In a move that blends nostalgia with modern innovation, Kia (000270.KS) UK has unveiled a unique electric restomod of its very first car sold in the UK—the Kia Pride. Based on a 1996 Pride LX from the company’s heritage fleet, this iconic hatchback has been given a new lease on life, transforming into the Pride EV.
The quirky but practical city car now boasts electric power, enhanced performance, and a host of modern upgrades, making it a striking example of how automakers are revisiting their history while moving forward into an electric future.
A Modern Spin on a 1990s Classic
The original Kia Pride, a compact hatchback introduced in the 1990s, was loved for its simplicity, affordability, and no-nonsense approach.
Back in the day, it was a utilitarian car designed to get from point A to point B with no frills—essentially a rebranded version of the Mazda 121 and the Ford Festiva. Fast forward to today, and Kia has breathed new life into the Pride, transforming it from a basic runabout into a playful, eco-friendly city car.
The Pride EV restomod isn’t just a vanity project. It’s a carefully considered blend of retro charm and cutting-edge electric technology, marking Kia’s 80th anniversary in style.
Kia partnered with Oxfordshire-based EV conversion experts Electrogenic to deliver a Pride that keeps its original character intact while introducing a host of modern improvements.
Under the Hood: From Petrol to Electric Power
Gone is the Pride’s original 1.3-litre petrol engine that churned out a modest 60 horsepower. In its place, the Pride EV features a much more powerful 107bhp electric motor. The motor retains the original five-speed manual transmission, adding an unexpected and engaging twist to the typical electric vehicle experience, which usually features a single-speed, automatic gearbox.
Kia clearly wanted to preserve the original model’s driving engagement, and the manual transmission offers a nostalgic yet fresh take on EV motoring.
Why a manual transmission? In a world of automated EVs, the inclusion of a gearbox might seem counterintuitive. However, this feature is a nod to driving purists, offering a tactile, interactive experience that’s increasingly rare in modern cars.
The manual box, paired with the electric motor, gives drivers a unique way to experience the thrill of an EV without losing the charm of gear-shifting.
The Pride EV’s power is drawn from two 10kWh battery packs, one under the bonnet and another under the rear boot floor. This gives the Pride EV a combined battery capacity of 20kWh, allowing for a range of around 120 miles in Eco mode.
While the range might not set records, it’s more than enough for urban commuting and weekend drives around town. Charging is handled via a Type 2 connector located under the fuel filler door, and a full recharge takes about six hours.
Faster and More Engaging: The Driving Modes
The Pride EV isn’t just about going green; it’s about having fun while doing it. Kia has equipped the Pride EV with three driving modes—Eco, Sport, and Auto—each providing a distinct driving experience.
In Eco mode, the car mimics the performance of the original 60bhp petrol engine, focusing on efficiency and maximizing range. This is the go-to mode for day-to-day driving, offering a relaxed and fuel-efficient ride.
Switch over to Sport mode, however, and the Pride EV transforms. The full 107bhp is unleashed, and the electric motor’s torque—173lb ft to be precise—ensures that the hatchback feels punchier than ever before.
Kia estimates the Pride EV will hit 0-62mph in just 8.0 seconds, a significant improvement from its original, more modest sprint time of around 12 seconds.
For those who prefer an easier driving experience, the Auto mode shifts the Pride EV into third gear, turning it into a more conventional EV with stronger regenerative braking and smoother acceleration. In this mode, the car limits the motor’s output to 75%, balancing performance and efficiency.
Keeping the Retro Vibe Alive: Design and Interior
While the Pride EV’s powertrain may be thoroughly modern, its design retains much of the charm of the original 1996 model. Visually, the restomod is almost indistinguishable from its predecessor, keeping its boxy, retro hatchback shape, 12-inch steel wheels, and original plastic bumpers.
The only notable external difference is the new White Pearl paint finish, which aligns with Kia’s current electric vehicle color palette, including models like the EV6 and EV9. The front and rear lights have also been upgraded to improve visibility, giving the Pride EV a more contemporary look.
Inside, the Pride EV sticks to the original grey cloth upholstery but adds a splash of modern color with lime-green piping on the seats and stitching on the floor mats—a nod to the high-performance Kia EV6 GT.
Despite the high-tech transformation under the hood, the Pride EV retains its original instrument cluster, complete with analogue dials. However, the fuel gauge has been cleverly repurposed to show the battery’s state of charge, keeping the nostalgic vibe intact while integrating modern functionality.
Why This Restomod Matters: Kia’s Vision for the Future
Kia’s Pride EV is more than just a fun project—it’s a celebration of the brand’s journey from a manufacturer of basic, affordable cars to a global leader in electrification.
The Pride EV showcases Kia’s ability to honor its heritage while embracing a sustainable, electric future. By keeping the manual transmission and original design elements intact, Kia has shown that EVs don’t have to be boring—they can be fun, engaging, and full of character.
This project also aligns with Kia’s broader strategy of becoming a leader in the electric vehicle space. The company has plans to offer 15 electric models globally by 2027, with nine available in the UK.
While the Pride EV restomod is not destined for mass production, it highlights Kia’s commitment to exploring creative avenues in electric mobility and pushing the boundaries of what EVs can be.
Conclusion: A Playful and Powerful Nod to the Past
Kia’s Pride EV restomod is a unique, playful nod to the company’s past, offering a glimpse into what’s possible when heritage meets modern technology. With its retro looks, manual transmission, and electric powertrain, the Pride EV embodies the spirit of innovation and fun.
As Kia celebrates its 80th anniversary, this restomod serves as a reminder of how far the brand has come and how exciting the future of electric vehicles can be—blending nostalgia, performance, and sustainability into one very cool package.
Hmmmm… So… is there a clutch?
I wonder if owners will just get bored with messing around with gears and just leave it in one gear for its entire life?
And *what* is going on with the panel gap between the rear wing and rear door in the last pic – just to the left of the charging plug and above the wheel arch…?