A new chapter begins for the Ford Capri

Electric Vehicles  New Launches 

Bringing a legendary icon back to life carries certain risks. It’s a risk Ford is obviously willing to take though, and depending on your age the risk is that you might be slightly disappointed. Not because there’s anything wrong with the new car, but simply because it’s not the old car you remember so fondly. Overcoming that risk is the task now facing the brand-new Ford Capri.

Instead of ending production in 1986, imagine if Ford had redesigned the Capri every 8-10 years as happens with most cars. What would the Capri look like after nearly four extra decades of development? That’s the question Ford is posing, and apparently the answer is an all-electric Coupe/SUV crossover.

The original Ford Capri remains an icon. Envisioned as the European answer to the 1964 Ford Mustang, the two-door coupe with its hugely long bonnet and sleek lines was unashamedly modern and became an instant hit when it was unveiled in 1969. More than 400,000 were sold in the first two years, and after three generations and numerous special editions more than 1.8 million had been built by the time the Capri was retired in 1986.

Which is why there may be some of you feeling a little bit peeved that the new Ford Capri isn’t a two-door coupe with jaw-dropping looks. You probably shouldn’t though. The world has changed a lot during the last 40 years, and a stylish SUV crossover EV is the most likely 21st Century equivalent to offer that same slightly rebellious streak.

From coupe to SUV

The styling of the new Ford Capri is clearly influenced by the original. It may be an SUV now, but the coupe looks still feature in the flowing roofline and sculpted rear end. The iconic four-headlight arrangement has been updated with the latest LED technology and the wide, slim grille that traditionally connects them has also been redesigned for a new era.

The wheels also reflect a more contemporary approach to design, with the 19, 20, and 21-inch alloy options all being much larger than they were historically. Even the choice of paint colours resembles the original Capri, especially the Vivid Yellow option paired with a high-gloss finish on the wheel arches and lower trim.

The interior of the new Capri has also been fitted with levels of technology that were inconceivable back in the 1970s and 80s. It’s also got a few unique touches of its own as well.

The cabin has been designed to reflect what a classic Capri driver would have expected from the future, complete with digital displays and a wrap-around cockpit that blends seamlessly into the door design. Heated sports seats with massage function, two-zone climate control, soft-touch materials, and ambient lighting also create a welcoming atmosphere.



The infotainment system is controlled via a 14.6-inch touchscreen that can move up and down for the optimum viewing angle, as well as featuring satnav, voice commands, and smartphone connectivity. The touchscreen can also slide out of the way completely to reveal a hidden storage compartment for valuable items.

That’s not the only practical touch either. The console between the front seats is large enough to store a 17-inch laptop, there’s a dedicated holder for two smartphones that includes a wireless charging feature, and behind the seating for five people there is a large boot with a foldable floor to make the most of the space and an integrated parcel shelf to keep it all hidden from view. You can also specify a hands-free tailgate for easy access.

Capri goes electric

Obviously, it’s all change under the bonnet too. A new generation of Capri requires a new generation of drivetrains to match.

While it may not have the big petrol engine of the olden days, the new Ford Capri can still offer exhilarating performance to go with the sleek looks. At launch it will be available in a choice of two all-electric versions: a 286bhp rear-wheel drive, or a 340bhp all-wheel drive option, both fitted with an extended range battery pack.

In terms of numbers, the less-powerful version should give you a range of around 390 miles from a full charge, a 10-80% fast charging time of 28 minutes, and enough power to accelerate to 60mph in a little over 6 seconds.

The 340bhp all-wheel drive version does sacrifice a little range for the all-wheel drive and the ability to hit 60mph around one second faster. It’s not much of a difference though, as it still offers around 365 miles on a full-charge and 10-80% times of around 26 minutes – the more powerful version can charge at up to 185kW compared to the 135kW of the other one, so it’s actually a little quicker to top up the battery.

So, the new Ford Capri.

It isn’t the same as the old Ford Capri, and for some people that’s inevitably going to be a shame. But when it comes to choosing your ideal lease car, does that even matter when you look at everything else you can get from one. It may well be an old name on a new car, but to misquote Shakespeare: by any other name, the new Ford Capri would be just as good.

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