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Pros: Comfortable, spacious, range, efficiency.
Cons: Not a Capri, driving dynamics lack distinction.
Ford Capri Design
If you’re fond of the original, then you’ll recognise that the new Ford Capri is not really a Capri as we know it. The iconic Ford has been reborn for the electric age as a crossover with chunky styling that is the current fashion, but far from the low slung, two-door original and the nostalgia it evokes.
Built on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, the new Capri is not without its own presence. The follow-up to last year’s Explorer, it shuns the traditional boxy SUV shape for a coupé-like profile similar to the Volkswagen ID.5, Peugeot 3008 and Polestar 2. There are nods to the original in the shape of the LED lights, connected by a thick black band at the front and C A P R I etched into the metal. The curve of the window line in the C-pillar also pays homage. There are six colours, from the lairy Vivid Yellow to more subtle Magnetic grey. Style and Select models get 19-inch wheels, while the top of the range Premium rides on 20-inch.
Ford Capri Interior
The cabin has been designed to feel sportier than the Explorer and the lower driving position certainly helps. Otherwise, it’s similar in design and tech. The squared-off steering wheel also gets a unique silver spoke. There are parts reminiscent of some other cars and SUVs build on the same Volkswagen Group platform like the haptic buttons on the steering wheel and the gear selector behind the steering wheel. But Ford has done enough to bestow a bit of character and ‘Fordness’ upon it all the same. The two-tone grey and black interior is attractive and there is brilliant storage like the exceptionally large cubby between the two front seats. The sports-style seats with integrated headrests are also quite special, heated with power adjustment and massage for the driver on Select versions.
The portrait-style touchscreen is well laid out and simple to navigate, though the ventilation controls are placed far down at the bottom of the screen so can be distracting to use while driving.
There’s loads of passenger space with generous legroom in the back for three people thanks to a completely flat floor - another benefit of that MEB platform. The centre armrest has a few cupholders and there’s also a hatch for through loading. Family buyers will find Isofix child seat fixtures on the two outer seats.
The Capri’s boot is another highlight. At 572 litres, it’s over 100 litres bigger than the Explorer’s and is up with the best in class. The two-position boot floor can be used to create space to stow charging cables neatly out of sight.
Ford Capri Performance & Drive
In Ireland the Capri is offered with the choice of two lithium-ion batteries, both sourced from VW. Just rear wheel drive versions are offered at the moment. The entry level is the 52kWh standard range battery with up to 391 kilometres (WLTP). Of more interest to Irish buyers is likely to be the 77kWh extended range battery with up to 627 kilometres of range. It’s also the most powerful with 286hp. It’s nippy and responsive to drive with 0-100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds and a few driving modes that you can access from the touchscreen (Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual). During our test in warm summer conditions we saw efficiency as low as the official consumption figure of 13.8kWh per 100 kilometres. A heat pump for more efficient heating of the cabin in cold weather is a cost option.
Charging speeds are good: up to 11kW AC and up to 135kW (extended range)/145kW (standard range) DC for a 10-80% charge in 25-28 minutes at a suitably rapid charger.
The Capri gets all the positive qualities of the Volkswagen Group platform: it’s smooth, quiet and comfortable on the 19-inch wheels of our test car. Ford say they have tuned the chassis, suspension and steering to make the car behave differently on the road. While it grips and steers well, it lacks the dynamic sparkle of Fords of old that made them some of the most engaging cars to drive. Yet, it’s pleasant to drive a car that’s not bone-shakingly firm in the pursuit of sporty driving dynamics. The Capri really does just fine for its intended purpose; it's not a sports car.
Ford Capri Pricing
The range kicks off from €39,912 for the Capri 52kWh Style. The Capri 77kWh starts from €47,270 for the Select, and from €50,990 for the top of the range Premium.
Carzone Verdict
Beyond the noise around its controversial rebirth as a chunky crossover, the Capri is a good car. The 77kWh battery version will require a bigger spend, but is worth it for the impressive range and efficiency. The new Capri is not the car purists wanted to see, but it’s not without its own character and offers plenty of space, comfort and practicality.