Review: Ford Capri

To say the Ford Capri has undergone a major transformation for its blockbuster revival might be the understatement of the year, not that it dismisses its status as an accomplished and premium electric SUV regardless of what it says on the boot lid.

So, what’s in a name? Well, we should probably address the elephant in the room right here, right now…

Yes, this is the modern-day Ford Capri. No, it is not a facsimile of the much-loved original… but then, it’s not supposed to be.

Indeed, while the high-profile return of the Capri moniker has generated plenty of column inches, it’s worth noting that Ford does have form when it comes to rebooting models from its back catalogue.

Take the Ford Puma – currently the UK’s best-selling car – for instance. That started life as a nimble little coupe in the 90’s before being revived as a wildly successful B-segment SUV.

Then there is the Ford Explorer. It’s one of the most recognisable models in the United States, but the nameplate has been reappropriated for an entirely different electric SUV sold only in Europe.

Heck, Ford previously sold a mid-size two-door coupe model named the Cougar and then launched the phonetically identical Ford Kuga SUV a few years later.

Point is, in an automotive market brimming with new models trying hard to capture the nostalgic rose-tinted value of dearly departed ancestors, a storied name should simply stir misty-eyed memories of years gone by, not dictate its place in the modern age.

And the new electric Ford Capri is exactly that – a modern car, for the modern driver in the modern age… just with a classic badge to catch your attention.

So, with its trendy coupe-esque SUV profile and trick electric powertrain, can the new Ford Capri prove it’s more than its historic name and forge its own path into the future?

Ford Capri Styling

If the original Ford Capri was ever going to be remixed into a modern car, then it was always likely to return as an SUV with a coupe-inspired profile.

While die-hard enthusiasts of the OG Capri – and there are many – might decry how the latest model’s chunky alloy wheels, raised ride height and broad waistline is almost entirely at odds to its ancestor’s low and lithe appearance, this is what 50 years of automotive evolution of the coupe format looks like.

While you wouldn’t call the latest Capri slinky per se in the context of its namesake, in the context of today’s competition, it’s still a sportier, more dynamic take on the coupe-SUV formula than you’ll find with models like the Volkswagen ID.5 and Skoda Enyaq Coupe.

Forget the name for a moment and the Capri is a handsome, if understated looker – that is unless you select Ford’s signature Vivid Yellow colour scheme, which turns heads regardless of which model it’s applied to.

Even if you can’t forget the name, the Capri does a subtly effective job of tipping its hat to the past if you look close enough.

The most obvious throwback can be seen in the curved side-profile window line around the C-pillar, while the boot lid flick, squared-off taillights and black strip along the rear are clearly inspired by the earliest editions of the first-gen Capri.

Compared with the Puma, Explorer and Mustang Mach-E, the new Capri has arguably captured more of the soul and spirit of its forebear than other reinvigorated Fords.

Ford Capri Interior

While the Ford Capri shares much of its architecture with the Volkswagen ID.5, you’ll be hard-pressed to find similarities between the two upon sliding into the driver’s seat.

As divisive as some find touchscreen-dominated dashboards, Ford’s solution is arguably one of – if not the – best in the industry.

Eschewing the trend for high-set landscape screens as in the ID.5, Ford prefers a 14.6-inch portrait-oriented screen which looks and feels more intuitive by resembling an oversized phone.

While that means it takes up the entire length of the centre console, the tilted screen falls to touch much more easily than others that require more distracting eye-travel when they’re stretching near the passenger than the driver.

Using Ford’s latest generation SYNC4 technology, the Capri’s infotainment responds quickly and looks crisp, which complements the overall premium feel inside.

Indeed, while the sheer ubiquitousness of Ford’s value offerings over the decades means you don’t naturally associate the marque with high-end interiors, the Capri challenges that notion with plenty of soft-touch materials and a sparse, yet contemporary look that maximises comfort.

Some idiosyncrasies aside – namely the VW-sourced haptic switchgear – the Capri does an excellent impression of upper-end (aka. more expensive) rivals.

Space Inside the Ford Capri

If there was to be one good reason for the Ford Capri morphing into a coupe-SUV for its reboot, then its vast interior and practical design would be justification enough.

At 4,634-metres long, the Capri isn’t small on the outside by any means, but its size is well harnessed on the inside where passengers will find generous head and legroom all round in which to get comfortable.

Similarly, the boot is a massive 572-litres despite what the design on the outside might lead you to believe.

It’s a good shape too, while there are cubbies to be found around where the sizeable wheelarch intrusions gobble up some litres, plus there is some underfloor storage in the boot too.

How Does the Ford Capri Drive?

The Ford Capri is offered with the choice of three battery powertrains: 58kWh (Standard Range), 77kWh (Extended Range) and 79kWh (Extended Range AWD).

Selecting the battery that is right for you has more to do with how much range you want it to return because performance is swift across the board.

A recent update has seen the entry-level Capri 58kWh gain a chunk more pace than previous models, its 187bhp motor propelling you to 62mph in just eight seconds.

Take on the 77kWh battery and the power output swells to 282bhp for a 0-62mph sprint of just 6.4secs, while the 79kWh – which adds a motor to the rear axle to make it all-wheel drive – generates a tantalising 335bhp and a mere 5.3secs to hit 62mph.

Ford has developed an enviable reputation for accomplished driving manners and it’s a reputation that is in no danger of being besmirched by the Capri.

Refined on the straight and narrow, the Capri is also involving in the twisties, striking a fine balance between keen handling and a compliant ride.

Ford Capri Range, Recharging & Running Costs

As mentioned, a recent update for the entry-point to the Ford Capri’s line-up has increased the power output for the 58kWh battery, but more than that, range has also improved to 288-miles based on WLTP readings – a notable 40-mile increase over the outgoing set-up.

Trading up to the larger 77kWh – also known as Extended Range – does what it says on the tin, offering a generous range of 389-miles (WLTP), though selecting the more powerful all-wheel drive version sees this descend to 346-miles (WLTP).

Charging speeds vary across the line-up, with the AWD model able to support 185kW for a fast-charge of 26-minutes for 10-80%. The other batteries don’t support such large watts, but because they are smaller, they take a similar time to replenish.

One notable feature of the Capri, meanwhile, is its comparatively low insurance groups for an electric car. Indeed, the entry Capri 58kWh lands in insurance group 21, which is actually lower than you’d find with a Dacia Spring, the UK’s cheapest new electric car.

Ford Capri Reliability & Safety

The Ford Capri comes with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty, though its reliability record is likely to be similar to that of the Volkswagen ID.5 with which it shares many of its mechanicals.

In terms of safety, the Ford Capri has a maximum five-star safety rating from EuroNCAP. The independent safety body awarded the Capri with an 89% rating for adult occupants, 86% for child occupants and 80% for vulnerable road users (pedestrians).

Ford Capri Trims

Vertu’s Verdict on the Ford Capri

Debates and discourse about the name firmly aside, the Ford Capri presents the company at its most ambitious best.

In such a competitive segment filled with a broad spread of both mainstream and premium brands, the Ford Capri does fine job of nestling into the latter to size up competitively against upper-end rivals.

The understated looks with their honest hints of original Capri will do a lot of the selling, but move beyond the design and the revived model offers one of the best takes on the contemporary new format of interiors with its technological, but thoughtfully laid-out dashboard and quality-feeling materials.

On the road, the Capri is refined and powerful, while offering the potential for over 300-miles of range without anyone – car or driver – breaking into a sweat.

Coupled with an engaging driving experience and the reassurance that comes with Ford’s widespread dealer network, and the Capri’s historic name ultimately disguises a thoroughly polished modern option.

Who is the Ford Capri Best Suited To?

• Families who want a dash of sportiness from their car
• Eco-conscious drivers who regularly complete long mileage
• Those who want a smart, premium and electric family car
• Drivers seeking a practical car that is involving to drive

Ford Capri Technical Specifications