As Kia marks its 80th anniversary, the brand’s UK design team has gone back to its roots by reviving one of its most iconic models—the Kia Pride. But this is far more than a nostalgic throwback. Partnering with EV conversion specialists Electrogenic, they’ve transformed the beloved classic into the Kia Pride EV Restomod, breathing new life into the first model Kia ever sold in the UK. This manual hot hatch beautifully fuses the spirit of the original Pride with cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) technology, creating a unique blend of heritage and innovation that celebrates both Kia’s past and its future.
Built from a 1996 Pride LX from Kia’s heritage fleet, this ‘socket rocket’ has been stripped down and hand-restored, now packing nearly twice the power and torque of the original.
Exterior Design: Blending classic and contemporary Kia design
At first glance, the Kia Pride EV Restomod stays remarkably true to the classic design of the original Pride from the 1990s. The boxy, compact shape is instantly recognizable, with minimal alterations to its signature lines. The body panels of this Kia vehicle retain their simple yet functional aesthetic, giving off that quintessential retro hatchback vibe.
The rear of the vehicle, with its square taillights and the single rear wiper, carries a distinct old-school charm, but subtle details hint at the modernization within. The addition of the sleek "Pride EV" badging and contemporary lighting technology gives it a more futuristic appeal. The designers have kept the focus on preserving the identity of the original Pride while introducing refined, modern details that are in line with Kia’s current design language.
The original proportions have been respected, emphasizing the car's practicality and familiarity, but there’s an elegance in the understated tweaks. The black bumpers and trim add a nice contrast to the clean white body, which makes the car look fresh, even after all these years.
Interior Design: Retro cabin with modern electric features
The interior of the Kia Pride EV Restomod follows the same philosophy as the exterior—a careful balance of classic design with modern elements. Upon entering, the cabin is a time capsule of the original Kia Pride. The dashboard layout remains simple, featuring manual controls and a retro-inspired radio system. The decision to keep the manual gear shifter may surprise some, as it's not typically found in modern EVs. However, it's this blend of a manual transmission with an electric powertrain that makes the Pride EV Restomod such a unique celebration of Kia’s past and future.
One notable upgrade is the upholstery. The seats of this Kia model are draped in fabric that mimics the original design but with vibrant green piping that gives a fresh pop of colour. The green accents also carry over to the door panels and trim, providing a subtle reminder that this is not just a trip back to the 90s—it's a modern reinterpretation. This thoughtful combination of retro and modern materials enhances the overall driving experience by providing a familiar yet refreshed atmosphere. While the exterior and interior design speaks to the past, the Kia Pride EV Restomod is very much a car of the future under the hood—or rather, the chassis. Powered by an electric motor, the Pride EV has embraced the brand's forward-thinking sustainability efforts. This conversion from the original internal combustion engine to an electric drivetrain keeps the car aligned with today’s growing push for greener mobility, without sacrificing the fun factor.
The decision to retain a manual gearbox in this EV is an interesting nod to enthusiasts who miss the tactile engagement that driving a manual offers. The feeling of shifting gears, combined with the instantaneous torque of an electric motor, promises a uniquely engaging driving experience. One can assume that the combination of lightweight design and electric propulsion will make this restomod feel lively and nimble, much like its original counterpart. The original 60bhp 1.3-litre engine has been replaced by an electric motor delivering 107bhp—70% more power and nearly double the torque.
While this might seem modest today, it provides an exhilarating experience in such a lightweight classic. What truly sets this EV apart is its unique drivetrain; instead of the typical single-speed transmission, Kia has retained and modified the original five-speed manual gearbox, allowing for a more engaging drive. The electric motor draws from a compact 20kWh battery pack and offers three drive modes. Designed for fun rather than just efficiency, the Pride EV Restomod is a lively tribute to Kia’s heritage with a modern electric twist.
Celebrating Kia’s heritage and electric future
In a world where EVs are rapidly becoming the norm, the Kia Pride EV Restomod stands out for its unique combination of classic charm and modern technology. It serves as a reminder that while the future of mobility is undoubtedly electric, there’s still room for a bit of fun, nostalgia, and the simple joys of driving. The Pride EV Restomod is Kia’s way of celebrating both its past and its bright, electrifying future.
Note from ADP: Kia Pride EV Restomod is a statement about Kia’s journey over the past eight decades—where the brand started and where it’s heading.
