Kia UK and Electrogenic have teamed up to transform a 1993 Pride LX hatchback into an electric vehicle. The charming hatch still has its original five-speed manual transmission. It now produces 78% more horsepower and 99% more torque than the standard gasoline engine.
Kia is marking its 80th anniversary in 2024, and to celebrate, the automaker is giving a modern twist to a piece of its history. Kia UK has taken a special 1993 Pride LX from its heritage collection, removed the 1.3-liter gasoline engine, and replaced it with a battery and two electric motors while retaining the original five-speed manual transmission of the hatchback. The electric vehicle is road-legal and is equipped with two 10-kilowatt-hour battery packs. One battery is located under the hood, while the other is placed in the rear cargo area, improving weight distribution by adding approximately 44 pounds. A single electric motor powers the front wheels through the five-speed gearbox, which has been modified by Electrogenic with a new high-performance clutch to handle the increased power.
The electrified Pride offers three driving modes: Eco, Sport, and Auto. Eco mode maximizes range, providing up to 120 miles. It is designed to replicate the driving experience of the original gas-powered Pride, capping the output at 60 horsepower and 87 pound-feet of torque. The vehicle can accelerate to 62 miles per hour in an estimated 11.8 seconds. Sport mode unleashes the full power of the Pride, delivering 107 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque. This is a significant improvement from the original 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine, which only generated 60 hp. The electric powertrain enables the hatchback to reach 62 mph in an estimated 8.0 seconds. The driver can engage Auto mode by shifting into third gear and adjusting the driver mode selector. This transforms the Pride into a more traditional electric vehicle with enhanced regenerative braking. The mode limits power output to 75% of the total and restricts top speed based on gearbox ratio and motor rpm limits.
Kia has updated the exterior color of the vehicle from Kingfisher Blue to White Pearl, a color seen on other Kia EV models. The headlights and taillights have also been upgraded. Inside, the Pride retains its original instrument cluster, with the fuel gauge modified by Electrogenic to display the battery charge level. The interior features a gray color scheme from the period, enhanced with lime green accents on the seats and floor mats, reminiscent of the high-performance Kia EV6 GT. Kia UK intends to validate the performance metrics of the Pride EV, providing insights into how the electrified version surpasses the 30-year-old original model.
This innovative project by Kia UK and Electrogenic demonstrates a successful blend of retro design and modern technology, offering a glimpse into the exciting future of electric vehicles.
