The new electric Ford Capri has certainly made waves, stirring quite a bit of debate and nostalgia among enthusiasts and longtime Capri fans. It is safe to say that this new model has big shoes to fill. The Capri nameplate carries a sense of rebellious charm and nostalgia for many, as it is tied to memories of an iconic, sporty coupe from the past. Almost everyone in the United Kingdom is linked to the classic Capri in some way, so when Ford decided to use the name on a modern electric vehicle, it sparked a mixture of curiosity and criticism.
source.image: DPCcars
This 2024 Capri, unlike the original, is a five-door coupe-SUV rather than a compact, sporty two-door. Built on the same platform as the Ford Explorer EV and Volkswagen Group’s MEB technology, the new Capri offers a choice between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. The rear-wheel drive model has a 77-kilowatt-hour battery with 282 horsepower, achieving a range of about 390 miles, while the all-wheel drive version provides 335 horsepower and a slightly shorter range of 368 miles.
source.image: DPCcars
Ford’s decision to modernize the Capri as an electric family car may be practical, but it has not captured the spirit of the original. On twisty roads, the steering feels responsive at first, but lacks feedback as you turn further, which can feel unsettling for those familiar with the classic Capri’s driving style. The brakes, too, lack the firmness one would expect in a sports car. Ford has made some positive strides with the platform’s suspension, giving the Capri a firmer ride than some Volkswagen MEB-based models, yet the Capri still does not quite deliver the “sports car for the family” experience Ford promised.
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Inside, the Capri offers plenty of room and technology, with features like a 14.6-inch infotainment screen, a wireless phone charger, and a heated steering wheel. There is generous storage, and rear passengers benefit from a flat floor and ample headspace. The car has a large boot, which is practical for families, but the interior design feels more like a functional space than a sporty cockpit.
As a family car, the Capri holds its own, but for those seeking the spirit of the original, it may fall short. Compared to the Kia EV6, a leader in this category with faster charging and a more dynamic feel, the Capri feels a bit conservative. For enthusiasts hoping for the Capri’s classic energy, Ford’s “reborn legend” may be more in name than in spirit.
