Following the 2019 launch of the Mustang Mach-E, which generated mixed reactions at first due to its use of the Mustang name, Ford is reusing another iconic coupe nameplate on an electric crossover to enhance its appeal. The new Ford Capri is here, and it’s billed as a coupe SUV, but it looks more like a hatchback on stilts, and it bears little resemblance to the two-door classic.
Looking at the new Ford Capri EV from the side, it reminds me more of a Polestar 2 than an actual coupe SUV. The BMW iX2, for instance, which is a direct rival to the new Capri, has more of a coupe SUV style and it’s more aggressive-looking. Still, it’s handsome and something rather interesting in this space.
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The Ford Capri is yet another electric coupe-like SUV
Manufacturers think buyers want rakish-looking tall fastbacks and an increasing number of vehicles with this body style are reaching the market. Ford expects the Capri to take customers away from the Polestar 2 and BMW iX2, which have different interpretations of the same basic design philosophy.
For those not immediately familiar with the nameplate—especially those in the United States—the Capri is a particularly famous marque in the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe, where it kind of played a similar role to the original Mustang in the 1960s and ’70s. As a stylish fastback coupe with decent performance and a good amount of motorsports heritage, this “European Pony Car” appealed to younger buyers the same way its American cousin did. Today, the name remains fondly remembered by many fans, so its name making a comeback here is a pretty big deal.
Ford says the new Capri incorporates many design elements that nod to the original two-door built between 1968 and 1986. The shape of the new car’s headlights and the faux grille harken back to the Mark 2 Capri, but the biggest similarity is the shape of the fastback rear end with its almost rectangular light clusters.
Measuring 182.44 inches in length, it is almost seven inches longer than the new Ford Explorer EV for Europe and about 3 inches shorter than a Mustang Mach-E. Wheels range in size from 19 to 21 inches, and its choice of colors is said to be inspired by the classic Capri palette, especially the Vivid Yellow presentation color worn by the car in the gallery.
Gallery: Ford Capri (2024)
Inside, its focal point is a 14.6-inch infotainment screen running Ford Sync Move 2, which can swivel out of the way to reveal an additional storage cubby. The dashboard layout is minimalist, with no physical buttons other than the hazard triangle under the screen, and none of what you see would reveal that the Capri is one of several new electric Fords built on Volkswagen underpinnings using its batteries and motor.
Opening the large hatch reveals a 20.1 cubic-inch (570-liter) trunk, which can be expanded to 1,510 liters by folding the rear seats.
Just like the Explorer EV, the Capri rides on the VW MEB platform, making it a close relative to the ID.4 and others. The base version gets a single 286 horsepower motor on the rear axle, which pushes the car to 62 mph (100 km/h) from a standstill in 6.4 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 112 mph. It draws from a 77-kilowatt-hour usable capacity battery pack that gives it a claimed WLTP range of 389 miles.
Ford Capri (2024)
The more powerful dual-motor variant also gets a motor on the front axle, which bumps the combined power output to 340 horsepower and drops the sprint time to 62 mph to 5.3 seconds. The top speed remains the same. It has a slightly bigger 79 kWh battery and a WLTP range of 368 miles.
DC fast-charging the rear-motor version from 10 to 80% takes 28 minutes at a maximum charging power of 135 kW. The dual-motor has a higher 185 kW charging power and going from 10 to 80% takes 26 minutes. Both versions have the same 11 kW onboard AC charger.
Notable options for the Ford Capri include a heat pump, upgraded front seats certified by AGR, the German independent organization that promotes back health and a panoramic glass roof. It comes with plenty of safety systems as standard, like cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, evasion assist and lane assist. Optionally, you can add a 360-degree surround view system, lane change assist and a head-up display.
The base car comes as standard with LED headlights, but the Capri Premium trim level upgrades them to matrix LEDs with an automatic high beam function. It also gets an upgraded B&O sound system with 10 speakers and mood lighting over the base trim.
Ford will build the electric Capri exclusively for Europe at its newly upgraded Cologne factory in Germany, which saw a $2 billion investment to ready it for EV production. The base price for the rear-wheel drive model is €51,950, but the model may become cheaper in the future if Ford decides to offer a more affordable version with a smaller 52 kWh battery pack and a lower-power motor.
The Ford Capri, an iconic model that first graced the roads in the 1960s, is set to make a comeback in a modern, electric form as a tall hatchback. The news of the reimagined Ford Capri has been met with excitement and anticipation from car enthusiasts around the world.
The original Ford Capri was known for its sporty design and performance, capturing the hearts of many drivers during its production from 1969 to 1986. Now, Ford is hoping to reignite that same passion with the new electric version of the Capri.
The decision to bring back the Capri as an electric model comes as Ford continues to expand its lineup of electric vehicles in response to the growing demand for more sustainable transportation options. The new Capri is expected to offer impressive performance capabilities, with a powerful electric motor and impressive acceleration.
In addition to its electric powertrain, the revamped Ford Capri will also feature a tall hatchback design, giving it a unique and modern look. This design choice is aimed at providing more interior space and versatility for drivers, making the Capri a practical and stylish option for everyday use.
While the exact specifications of the new Ford Capri have yet to be released, industry insiders speculate that the vehicle will offer advanced technology features, safety enhancements, and a range of customization options to suit the preferences of a wide range of drivers.
The return of the Ford Capri as an electric hatchback signifies the continued evolution of the automotive industry towards more sustainable and innovative transportation solutions. With its blend of heritage and modern design, the new Capri is poised to capture the attention of car enthusiasts and electric vehicle enthusiasts alike.
As details about the new Ford Capri continue to emerge, one thing is certain – the iconic model is making a bold and exciting return to the roads, ushering in a new era of electric vehicles that combine performance, style, and sustainability. The Ford Capri is back, and it’s ready to take on the future of driving.