Ford Capri Test

Ford’s decision to revive the iconic Capri nameplate with an all-electric SUV has stirred mixed emotions. Those old enough to remember the original Ford Capri, which launched over 50 years ago, still reminisce about its sporty coupe design. It was a car that embodying the spirit of the 60s and 70s. Fast forward to 2025, and the new Capri couldn’t be further from its roots—yet, name plate aside, it stands as a comfortable, modern, and practical addition to Ford’s electric vehicle (EV) line-up. While the design might not evoke the same excitement as the classic, the Capri is undeniably a solid all-rounder.

Step inside, and the 2025 Ford Capri offers a spacious, well-crafted cabin that emphasizes comfort and practicality. The front seats are plush, and the interior feels bright and airy, aided by a large 14.6-inch touchscreen and ample headroom. However, taller passengers in the back may find the sloping roofline a little restrictive, especially when it comes to headspace, though legroom remains generous.

Ford has worked hard to ensure the cabin is practical. The new Capri features a good mix of storage options, including the large boot with up to 572 litres of space. When the rear seats are folded down, this expands to a whopping 1,510 litres—more than enough for family trips or large shopping hauls. Although the interior is functional and spacious, it lacks the flair or excitement one might expect from a car that carries the Capri name. The design is somewhat utilitarian, with a focus on practicality over style; it feels very…Volkswagen!

The Capri’s driving experience is one of its strongest suits. Built on the same platform as the Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5, it benefits from a solid foundation, but Ford has managed to inject a little more personality into its driving dynamics. The Capri rides well, offering a smooth and composed drive, even over rough roads. While not a sports car, the Capri offers better handling and road feel than its Volkswagen counterparts, with a more engaging drive that will satisfy most drivers looking for comfort without sacrificing performance.

Two battery options are available. The rear-wheel-drive 52kWh varient delivers 286 horsepower, with a WLTP range of 391km. The model I tested was equipped with a competitive 77 kWh battery giving the car a claimed range of up to 627 km in the higher-end variants. While this is impressive on paper, as with most EVs, real-world range can vary depending on driving conditions and usage; 580km was the best I managed. Nonetheless, the Capri is more than capable of handling long journeys without needing constant recharging. It comfortably took me from Trim to Wexford town and back.

Charging times are also competitive, with the RWD model supporting DC fast charging at 135 kW, allowing for a 10-80% charge in around 28 minutes. The AWD version charges even faster, supporting 185 kW, making long road trips a breeze with minimal stops.

Inside, the Capri is well-equipped with modern technology. The standout feature is the 14.6-inch touchscreen that dominates the centre console, offering crisp graphics and intuitive controls for navigation, media, and climate settings. However, Ford has opted for a minimalist approach with few physical buttons, relying heavily on the touchscreen. While this might be in line with modern trends, it could prove to be less user-friendly, particularly when trying to make quick adjustments on the move.

Standard tech features across the range include adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, a rear-view camera, and LED lighting. Higher trims, such as the Premium, add more luxury touches, including a panoramic glass roof, an upgraded sound system, and powered tailgate. Overall, the tech is good but not ground-breaking.

Ford has made some subtle nods to the original Capri, including the rounded rear windscreen and the four-headlight design. However, the overall styling is rather subdued and lacks the wow factor one might expect from a car bearing the iconic Capri badge. The design is clean and modern but somewhat generic, with the car’s proportions and sleek lines not doing enough to make a bold statement in an increasingly crowded EV market.

While the design doesn’t carry the same emotional punch as the original, it is undoubtedly functional, and many will appreciate its understated elegance. However, those hoping for a visually striking return of the Capri will likely be disappointed by the lack of excitement in its styling.

In many ways, the new Ford Capri is a perfectly competent and well-rounded electric SUV. I just can’t help but think that the “new Mondeo” might have been a more apt name. Pricing starts from €45,799 for the 52kWH version in Select trim. The 77kWh Premium version starts from €50,990.