How electric is (and how does it ride) the Ford Capri

The Capri is Ford's new electric vehicle, with farewell to models such as Fiesta and Focus an important step in the brand's ecological transition.We'll tell you how it goes in our test.

Of the "return" of Ford Capri in the electric version we have already told you everything.Including the debate (with related controversies, which show no signs of dying down) that has opened, especially in Great Britain and Germany, on the distance with the original model of the Seventies.So we won't go back to the topic again;for those who want to, at the link below you can take a trip back in time, when a coupé with American DNA, the Capri, sporty but accessible, also conquered Europe.

Today's Capri, we understand, is something completely different.Enough with the (otherwise useless) search for alleged affinities;on the other hand, for many potential buyers the original model represents nothing more than the name of a distant past.Today Capri is an electric SUV, which with another Ford electric model, theExplorer, shares a lot;what differentiates them above all is the design, the Capri is longer (4.63 metres, quite a lot for the city...) and lower and with a larger boot.But how is the Ford Capri actually doing?What does it offer, how does it drive, how does it live on board?Here, after the our test that's what we'll tell you about here.

Ford Capri, which version to choose?

From the three versions currently available i.e. Extended range RWD and Extended range AWD (front-wheel drive the former, or all-wheel drive 4×4 the latter, plus the Premium set-up), we have chosen to try them both, even if we believe that the most rational choice is yet to come, namely the more accessible version with 52 kWh battery and 170 horsepower.To clarify:the first option offers a battery pack from 77 kWh and a single electric motor on the rear axle.

The second, i.e. the AWD has a battery pack of 79 kWh slightly larger and an additional electric motor on the front axle, with an increase in power (340 horsepower, 250 kW), and a maximum declared autonomy of 560 kilometers.Prices (at the time of writing on promotion) start from 46,500 euros, price list destined to become more accessible with the arrival of the "basic" versions by the end of the year Standard range, which will drop to 42,750 euros.Those who want the most can choose the 340 horsepower Premium trim, with a base price of 53 thousand euros.

First impressions upon boarding

Let's start with first impressions.The equipment of our version offers everything you need:the huge 14.6-inch infotainment system (while the display in front of the driver is far too small), a wireless charger for the smartphone, the massaging driver's seat and the heated steering wheel.The tailgate is electric, the internal ambient lighting system creates a pleasant atmosphere in the dark, while the stereo system (Bang & Olufsen) also faithfully reproduces the voices of Miles Davis or Glenn Miller.Ah, if you want maximum efficiency, remember to also request the air conditioning system heat pump (it's extra but worth it in the long run).

More than sporty, practical

On the former, the Ford Capri shows good efficiency, even after tackling a rather demanding mixed route on the hills around Marseille.The Capri is not a particularly sporty car (not even when selecting Sport mode from the 4 available...).Either for the weight, or for the dimensions.But are we certain that those who choose an electric SUV give great importance to the dynamic aspect?We are not so convinced, on the contrary.

Better to enjoy the silence, good general comfort, taking advantage of well-modulated energy regeneration during braking.The suspensions offer ideal comfort although, yes, they also seem designed for sporty driving, favoring driving pleasure over absorbing manhole covers and potholes in the city;translated, sometimes the roughness of the asphalt is felt a little too much for a car intended for families, for everyday use.Speaking of electric SUVs designed for the family, in 2025 Ford's offer will be enriched with the Puma Gen-E, compact urban SUV.

Front, rear, from the trunk:the Ford Capri seen from different POVs

A break during the test drive allows us to make further assessments of the interior of the Ford Capri.Those who know Volkswagen electric models will recognize the many affinities with models like the ID.5 (the platform is the same):some buttons (many "tactile" and not always practical and intuitive), the gear selector... A problem?Not at all, in fact.

What matters is that the interior as a whole is pleasant.Even after hours of driving, the seats are large and comfortable, there is plenty of space to store objects (even in the hidden and "locked" compartment behind the central display of the infotainment system, perfect for hiding your wallet, mobile phone and car keys. house).Visibility even when maneuvering is always good, perhaps the pillars at the front side of the windshield could have been thinner.

We sat in the back seats:the floor is flat, the space for the feet and legs is ideal, and even if the roof lowers towards the rear the habitability remains good.And how nice it is to discover that, if you open the door while a bike is oncoming (as happened to us), the Capri warns you;the system is called Clear exit warning and it is just one of the functions produced by the 12 ultrasonic sensors, 5 cameras and 3 radar devices, which monitor the space around the car.The space in the trunk?Large, regular, modular with comfortable compartments for storing smaller objects.

More than the "return of an icon", a rational electric car designed for Europe

In short, when tested by facts, the Ford Capri confirmed the first impressions.More than having "resurrected an icon", as Ford has reiterated on more than one occasion, in our opinion Ford has added to its price list an electric car for the family, practical, spacious, sporty (more in appearance than in substance ) but basically designed for the family.In short, an electric car for every day, with good efficiency, adequate autonomy in all versions, suitable for home-work and for the weekend and to be chosen with or without 4x4 traction (for us the 4×2 version is better, more efficient).

And never mind if the original Capri was anything but.Of course, given the controversy on social media, they could have called it Mondeo or Sierra, who knows?In short, they could have chosen a more "neutral" name.But it wouldn't have been talked about that much.On the other hand, if they had actually re-proposed the Capri today, a coupé like the original, with only 2 doors, certainly more fascinating, they wouldn't have sold one.For the (low) numbers of ecological transition of the car, it is not (yet) time for "niche" models.