New Ford Capri: Ford’s icon revived as an electric coupe-SUV

It’s been almost 40 years since the last Ford Capri rolled off the production line, but after successfully bringing back old model names like the Puma and Explorer, Ford has decided that now is the perfect time to revive the Ford Capri nameplate. 

Fans of fans of the original low-slung coupe looking for a dose of nostalgia might be disappointed to discover that the revived Capri hasn’t returned as a two-door sports car, but rather a four-door family coupe-SUV. Unlike Ford Capri's of old, the new Capri isn’t powered by a V6, or a powerful 2.0-litre engine, either. Instead, the new Ford Capri is the third electric car to enter Ford’s line up and uses the same 77kWh or 79kWh battery pack and single or twin motor setup as its Ford Explorer stablemate. 

While the Ford Capri shares the same battery and powertrain as the Explorer, the sleek, aerodynamic bodystyle of the Ford Capri has resulted in a larger overall range. Single-motor, rear-wheel drive cars can return up to 390 miles from a single charge, while all-wheel drive cars can go up to 348 miles despite having the bigger 79kWh battery. Both cars are badged as Extended Range, and can travel more than 16 miles further on a single charge compared to the equivalent Ford Explorer. An entry-level Capri with a 52kWh battery, a 168bhp electric motor and a range of 250 miles is expected to join the Capri line up early next year. 

Performance figures for the Capri are also identical to the Explorer, so single-motor rear drive cars can do 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds, or it’s 5.4 seconds for twin-motor, all-wheel drive cars. Power outputs are rated at 282bhp and 335bhp respectively. 

When you need to top-up the battery, Ford claims the Capri’s 77kWh unit can charge at a maximum speed of 135kWh when using a rapid charger and fill from 10-80 per cent in 28 minutes, with the larger 79kWh battery taking two minutes less at 26 minutes, despite its higher maximum charging speed of 185kWh.

When it comes to styling, the new Ford Capri takes plenty of cues from its Explorer sibling, and in some cases the Capri even shares the same body panels like the bonnet and doors. There are subtle nods to previous generations of Ford Capri's though, with the ‘dogbone’ front and rear lights being connected by gloss black trim pieces to replicate the quad headlights from the Mk3 Capri, and the metal effect section at the bottom of the steering wheel. While the sloping roofline and lower suspension helps differentiate the Capri from the boxy Explorer SUV, it doesn’t take an eagle-eye to notice the similarities between the Ford Capri and rivals like the Volkswagen ID.5 and Skoda Enyaq Coupe. 

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Where the old Ford Capri shared its underpinnings with the Mk2 Ford Cortina, the new electric Capri shares much of its running gear with the Volkswagen ID.5, Audi Q4 e-tron and Skoda Enyaq – all of which sit on the same MEB platform as the Volkswagen Group. Despite sharing the same platform, expect the Ford Capri to drive and handle much better than its Skoda, Volkswagen or Audi rivals. Ford’s engineers have tinkered with the suspension on the Capri’s Explorer sibling, turning it into one of the more engaging electric SUVs to drive. With stiffer suspension and sitting 10mm lower than the Explorer, the Capri could be even sportier to drive. 

The Ford Capri’s interior is very similar to the Explorer’s. The 14.6-inch central touchscreen takes centre stage and its viewing angle can be adjusted, revealing a hidden wireless phone charger in the process. While the Capri might use the same touch-sensitive volume and steering wheel controls, we found them much easier and more responsive to use than you’d imagine, with very little input lag. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone connectivity comes fitted as standard. 

Getting comfortable behind the wheel shouldn’t be too much of an issue as the seats seem very supportive, and there is plenty of headroom for tall passengers, despite the Capri’s sloping roofline. The Capri should also be a very capable family car, with plenty of storage space dotted around the cabin, as well as 572 litres of boot space, 30 litres more than the Explorer.

From launch, the Capri will be available with two trim levels. The standard-spec cars come with a raft of safety features, as well as adaptive cruise control and heated and massaging front seats. Step up to the Premium trim and you’ll get an uprated B&O sound system, matrix-LED lights, larger 20-inch alloys and a panoramic roof. Twin-motor all-wheel drive cars are only available in Premium trim and no matter which spec you choose, you’ll need to pay extra for a heat pump.

The Ford Capri is now on sale and has a starting price of £48,075 for the entry-level rear-wheel drive car, ranging up to £56,175 for the top-of-the-range all-wheel drive version. The Standard Range 250-mile Capri is expected to start from £42,075. This marks an increase of £2,200 over the equivalent Ford Explorer across the range.