Ford’s beloved Capri returns, but this angular electric SUV bears little resemblance to the muscular original
Ford has revealed the revival of the late 1960s Capri, a model that made waves in the UK and Europe with its muscular looks and wide choice of petrol engines – from a 1.3-litre to a roaring 3.0-litre V6.
However, the model, which is due to hit the market almost 40 years after the original logo disappeared, deviates from the swinging fastback style and characteristics of a British muscle car, opting for more understated electric SUV proportions.
In the same vein as the Mustang Mach-E, which bears little resemblance to a proper Ford Mustang, the Capri has opted to take on cars like the Polestar 2, which also happens to have an eerily similar side profile, as well as Volvo’s EX30, Peugeot’s e-3008 and the Volkswagen ID 5.
The modern Capri is in fact based on the same underpinnings as VW’s ID 5, as it uses the same MEB EV platform that was also recently used as the basis for Ford’s electric Explorer.
Blue Oval is keeping mum on pricing, but has said the Capri will come in two different flavors: Capri and Capri Premium (sadly, no Capri-Sun).
The former will offer 390 miles of electric range from its 77kWh battery packs, which power a 282-horsepower motor driving the rear wheels. Customers opting for the 79kWh Premium models will see a range drop to 368 miles, as the more powerful 335-horsepower motor setup will drive all four wheels instead.
This drops the 0-62mph time to 5.3 seconds, from the standard model’s already brisk 6.4 seconds. Ford is certainly paying homage to the wildest Capris of old with its performance credentials.
Ford plays it safe… again
Inside, the new Capri is fairly predictable, with limited nods to Ford’s heritage and a lack of the playful retro accents seen in, say, Renault’s upcoming 5 EV, or the many references to Mini’s past found in its latest electric hatchback.
Instead, there’s a large 14.6-inch screen in the centre of the dashboard, and Ford says it can slide up and down for the most comfortable viewing angle. The company also claims the cabin has a “minimalist and digital feel”, with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and wireless smartphone charging as standard.
An advanced suite of safety features also comes as standard, including 12 ultrasonic sensors, five cameras and three radars that support a high level of autonomous driving and advanced driver assistance.
Owners of the original Capri might bristle at this kind of scammy technology, but as with the Mustang Mach-E, Ford appears to be aiming for the broadest possible audience, rather than simply appeasing nostalgic car enthusiasts.