Ford unveiled the Capri over fifty years ago, targeting a European audience eager for the affordable allure of American muscle cars. It quickly became a sensation, and now, five decades later, Ford aims to revive the iconic Capri as an electric coupe-SUV, hoping for another wave of success.
The new electric Ford Capri, like its predecessor, incorporates components from other models. It shares the MEB electric platform with the Ford Explorer and several Volkswagen Group models, including the Volkswagen ID.5, Skoda Enyaq Coupe, and Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron, thanks to an ongoing collaboration between the automotive giants.
The original Capri, powered by Ford's Essex V6, contrasts with the new electric model, available in two configurations: a single-motor Extended Range RWD with 282bhp and a twin-motor Extended Range AWD with 335bhp. While the new Capri doesn't offer blistering speeds, its performance is respectable. The RWD model accelerates to 62mph in 6.3 seconds, with the AWD version reducing this time by 0.9 seconds, mirroring the performance of the Ford Explorer.
Driving enthusiasts can expect the Capri to deliver a similar experience to the Explorer, which is known for being one of the more enjoyable electric SUVs. However, the Capri sits 10mm lower and has stiffer suspension, promising a slightly sportier drive.
The new Capri features the same 77kWh and 79kWh battery packs as the Explorer, both labeled Extended Range. The RWD version with the 77kWh battery offers up to 390 miles on a single charge, thanks to its streamlined shape, while the heavier AWD variant with the 79kWh battery provides up to 348 miles. Fast charging is available, with the 79kWh battery supporting up to 185kW for a 10-80% charge in 26 minutes. The 77kWh battery, despite a lower peak charging speed of 135kW, only takes a few minutes longer for the same charge.
An entry-level model, called the Standard Range, will be introduced early next year. This version will feature a 52kWh battery and a 168bhp electric motor, offering an estimated range of around 250 miles per charge.
Ford claims the 'C' in Capri stands for 'cool', a somewhat cheeky assertion. The Capri is available in exclusive Vivid Yellow, along with the punny 'Blue My Mind' and several other colours. Styling cues are borrowed from the Explorer, with shared body panels like doors, front fenders, and the bonnet, but with distinctions such as a sloping roofline and lower suspension for a sportier look.
While the new Capri avoids a retro design to prevent rapid aging, it includes nostalgic elements like the ‘dogbone’ front and rear lights, connected by gloss black trim to mimic the original Mk3’s quad headlamps. Interior touches include vintage striped cloth seats and a metal-effect six-o'clock marker on the steering wheel, nodding to the original Capri and the Cortina it was based on.
Inside, the Capri closely mirrors the Explorer, featuring a 14.6-inch central touchscreen that slides to adjust the viewing angle, revealing a wireless phone charger. The display supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Ford working to integrate the next generation of smartphone mirroring software.
The dashboard includes a soundbar-like speaker, though the touch-sensitive volume controls are less user-friendly. The seats, like those in the Explorer, provide ample support and comfort.
Despite mimicking the Explorer's infotainment system, the Capri’s screen is responsive. While climate controls remain on the touchscreen, Ford has placed them at a fixed position at the bottom for easier access.
A unique feature of the Capri's touchscreen is its manual adjustability for the viewing angle, though it may seem gimmicky compared to the BYD Atto 3’s rotating screen. Pushing the display back reveals a storage cubby with a wireless phone charger.
The Capri’s design maintains rear passenger comfort despite its sleek profile. Headroom is sufficient for individuals under six feet, though taller passengers might occasionally brush against the roof lining. Legroom is generous, demonstrating the ergonomic advantages of EVs’ long wheelbases.
Surprisingly, the Capri offers more boot space than the Explorer, with 572 liters available. This should meet most families' needs, with features like 60:40 split-folding rear seats, additional storage below the boot floor for charging cables, and a power-operated bootlid on top-spec Premium models.
The new Ford Capri is now available, starting at £48,075 for the RWD model and £56,175 for the AWD version, slightly more expensive than the Explorer. The 250-mile Standard Range model, set for release later this year, will start at £42,075.
Two trim levels are available at launch: the Capri and the higher-end Capri Premium, with the AWD model exclusive to the latter. Standard-spec cars come with heated, massaging front seats, sat-nav, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a reversing camera. The Premium trim, costing an additional £4,100, includes larger 20-inch wheels (with optional 21-inch rims), matrix-LED lights, a panoramic roof, a B&O stereo, leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and a powered bootlid. Regardless of the model, a heat pump is an optional extra.