In a celebratory move marking its 80th anniversary, Kia UK has revealed an electric version of the 1996 Kia Pride LX, which is the first model launched by Kia in the UK. This updated version, which was sold in America under the name Ford Festiva, has been converted by Electrogenic, a company specializing in electric vehicle conversions.

The original 1.3-liter engine with 45 kW (60 horsepower) has been replaced with a new electric motor producing 75 kW (107 horsepower) and 235 Nm of torque, while retaining the original five-speed manual transmission. Thanks to these upgrades, the electric Pride LX can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under eight seconds, although official figures have yet to be confirmed.

The vehicle has also been upgraded with three driving modes to suit different preferences: "Eco" mode limits output to 60 horsepower, "Auto" mode provides a stable and modern driving experience, and "Sport" mode allows the car to unleash its full 107 horsepower.

The 37-liter fuel tank has been replaced with two battery packs totaling 20 kWh, providing a range of up to 193 km, which is suitable for city use. However, it requires about six hours for a full charge.

Regarding design, the interior of the Pride LX retains most of its original components with minor tweaks, such as updating the fuel gauge to display charge levels instead of gasoline. The interior features gray fabric with lime green stitching, reflecting the modern electric character of Kia.

As for the exterior design, it is virtually identical to the original Pride LX, featuring plastic bumpers, wheel covers, and 12-inch steel wheels. The paint has been refreshed with a White Pearl color that reflects Kia's contemporary electric identity, along with minor updates to the front and rear lights.

Similarly, Hyundai released a prototype to celebrate the 35th anniversary of its flagship Grandeur, completely restoring its model from 1989. However, like the Grandeur, the electric Pride will unfortunately be a one-off and will not be available for sale in the mainstream market.

Relevant : Hyundai Revives the Grandeur with an Electric Design that Captures the Spirit of the '80s

Yet, the dream of having classic electric cars in the future remains alive!