| [1] | |
| Kia Pride | |
|---|---|
| Kia | |
| aka | Mazda 121 Ford Festiva Saipa |
| Production | 1991 - 2000 (Europe) |
| Class | Supermini |
| Body Style | 3 dr Hatchback and 5 dr Hatchback |
| Length | {{{Length}}} |
| Width | {{{Width}}} |
| Height | {{{Height}}} |
| Wheelbase | {{{Wheelbase}}} |
| Weight | {{{Weight}}} |
| Transmission | Manual and Automatic (exc UK) |
| Engine | 1.1L and 1.3L Mazda B Series |
| Power | {{{Power}}} |
| Similar | Mazda 121 Ford Festiva Saipa |
| Designer | {{{Designer}}} |
South Korean production and sales of the Kia Pride began in 1987 under license from Mazda. At the same time, Australasia and Europe between 1987 and 1991 had Pride on sale in its original incarnation as the "Mazda 121.” Mazda both owned and supplied the running gear for the car for both Ford and Kia, as in the USA they were badged as the Ford Festiva.
Kia was introduced to the UK for the first in August 1991 with their first model being the Pride, a slightly reworked version of the original Pride on sale in South Korea and Mazda 121 on sale in the UK. At launch, they were sold in via the Mazda network ensuring a strong parts supply and service back up. Specs were simple, with the entry level model being the 1.1 L 3 door and the top of the range being the 1.3 LX 5 door. From the public and press alike, the Pride received largely positive feedback as a reliable, well-equipped budget car. It was also the cheapest vehicle you could buy with a catalyst at the time.
Until November 1994 they were available with whitewall tyres and a carburettor engine. After that they were fuel injected, and whitewalls tyres became optional rather than standard. In addition to this, Kia incorporated their new ‘oval’ badge into the grille. In 1998, a facelifted version of the Kia Pride was launched. It had a new grille, headlights, wings and seat patterns, but this could not hide the ageing Mazda 121 design. Regardless, the facelift was a tempting proposition for a budget conscious buyer, with it being considerably cheaper than the previous model and had more options like Power steering, and electric windows on the SX model, which was only £4495 towards the end of production in 2000.
Throughout the Prides nine year duration in the UK, 22,000 found homes. 12,000 of these were within the first three years of launch. Sales slowed down afterwards, due to the aforementioned ageing design. Despite this, Kia stole many sales from Eastern European budget rivals, due to the Pride having good build quality, and Japanese mechanicals, whereas Eastern European rivals like the Yugo were using ancient Fiat technology which made them feel archaic compared to the Pride. Until 2019, the car was being produced and sold in Iran under license since under the “Saipa” brand, in hatchback, saloon and pick up variants.
In the Philippines, Columbian Autocar Corporation brought in the Kia Pride in 1990, years after the Ceres was introduced into the market. Unlike the Daihatsu Charade whose assembly line shares with, this vehicle was immensely popular and became Kia's cash cow until the financial crisis hit the country in the late 90s. Upon its lifespan, a 1.1L 12v SOHC Mazda B-Series Inline 4 was the sole choice for consumers. The hatchback was first marketed and stayed until 2003 (leftover models were sold or given free to a couple of avid Kia brand followers until late 2005) and the sedan was offered from 1992 until 2000. Available variants for the 5 door hatch was the CD-5 at first then the "Spree" and "Ecco" models were later added to the line-up variant (which replaced the sole CD-5). The sedan however had its own distinct trim choices, the basic "LX" or the well-equipped top of the line "GTX" added in 1996 which came with power front windows, power door locks, a 13 inch steelies with hubcaps, an optional 3-speed Automatic transmission with rear defogger (front defogger was later added in 1999 models onwards). During its run, it mainly competed with Daihatsu's Charade. Production stopped in 2004 due to declining sales caused by the booming & growing popularity of more modern, plushier hatchbacks like the Chevrolet Aveo Hatchback that time & the sheer shift of consumer interests to SUVs & Minivans completely obliterated the Pride's market share in the Philippines.
Photos[]
Please make sure not to use copyrighted photos.
Colors[]
- Red
- Grey
- Pink Metallic
- Kingfisher Green
- Blue
- Silver
- White
- Turquoise
Main Competitors[]
- Hyundai Pony
- Seat Ibiza MK1
- Zastava Yugo Tempo
- Lada Samara
- Fiat Cinquecento
- Skoda Favorit
- Renault 5
- Fiat Uno (Philippines)
- Honda Civic eg hatchback (Philippines)
- Daihatsu Charade (Philippines)
- Chevrolet Aveo Hatchback (Philippines, 2003)
- Chevrolet Matiz (Philippines, 2000-2004)
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Unique Attributes[]
Whitewall tyres
Cheapest car on sale with a catalyst at launch in the UK in 1991.
Sold through the Mazda network
First model of Kia sold in UK
Interior[]
Spacious, relatively comfortable velour seats, simplistic dashboard.
Criticisms[]
Handling and suspension were soft, dubbing the car as “the bouncy castle.”
Generations[]
UK:
MK1 (August 1991 to November 1994)
MK1 Facelift (November 1994 to January 1998)
MK2 (January 1998 to March 2000)
See Also[]
External Links[]
Please include any external sites that were used in collaborating this data, including manufacturer sites, in this section.
News and References
Enthusiast Sites and Discussion Forums