The Ford Capri has a storied history, having appeared on various Ford models over the years. While it was primarily known for its sports coupes developed by Ford of Europe, it also made its way onto a Mercury-badged version of the Fox Body Mustang in the U.S. and a convertible co-developed with Mazda and sold as a Ford in Australia.
However, the new Ford Capri EV breaks away from tradition. Unlike its predecessors, this version is a four-door crossover with a fastback design. This move mirrors Ford’s strategy with the Mustang Mach-E, where they took a well-known name and applied it to an electric crossover. While the Mach-E successfully retained some iconic Mustang design elements, such as its curvy fenders and distinct taillights, the Capri EV seems to lack the same level of connection to its namesake.
Compared to the original Capri coupe, the new Capri EV does feature some recognizable design cues, like the horseshoe-shaped rear window and pillar treatment, as well as a shoulder line along the side. However, without these cues, the overall appearance falls short, resembling a slightly melted Polestar 2. The lack of defined lines and soft features are a departure from the distinct and crisp styling associated with the Capri name.
Inside the Capri EV, Ford follows a similar approach to the Mach-E with a minimalist design. While it features a more integrated and conventional layout compared to the tablet-esque screens of the Mach-E, it still offers modern amenities. The interior includes a small screen in front of the driver, positioned under a wide sound bar, and a 14.6-inch infotainment screen that can be adjusted for optimal visibility. The infotainment features are developed by Ford, ensuring a consistency across their lineup, rather than relying on VW’s technology.
Speaking of VW, it’s worth mentioning that the Capri EV is built on VW’s MEB platform, which is also used for the European Ford Explorer EV and various VW models like the ID.4 and ID.5 crossovers. Although the Capri EV is slightly longer than the VW ID.5 fastback, their mechanical components are essentially the same. The rear-drive model boasts a single 282-horsepower motor and a 77-kWh usable battery pack. It has a 0-62 mph acceleration time of 6.4 seconds and a maximum WLTP range of 390 miles (which may be lower in EPA testing). The all-wheel-drive version features dual motors with 335 horsepower and a 79-kWh usable battery pack. It can sprint from 0-62 mph in 5.3 seconds and offers a maximum range of 368 miles (again, on the WLTP test). These specifications closely align with the VW ID models, although the VWs offer smaller optional battery packs.
While pricing and availability for the Capri EV have yet to be announced, it is expected to go on sale in Europe within the year. While it’s unlikely to be available in the U.S., it’s not completely out of the realm of possibility, especially considering we already have the ID.4 on the MEB platform. However, the Capri has never enjoyed the same level of recognition in the U.S. as it has in Europe. Additionally, the Mach-E is already competitively priced against the ID.4, so it’s doubtful that Ford could position the Capri EV below the Mach-E in terms of pricing.
In conclusion, Ford’s decision to revive the Capri name for an electric crossover demonstrates their commitment to expanding their EV lineup. However, unlike the successful execution of the Mustang Mach-E, the Capri EV falls short in capturing the spirit and design language of its iconic predecessors. While it offers a modern interior and shares components with VW’s MEB platform, its pricing and availability remain uncertain. Nonetheless, whether or not it reaches American shores, the Capri EV represents Ford’s ongoing efforts to embrace electrification and adapt to the changing automotive landscape.