Kia Pride

Kia Motors launched the Pride in March 1987, positioning it as an affordable city car for both domestic and export markets. Production of the original model ran until January 2000, when it was succeeded by the first-generation Kia Rio. From April 2005 to September 2011, a refreshed version named Kia New Pride filled the gap before the Rio line was fully re-established. In September 2011, a further updated Pride re-entered certain markets to continue serving price-sensitive buyers.

With a compact footprint typical of late-1980s subcompacts, the Pride measured 1605 mm across and 1460 mm tall—dimensions tuned for narrow urban streets and easy parking. The two-phase lifecycle (original and New Pride) brought cosmetic updates, but the fundamental proportions stayed largely intact to maintain the car’s low-cost, easy-to-maintain appeal.

While often grouped as a single model line, enthusiasts distinguish three distinct chapters: the 1987–2000 original built in South Korea, the 2005–2011 New Pride refresh, and the 2011-on revival. Each phase kept the name but adapted styling and equipment to contemporary market expectations without abandoning the basic economy-car formula.