The Ford Capri name has graced a variety of models over the years. Most notably, it was synonymous with sporty coupes developed by Ford of Europe for multiple decades. Additionally, it made appearances as a Mercury-badged version of the Fox Body Mustang in the U.S., and as a convertible co-developed with Mazda, sold as both a Ford in Australia and a Mercury in America. A common thread among these models was their two-door sporty design. This changes dramatically with the new Ford Capri EV.
Ford has employed a strategy similar to that of the Mustang Mach-E. By reviving the Capri name, they have introduced a fastback four-door crossover with subtle styling nods to its predecessors. However, unlike the Mach-E, whose design clearly reflects its Mustang heritage with wide, curvy fenders and distinct taillights, the Capri’s resemblance to its classic counterpart is less pronounced. While the Capri EV features familiar elements like the horseshoe-shaped rear window and a distinctive shoulder line, its overall design has been described as soft and lacking definition, reminiscent of a slightly melted Polestar 2.
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Inside, the Capri EV embraces Ford’s minimalist design philosophy, akin to the Mach-E. The interior features a small screen for the driver, positioned under a wide sound bar, and a 14.6-inch infotainment screen that can adjust its angle for better viewability and reveal a hidden storage compartment. The cabin comes well-equipped with standard features such as a heated steering wheel, heated and massage seats, dual-zone climate control, and a suite of driver assist technologies, including blind-spot warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. Unlike the Mach-E, the Capri’s infotainment system is distinctly Ford, rather than VW-based.
The Capri EV is built on Volkswagen’s MEB platform, similar to the European Ford Explorer EV and various VW models like the ID.4 and ID.5 crossovers. It offers two powertrain options: a rear-drive model with a single 282-horsepower motor and a 77-kWh battery pack, achieving 0-62 mph in 6.4 seconds and a maximum WLTP range of 390 miles (which is likely to be lower on the EPA test); and an all-wheel-drive version with dual motors producing 335 horsepower, a 79-kWh battery pack, 0-62 mph in 5.3 seconds, and a maximum range of 368 miles.
While pricing and availability details are yet to be confirmed, the Capri is expected to launch in Europe within the year. Despite the enthusiasm of some American fans, it’s uncertain whether the Capri will be offered in the U.S. Given that the Mach-E is already competitively priced against the VW ID.4 in the American market, it’s unlikely that the Capri could be positioned at a lower price point than the Mach-E. Moreover, the Capri lacks the brand recognition in the U.S. that it enjoys in Europe.
As the automotive world moves towards electrification, Ford’s revival of the Capri nameplate marks an exciting development for European markets. Whether or not this modern reinterpretation will make its way to American shores remains to be seen, but the buzz it has generated suggests that there is a passionate audience eager to see this iconic name return to the global stage.
