Ford Capri Premium – is Ford back?

If you’re of a certain age then you’ll probably remember the 1970/80S Ford Capri and the advertising strapline ‘The car you always promised yourself’. Re-launching a former model name can be tricky for car makers given certain buyers will always view the original car through rose-tinted glasses.

In Ford’s case the latest Capri bears no resemblance to the original, it’s an all-electric Coupe SUV and a rather good one too. Its chunky and solid profile reflects the SUV image while a more rakish roofline speaks to the coupe element of the name.

Prices start from €42,707/£36,985, peaking at €60,109/£52,055, with four trim levels, rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive options and both standard and extended range. Dependant on model choice there are three battery sizes and a dual motor with the all-wheel-drive versions.

Standard fare across the range includes 19” alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, high beam assist, navigation, dual zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors plus a rear-view camera and rear privacy glass.

Higher trim levels add larger alloys, panoramic roof, premium 10-speaker Bang and Olufsen audio system with sound bar and subwoofer, keyless entry and start, hands-free power tailgate, wireless phone charging, heated seats and steering wheel and powered, heated and folding door mirrors. The combined range varies from 436km/271 miles through to 627km/390 miles with power outputs of 190PS up to 340PS depending on model power and drive choices.

Therefore, the first plus point for the Capri is the range of options in terms of power outputs, drive and battery choices. Inside the Capri the space for both occupants and their luggage is excellent and it’s a stylish interior too. Both the Capri and Explorer (almost a sister car from Ford) share a lot of VW underpinnings, but the Capri does drive and handle well compared to some rival EVs.

It’s not outright sporty but still entertaining given the right roads. There are four driving mode profiles – Normal, ECO, Sport, Individual and in AWD models Traction, designed to adjust steering, accelerator and powertrain response.

The large central screen has good clarity but as with so many cars the relative lack of proper buttons makes life a bit annoying. Familiarity would of course make life easier. In front of the driver the screen is smaller and rather too busy. Given its price point the interior as a whole doesn’t feel particularly premium even though well-equipped.

All-in-all the Capri makes a good play for potential EV Coupe SUV buyers looking for space, practicality, equipment and, although subjective, a different style to many of the rather analogous looking rivals. It may be controversial to some, but after a period of losing some of its best-selling and most loved models I think Ford is back!

Facts at a glance

• Model: Ford Capri Premium extended range
• Engine: 77kwh developing 286PS and rear wheel drive
• Gears: Automatic
• Price: €55,549/£48,105
• Performance: 0 – 100kph/62mph 6.4 seconds
• Range: 593km/369 miles combined driving
• Emissions: 0g/km

Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets