To celebrate its 80th anniversary, Kia UK has unveiled a unique one-off restomod: the Kia Pride EV. This electrified version of the classic Kia Pride, a collaboration between Kia UK and British EV specialists Electrogenic, debuted at the Bicester Heritage Scramble on 6 October 2024. The Pride EV captures the nostalgia of the original 1996 model while incorporating modern, sustainable electric technology, marking a playful blend of past and future for the automaker.
A Bold Transformation
The Kia Pride EV is based on a 1996 Kia Pride 1.3 LX, upcycled with a fully electric powertrain replacing the original 1.3-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. This transformation was done by Electrogenic, who meticulously swapped out the internal combustion engine and related components for a more sustainable alternative. Despite the electric upgrade, the Pride EV retains its original five-speed manual transmission and front-wheel-drive configuration to ensure the same level of driving engagement the original offered.
The powertrain consists of an electric motor capable of delivering up to 107bhp (80kW), a significant upgrade from the original 60bhp. Two battery packs, totalling 20kWh, power the motor, providing up to 120 miles of range on a single charge in Eco mode. The vehicle’s design keeps its charming 1980s-inspired aesthetic, including the iconic 12-inch steel wheels, but with updates like new front and rear lights and a modern White Pearl paint finish, which aligns with the visual language of current Kia EVs.
Modern Touches, Classic Feel
Inside, the Pride EV retains much of its original 1990s charm, with period-appropriate grey cloth upholstery. However, playful lime green accents have been added to the interior, nodding to the styling cues of the high-performance Kia EV6 GT. This subtle blend of old and new is carried through to the driving experience as well. The Pride EV offers three distinct drive modes: Eco, Sport, and Auto, each providing different levels of power and torque to suit various driving styles and conditions.
Performance Boost and Driving Experience
Thanks to the electric powertrain, the Pride EV boasts significantly improved performance. In Sport mode, the car delivers 107bhp and 173lb ft of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in an estimated 8 seconds—considerably faster than its petrol-powered predecessor. This makes the Pride EV a fun, spirited drive, with sharp throttle response and smooth power delivery, especially in Sport mode.
The conversion to electric hasn’t drastically altered the vehicle’s weight, with only a modest increase from 850kg to 870kg. This slight weight gain is offset by a more balanced weight distribution, improving the car’s agility and handling. While the Pride EV is far from a performance car, its improved power-to-weight ratio brings it closer to the hot hatches of the 1970s and 80s, offering a unique driving experience in a small, compact package.
A Nod to Kia’s Future
Kia’s Pride EV is not just a celebration of the company’s past but a reflection of its forward-looking vision. As Kia continues to expand its electrification efforts with models like the EV6, EV9, and the soon-to-arrive EV3, the Pride EV restomod showcases the brand’s innovative spirit while paying homage to one of its earliest successes in the UK market.
Though the Pride EV will remain a one-off vehicle, it underscores Kia’s commitment to creating exciting, sustainable vehicles for the future.
Key Specifications:
- Power: Up to 107bhp (80kW)
- Torque: 173lb ft (235Nm)
- Battery Capacity: 20kWh (two battery packs)
- Range: Up to 120 miles (Eco mode)
- Weight: 870kg
- Drive Modes: Eco, Sport, Auto
- 0-62mph: Estimated 8 seconds (Sport mode)
- Charging Time: Around 6 hours (from a standard socket)
Source: KIA
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
