Driving into the Past: How Kia is Reimagining the Retro Car

When we think of Kia, our minds naturally jump to futuristic electric SUVs like the EV9, sleek fastbacks, and the brand’s sharp, modern design language known as Opposites United. Over the past decade, Kia has completely transformed its global image from a budget-friendly commuter choice into an avant-garde design powerhouse.

However, in a fascinating twist, the automaker has started looking backward to push its future forward. Enter the world of the Kia retro car—a brilliant intersection of nostalgia, upcycling, and cutting-edge EV technology.

1. The Nostalgia Wave: Why Retro is Winning

The automotive industry is currently obsessed with the past. In an era dominated by touchscreens, autonomous driver aids, and minimalist digital dashboards, drivers are increasingly craving a sense of tactile connection and mechanical soul.

Car enthusiasts miss the analog simplicity of lightweight chassis, boxy proportions, and the distinct character of late 20th-century design. Recognizing this emotional pull, brands have begun diving into their archives. While companies like Hyundai captured imaginations with their retro-futuristic N Vision 74 and restomodded Pony, Kia has quietly cooked up its own sentimental masterstrokes, proving that its history is richer—and cooler—than many realized.

2. The Star of the Show: The Kia Pride EV Restomod

No discussion of Kia’s retro movement is complete without looking at the Kia Pride EV Restomod. Built by Kia UK in collaboration with EV conversion specialists Electrogenic, this project took a humble 1996 Kia Pride (originally a badge-engineered Mazda 121 / Ford Festiva) and gave it a 21st-century heart.

• The Exterior: Painted in a classy White Pearl (swapping out its original Kingfisher Blue), the car retains its boxy, lightweight, unapologetically 90s silhouette. Nothing structural was cut; it’s a pure preservation of form.
• The Electric Swap: Out went the wheezy internal combustion engine, replaced by a clean electric motor paired with the car’s original 5-speed manual transmission. Drivers can still shift gears manually, blending classic mechanical engagement with silent, emissions-free EV torque (producing around 107 horsepower).
• The Interior: Inside, period-appropriate gray cloth is accented with striking lime green piping and stitching—a subtle nod to the high-performance color accents used in modern Kia EVs like the EV6 GT.

It is a masterclass in how to honor a humble lineage without turning it into a sterile museum piece.

3. Bridging Heritage and Modern Design

Kia’s flirtation with retro isn’t just limited to one-off restomods. It influences how the brand designs its mainstream lineup today.