We are again in a period where manufacturers are remaking some of their iconic models in EV form. Ford, with the Capri that we’re driving here, was one of the first. But we’ve also seen the Renault 5 E-Tech (winner of many awards, and current Car of the Year), and the Fiat Grande Panda.
Part of the reason for both the Renault and Fiat’s success, we believe, is that they have just the right amount of sympathy for the originals in terms of their look and feel. This is where we believe Ford has got it wrong with the new Capri. The original, affordable coupe would probably have turned into a crossover/SUV like the Puma, but in terms of the interior and exterior styling, the new Capri seems to have the lightest of links with its iconic predecessors.
Design and interior
The most obvious styling link with the original is the rounded rear window line. It is harder to see the link with the vaguely dog bone-shaped front face! Look at it as a new electric Ford crossover, and it’s just a slicker, coupe version of the Explorer.
The link to the original Capri in the new car’s interior is even more tenuous. The only difference over its Explorer sister, apart from the trim and some materials, is the metal trim on the three-spoke multi-function steering wheel. Comparisons apart, the new Capri has a spacious and airy interior. Although rear headroom for the tallest is compromised with the glass roof, that’s fitted to the Premium grade that we had.
There is plenty of interior space front and rear, and interior stowage is also impressive – cleverest being the 17 litres behind the standard 14.6in vertical touchscreen. There is also a massive 572-litre hatchback boot. The screen is the interior highlight – it’s most useful on the home screen, where key parts of the car can be easily interacted with. Move off that screen, and it’s less easy to navigate – especially on the move.
Elsewhere, with its link to Volkswagen for the shared EV platform for this and the Explorer, it’s a case of spotting the VW Group switchgear, but it all looks and feels good quality.
The Capri is available in Select, or the range-topping Premium grade that we had. Our car certainly had all the standard kit you would expect of a model with a list price of just over £56,000 before extras. Although, we wish Ford hadn’t followed Volkswagen’s same austere interior style! One specification highlight fitted to our test car was the optional Driver Assistance Pack, which included the head-up display and 360-degree rear camera.
Performance and drive
The Capri is available in rear-drive 77kWh, 286hp form, or the 340hp, 79kWh, dual motor, four-wheel drive (AWD) version that we have here. With a smaller 52kWh, 170hp version incoming.
The AWD version of the Capri has a combined range of 346 miles, although our car achieved late-200 miles range in cool Spring weather, with a 10-80% charge taking 26 minutes. Acceleration from 0-62mph was pleasingly brisk, but we’re not sure it was fast enough to match the 5.3 second official figure.
On the road, like all the Volkswagen Group products on this platform, there’s the choice of Range, Normal, Sport, and Individual driving modes. We’d suggest ‘Normal’ and ‘Range’ are the best modes in everyday use. It is a shame that the level of regen isn’t adjustable, but in ‘Normal’ mode it works best.
Even with the Capri name, and 340hp performance, we’d describe the Ford EV as fun, rather than sporty. Where the Capri scores over its Audi, Cupra, and Volkswagen sister EVs, is in the drive. The steering has feel and weight, and whilst there is some body roll, grip levels and body control impress. Although the ride on the standard 20in wheels was on the hard side of comfortable.
The Capri is a likeable EV that’s good to drive and seems reasonably efficient – just don’t get hung up on the iconic name!
Positive: Good to drive, efficient, quality feel.
Negative: Capri name is a hindrance rather than a help, expensive, no heat pump as standard.
Standard equipment: Blind spot info system, clear exit warning, cross traffic alert with active braking, evasive steering assist, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, front and rear park sensors, rear-view camera, independent adaptive cruise control, two-zone climate control, 5in digital instrument cluster and 14.6in adjustable central touchscreen, Bluetooth wireless Apple and Android mirror screening, heated steering wheel and front seats with massage, keyless entry and start, 19in alloys, wireless smartphone charging pad.
Engines: Electric: 170hp, 286hp, 340hp
Equipment grades: Select, Premium
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
| Model | Ford Capri Extended Range Premium AWD 79kWh |
| P11D | £56,120 |
| Residual value | 50.1% |
| Depreciation | £27,621 |
| Fuel | £3,194 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £3,358 |
| Cost per mile | 56.96p |
| Range | 346 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (3%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £28/£56 |
| Luggage capacity | 572 litres |
| Battery size/power | 79kWh/340hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
