The Kia Pride Combi 1.3i, produced between 1999 and 2000, represents a practical and affordable station wagon offering from the South Korean automaker. Part of the second generation (DA) Pride lineup, the Combi – a body style not widely offered by Kia at the time – aimed to provide increased cargo capacity and versatility compared to the standard sedan and hatchback models. This variant, powered by the 1.3-liter B3A5 engine producing 64 horsepower, was positioned as the entry-level option within the Combi range, prioritizing fuel efficiency and low running costs over outright performance. It was primarily marketed towards families and individuals needing a budget-friendly vehicle with enhanced practicality. The Pride Combi, while not a significant seller in North America, played a crucial role in establishing Kia’s presence in European and Asian markets.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Kia |
| Model | Pride |
| Generation | Pride Combi |
| Type (Engine) | 1.3 i (64 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1999 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.8 l/100 km (26.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 150 km/h (93.21 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 64 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 48.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 102 Nm @ 3000 rpm (75.23 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B3A5 |
| Engine displacement | 1324 cm3 (80.8 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 71 mm (2.8 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 83.6 mm (3.29 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.7:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.4 l (3.59 US qt | 2.99 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 900 kg (1984.16 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1310 kg (2888.06 lbs.) |
| Max load | 410 kg (903.9 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 267 l (9.43 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 687 l (24.26 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 37 l (9.77 US gal | 8.14 UK gal) |
| Length | 3920 mm (154.33 in.) |
| Width | 1605 mm (63.19 in.) |
| Height | 1460 mm (57.48 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2345 mm (92.32 in.) |
| Front track | 1405 mm (55.31 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1385 mm (54.53 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 175/70 R13 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Pride Combi 1.3i is the Kia-developed B3A5 engine, a 1.3-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine utilizes a single overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery is managed by a multi-point fuel injection system, contributing to reasonable fuel efficiency for its time. The B3A5 engine is known for its simplicity and relative reliability, though it lacks the sophistication of more modern engine designs. The engine produces 64 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 102 Nm (75.23 lb-ft) of torque at 3000 rpm. This power is transmitted to the front wheels through a standard five-speed manual transmission. An automatic transmission was not offered with this specific engine/body style combination.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.3-liter engine in the Pride Combi 1.3i provides adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration is modest, and overtaking requires careful planning. The five-speed manual transmission is well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, allowing drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band. The gear ratios are relatively tall, prioritizing fuel economy over rapid acceleration. Compared to potential higher-output variants (which weren’t available in the Combi), this 1.3L engine offers a smoother, more economical driving experience, but at the expense of performance. The lightweight nature of the vehicle (900 kg / 1984 lbs) helps to mitigate the lack of power to some extent.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Pride Combi 1.3i was typically equipped with basic, but functional, features. Standard equipment generally included power steering, central locking, and a basic audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a simple, utilitarian design. Optional extras, depending on the market, could include air conditioning, power windows, and upgraded audio systems. The trim level was generally considered the base model for the Combi body style, focusing on affordability and practicality.
Chassis & Braking
The Pride Combi utilizes a relatively simple chassis design, featuring coil spring suspension at both the front and rear. The front brakes are disc brakes, providing adequate stopping power, while the rear brakes are drum brakes, a cost-saving measure common in vehicles of this class. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was often included as standard equipment, enhancing safety. The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, providing a reasonably smooth ride on typical road surfaces.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Kia Pride Combi 1.3i was generally well-received as an affordable and practical family vehicle. Critics praised its spacious interior and generous cargo capacity, particularly compared to the standard sedan and hatchback models. However, the engine’s lack of power was a common criticism. Compared to other station wagons available at the time, the Pride Combi offered a compelling value proposition, undercutting many competitors in price. Fuel economy was a strong point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. Reliability was generally considered good, though maintenance costs could be higher than some Japanese competitors.
Legacy
The Kia Pride Combi 1.3i, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, played a significant role in establishing Kia as a viable automaker in several markets. The B3A5 engine proved to be a durable and reliable powerplant, and many examples remain on the road today. In the used car market, the Pride Combi 1.3i is valued for its affordability, practicality, and low running costs. While it may not appeal to enthusiasts seeking performance, it remains a sensible choice for those needing a basic, reliable, and spacious station wagon.
