Kia Celebrates 80 Years With Unique Pride EV Restomod

In a unique celebration of its 80th anniversary, Kia UK has unveiled a one-of-a-kind electric vehicle (EV) that blends nostalgia with cutting-edge technology. The Kia Pride EV, a restomod based on a 1996 Pride 1.3 LX, transforms the compact hatchback into what the company dubs a true “socket rocket.”

From Petrol to Electric

According to Kia UK, the Pride EV, developed in collaboration with British EV powertrain specialist Electrogenic, replaces the original 60 bhp 1.3-litre petrol engine with an electric motor capable of producing up to 107 bhp (80kW). This significant power boost, coupled with a peak torque of 173 lb-ft (235Nm), allows the electric hot hatch to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in an estimated 8 seconds, which is a marked improvement over its petrol-powered predecessor.

Interestingly, the Pride EV retains its original five-speed manual transmission, a decision made to ensure “maximum driver engagement,” according to Kia. The car features three driving modes: Eco, Sport, and Auto.

Design and Features

While the Pride EV maintains its iconic 1980s-derived design, including the original 12-inch steel wheels, it sports a fresh ‘White Pearl’ finish reminiscent of Kia’s modern EV lineup. The interior receives subtle updates, including lime green accents that pay homage to the high-performance EV6 GT.

The electric conversion adds only 20kg to the original weight, with twin 10kWh battery packs strategically placed to improve weight distribution and handling. With a total capacity of 20kWh, the Pride EV boasts a range of up to 120 miles in Eco mode.

A Nod to Kia’s History and Future

This project not only celebrates Kia’s 80-year journey from a bicycle parts manufacturer to a global automotive leader but also showcases the company’s commitment to electrification. While the Pride EV is a one-off creation not intended for sale, it serves as a bridge between Kia’s heritage and its electric future.

Kia’s current EV lineup includes the EV6, EV9, and Niro EV, with the EV3 set to join the range by the end of 2024. The company’s ambitious ‘Plan S’ strategy aims to offer 15 EV models globally by 2027, nine of which will be available in the UK.

Read More: Kia Debuts The 2025 Ray EV With New ADAS Features In South Korean Market

As Kia continues to push the boundaries of EV technology, the Pride EV stands as a playful yet powerful reminder of how far the company has come – and where it’s heading in the electrified future of transportation.

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