13-06-2025
New electric Ford is a great car that is so much more than a name
Forget nostalgia, Ford's Capri EV has a lot to offer
I promised myself I wouldn't waste too many column inches on the naming convention of this really good new EV but after a week in it recently I feel compelled to state its case.
Yes – it doesn't reflect a Capri of old. And yes – I know that Capri was iconic and is cemented in the hearts of car fanatics of a certain age.
But, let's stop getting our long johns in a twist, folks. I found myself being judged on occasion during my test week; both occasions by men in their 50s who considering my purchase criminal.
The Capri EV SUV is a great car
The level of attention received possibly wasn't helped by the fact that my test car was bright yellow, but if I hadn't been in traffic on both occasions, I would have reasoned with them.
Those naïve, and seemingly angry, men don't know how practical and spacious it is. They don't know how many km I can get on a full range. Unless they have seen the ads, they don't know about the new 'Power Promise' from the company that offers buyers a free home charger, an eight-year or 160k km battery warranty, a free five-year service plan and towing assistance if you ever find yourself running on empty.
So, can we please stop? You can own one of these from €45,799 (after grants) and if you did purchase it I would put you up on a pedestal. Not because it is the best car ever. Nope. It is flawed. But because you managed to see through the bullsh*t and take this car for what it is…
Which leads me (finally) onto what this car is all about!
Inside the Capri EV SUV
For starters let's go on looks. Gone is the low-slung, two-door coupé of old and in its place is a far more useful everyday coupé-styled full-electric SUV that has a much higher driving position than you expect.
There isn't an ugly view of this. And while some vantage points aren't as remarkable as they could be, it is an all-around good-looking car.
You can have the Ford Capri either with one motor and rear-wheel drive or…if you opt for the fastest version…two motors and four-wheel drive.
They boast over 600km on a full charge but let's be honest here, you should only rely on 500km max. The 77kWh battery and 282bhp means you can, if you wish, floor it from 0-100kmh in less than six seconds.
The entry-level model comes with a 52kWh battery and still has a not-so-sluggish 168bhp with an official 0-100km/h of 8.7 seconds. Plenty of poke for most family's needs.
The Capri EV SUV is a great car but one which has to live up to an iconic name
Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 13 2025
Under its yellow cloak it is all fairly similar to the larger family member Ford Explorer, so you will recognise many components from VW's ID range, from which they share.
It is a comfortable drive too, (as-standard 12-way electrically adjustable driver's seat) with lots of head room in the front and decent head room in the back. It's worth noting…had the name-hating curmudgeons had their way with the styling here the headroom would be completely sacrificed in the rear.
The Capri handles really well by the way. Which isn't a sexy topic and usually wouldn't even be a consideration for most people's car purchase criteria, but it is notable here.
There is a lot of grip but somehow still remains fun and light and almost playful. Although I will say that my confidence in cornering increased throughout the week as the connection between steering wheel and front wheels isn't obvious at first.
The Capri EV SUV has to live up to an iconic name
One little gripe I had was that the front pillars are chunkier than necessary so visibility, while looking forward is great, is hindered at junctions and while parking.
Luckily though, the Capri is very easy to park thanks to all trims getting front and rear parking sensors as well as a good rear-view camera. You can also add a 360-degree camera at point of purchase.
Like the Explorer, the dash is dominated by 14.6' portrait-mode infotainment touchscreen and is adjustable on a 30-degree arc to reveal hidden storage and reduce any glare.
You get touch-sensitive controls on the centre console (for the stereo volume, for example) but they are a bit fiddly to use.
Like most of its competitors, the Capri comes with a 5.3' digital driver's display but I do think this screen could add more options. It is certainly lagging behind the others in the segment.
A huge win for the car comes in the boot which boasts a capacity of 572ltr, which is even more than its big brother the Explorer. It's also more than the EV6, Tavascan or ID.5.
So, there you have it. It is not perfect, but it is a great car that is worthy of your consideration. Especially with the current PCP deals and the company's new Power Promise. Five little letters shouldn't put you off.
In fact...I've got five new letters for you…B U Y. I T
