ford Festiva.
With its unassuming exterior, the Pride was a humble but practical vehicle, powered by engines producing up to 45kW.
Fast forward to today, and UK-based EV conversion specialist Electrogenic has breathed new life into the Pride. An 80kW electric motor now sits under the bonnet, offering a staggering 77% increase in power.
In addition to its significant power boost, this electric conversion offers 235Nm of torque - almost double the original 135Nm - transforming the Pride into an electric hot hatch.
One of the standout features of this electric conversion is the retention of the five-speed manual gearbox.
While modern EVs are known for their seamless, gearless driving experience, this manual twist brings a level of engagement that will appeal to driving purists.
Drivers can toggle between drive modes - Eco, Auto and Sport - tailoring their driving experience to match different performance levels.
In Sport mode, the electric Pride accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in around eight seconds. This performance, while still shy of Kia’s EV6 base model, is impressive considering the Pride’s lightweight build - tipping the scales at just 870kg.
Even in Eco mode, which limits the power output, the Pride delivers comparable performance to the original ICE model.
While the performance upgrades are extensive, the exterior retains much of its unassuming appeal.
The stock wheels and plastic caps remain, and even the charging port is cleverly hidden beneath the original fuel filler flap. However, subtle touches like the White Pearl paint and lime green interior stitching nod to Kia’s modern EV range, specifically the high-performance EV6 GT.
Despite its electric heart, the Pride keeps its analogue dashboard, with the fuel gauge now functioning as a battery charge indicator. Powered by two 10kWh battery packs, this revamped classic can travel up to 193km on a single charge - plenty for urban adventures.
And while this quirky, manually-shifted EV may not compete with the likes of the high-tech Kia EV6 in terms of raw performance, its charm lies in its simplicity. For fans of the Kia Pride, it’s a nostalgic yet forward-looking tribute to a beloved era of motoring.
