The Ford Capri is back... in charge

Ford is reviving the Capri name. The European sports coupé of the 70s and 80s has transformed in 2025 into an electric coupé SUV. The references to the past are very subtle.

The Ford Capri that traversed the Seventies and half of the Eighties was an affordable sports coupé for the European market. Originally, it was built on the base of the more sensible Cortina saloon. It's somewhat the same mechanical concept for the current Capri, far from being unprecedented these days. The Ford Explorer is changing its appearance to become the Ford Capri. Additionally, the MEB platform used is of Volkswagen origin. It's the harsh law of rationalisation. However, we can generally trust Ford to give personality to its models, once behind the wheel. What about this Capri that we've tested in the four-wheel drive version with the 84kWh battery?

Capri by touches

Purists will be dismayed to see only a few true references to the Capri of yesteryear. There's the gentle curve of the quarter window, the angle of the C-pillar, the black band at the back, a faint resemblance in the headlights or the lower arm of the steering wheel very "70s style". There's so much more design to it though varying the lines. Those of a real coupé for example. Because people nowadays want the best of both worlds: a roomy coupé that can also travel down paths. By the way, we had the AWD with two motors. A set boasting 340 hp (250 kW). Glancing at the specifications, one discovers it can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds!

Power

And it's true that after starting the Ford Capri AWD, I quickly noticed some impressive acceleration. The brand's engineers have also worked on the suspension to provide more dynamic behaviour to the Capri than the Explorer. It's undeniably felt. The crossover doesn't shy away from being incisive despite the electronic barriers. In short, it's possible to be a bit daring without fearing uncontrolled skids. I like this playful spirit, somewhat reminiscent of the mischievousness of cars of yesteryear. But with the typical safety of the 21st century. It's probably even more evident with the rear-wheel-drive variant of 286 hp and a WLTP range of 627km which I hope to try someday too. Let's return to our variant equipped with two 170 hp units, one per axle.

On track in Liège

Taking advantage of my Sunday to watch young drivers in a karting competition in Liège, I embark on a round-trip motorway journey of over 200km with the discreet hum of an electric motor. Which must strive to drive a vehicle of just over 2 tonnes. A breeze for this car with a WLTP range of 557km with a battery having a usable capacity of 79 kWh. On the motorway, you can expect... 400km. That's excellent! At the charging station, the maximum power is 185 kW. During a break, our car managed to reach peaks at 162 kW ensuring a charge within reasonable time. Time to do some shopping at the supermarket.

With the optional heat pump, it would be possible to easily reach the slopes in winter and the Mediterranean coasts in summer. A family trip moreover, as the Capri even has more boot space than the Explorer. Indeed, under its tailgate and parcel shelf, it can hold up to 572 l. Moreover, despite the descending roofline, the rear bench occupants won't lack legroom or headspace under the panoramic roof (optional).

Secret Compartment

The interior finish doesn't initially impress with its originality, with its soft or not very classic plastics. We find VW commands here due to the platform sharing and the vertical touchscreen Ford display compatible with Android Auto and Apple Car Play. But there are still some nice little touches. As mentioned, the steering wheel is a nod to the past. More relevant: the secret compartment.

Beneath the vertical central screen, there's a small handle that allows it to slide up (or down). In the upper position, it reveals access to a secret storage space. A small box that locks when the screen is lowered and the car is locked. It's nice for hiding some valuable items during a walk, a swim, or something else. It's possible to leave a phone, keys, and a wallet there, for example. Above all, don't leave the car key there, of course.

Budget

Our Ford Capri Premium AWD cost €65,750 in Belgium, in its standard yellow colour on 20-inch wheels with the panoramic roof option (€1,100), heat pump (€1,200), and Driver Assistance pack (€1,300). For those with back problems, Ford also offers AGR-badged seats (not in our test vehicle) at €700. The entry-level model of the Ford Capri, with two-wheel drive and 170 hp, costs €47,450 (April 2025) with a WLTP range of 393 km. The long-range variant with 286 hp is sold from €48,950. Our AWD version without options with the basic finish starts at €58,450. In France, the Ford Capri is offered, with standard equipment, in a range from €42,400 to €57,000, including discount in April 2025. In Switzerland, prices range from CHF 41,420 to CHF 57,522. It's not (yet?) sold in Canada…

(Olivier Duquesne – Source: Ford – Pictures: © Olivier Duquesne)