New All-Electric Ford Capri – Has The Legend Returned?
New Ford Capri – Has The Legend Returned?
Ford have revived the Capri. Originally a two-door model, which began life as a hatchback, it was updated in the mid 1970s as the ‘Capri II’ and was consistently marketed as a practical, yet fun, sports coupe – right up until its demise in 1986. Ford sold almost 1.9 million Capris worldwide over its three generations before the plug was finally pulled. The new Capri has the soul of its classic predecessor, but is totally reinvented with a new, modern design. Unlike other brands who go retro when re-introducing their beloved badge, (Fiat with their Fiat 500, for example), Ford has opted for a more controversial journey with the Mustang Mach-E, Explorer and now, the Capri, because all three are family-sized SUV/crossovers that bear no resemblance to their predecessors.
Unique Exterior Design.
The only similarities between the new Capri and the iconic car are their badges and the shape of the rear quarter windows. The new Capri is positioned as a sleeker and more sporty alternative to the Explorer and joins a crowded market in the coupe-SUV sector with rivals such as the Cupra Tavascan, Kia EV6, Polestar 2 and the Volkswagen ID.5 to name but a few. At the front of the new Capri there is a thick black grille-mimicking strip between the headlights and subtle curves in the front bumpers, while the roof flows down into a high boot lid with a small spoiler.
Familiar Cabin Design.
On a more practical level, the Capri’s cabin is shared with the Explorer, so it feels premium and built to last. The cabin is spacious and airy with plenty of leg and head room in the front and back, but headroom isn’t as good in the rear when it is equipped with the large panoramic roof. There are plenty of storage bins everywhere, and there is also generous boot space, with a capacity of 572-litres with the rear seats up, rising to 1505-litres with the seats folded. The seats are both supportive and comfortable with 12-way electric adjustability and a massage setting fitted on all versions. Very noticeable in the cabin is the portrait-oriented 14.6inch (corner to corner) Infotainment touchscreen which dominates the centre console. The screen features Ford’s new Sync Move feature, which allows you to adjust the screen vertically in a 30-degree arc in order to reduce glare or bring the screen closer to you, while also opening up a storage area behind the screen. It has the usual wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, DAB radio, Bluetooth and built in sat-nav as standard, with sharp graphics, large icons and simple to use menus which are responsive to the touch.
Trim Variants & Battery Options.
There are two variants available in the Capri; Select and Premium. The entry-level Select model is available with the choice of a 52 kWh battery pack with a 170 hp electric motor or a 77 kWh battery pack with 286 hp. Standard ‘Select’ equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting, powered driver sport seat with massage functionality, heated front seats, rear privacy glass, wireless phone charger, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors and a 14.6-inch touchscreen. The Premium model has the same battery and motor options, but comes with added equipment such as; 20-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, an upgraded B&O sound system, ambient lighting, panoramic glass roof, powered tailgate and upgraded upholstery. The maximum charging speed in the rear-wheel drive Capri is 135kW, and this results in a 10-80% rapid charging time of between 25 and 28 minutes, depending on your chosen model.
Test Car.
My test car was a Capri Premium RWD 77 kWh Extended Range, which was finished in optional Vivid Yellow paint at an additional cost of €900. The electric motor produces 286 hp and 545 Nm of torque, which allows a 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 6.4 seconds and has a WLTP combined range of 594 km. Out on the road the Capri is smooth and refined, with minimal amounts of wind and tyre noise evident in the spacious cabin. There are four driving profiles available: Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual, with maximum brake regeneration available in Eco and Sport modes, slightly imitating a one-pedal driving mode. The steering is well weighted and has a pleasing directness to it. The relatively-firm suspension keeps the Capri level through sharp corners, but it is also soft enough to cope well with road imperfections. All in all, the new Capri is a very worthwhile addition to Ford’s growing EV model line-up.
Verdict & Pricing.
The rebirth of the Ford Capri has drawn mixed reactions from many sectors, but its practical cabin, excellent refinement and impressive range make it a serious contender in the highly competitive electric SUV market. When tested by Euro NCAP, the Capri achieved the maximum 5-star award, which is the same as most electric SUVs. The new Ford Capri is priced from €45,800 (ex-delivery) and is available at Ford dealerships nationwide now.
Visit www.ford.ie for further information.
