Kia Celebrates 80th Anniversary with the Retro-Inspired, Fully Elec…

Kia Celebrates 80th Anniversary with the Retro-Inspired, Fully Electric Pride EV <br><br>Kia celebrated its 80th anniversary with a unique electric car project — the Pride EV. This “restomod” was created by reimagining the classic 1996 Kia Pride model in collaboration with the British electric vehicle specialist, Electrogenic. Rather than merely restoring the old vehicle, the project has breathed new life into it with cutting-edge technology and a thoroughly modern electric powertrain.<br><br>The Pride EV is based on a 1.3 LX five-door hatchback from Kia UK’s heritage fleet. Its original internal combustion engine and components were replaced with a compact electric motor, while the old-school five-speed manual gearbox was retained. This unique choice preserves the engaging manual driving experience, adding a playful, nostalgic twist reminiscent of early hot hatches — small, sporty cars known for their nimble handling and quick response.<br><br>Visually, the Pride EV received a modern makeover: its original “Kingfisher Blue” paint was swapped for a sleek “White Pearl” finish, aligning it with contemporary Kia models like the EV6 and Niro EV. The front and rear lights were also upgraded, ensuring improved visibility and safety for today’s road conditions. However, the car’s 12-inch steel wheels have been retained, giving it an authentic retro touch that harks back to its 1990s roots.<br><br>Inside, the cabin stays true to its era with period-correct grey cloth, yet now features vibrant lime green piping on the seats and floor mats — a playful nod to the sporty styling cues found in the interior of Kia’s EV6 GT. These small details bridge the gap between the classic Pride and the modern aesthetic of Kia’s current performance-oriented models.<br><br>Technically, the Pride EV is leagues ahead of its original form. Its electric motor generates up to 107 bhp and 173 Nm of torque — a significant leap from the original’s 60 bhp and 118 Nm. The combined 20 kWh battery capacity, split into two packs, offers a practical range of around 193 km in Eco mode. With its boosted speed and performance, the Pride EV has earned the title of a true “socket-rocket.”<br><br>The Pride EV was meticulously rebuilt by hand in the UK, blending nostalgia with forward-looking innovation. It is not intended to be a typical practical vehicle but rather a fun and eye-catching project that showcases Kia’s creativity and willingness to experiment. Its analog gauges evoke the charm of “the good old days,” yet now operate seamlessly with the modern technology, displaying battery levels instead of the traditional fuel gauge.<br><br>This special edition stands as a testament to Kia’s journey, demonstrating how heritage and cutting-edge engineering can merge to create something truly unique and inspiring.