- Motoring experts say new model bears little resemblance to classic namesake
Ford has brought back the Capri. But anyone expecting a brash two-door coupe with a long bonnet and defiantly high fuel consumption is in for a disappointment.
The ‘working man’s Porsche’ has become yet another chunky electric SUV.
And many motoring experts are not impressed – despite Ford PR chiefs proclaiming that ‘the legend is back’.
Returning as an electric SUV, the Capri is a Capri in name only, say critics.
Motorists of a certain age will look at the ultra-modern and brightly coloured 2024 model – being promoted by Manchester United legend Eric Cantona in a publicity blitz – and scratch their heads in bemusement at the vehicle in front of them.
Ford has revived its ‘Capri’ but car enthusiasts are likely to be disappointment at its lack of resemblance to its classic namesake
Anyone expecting a brash two-door coupe with a long bonnet is in for a disappointment
The new ‘Capri’ is a chunky SUV which experts say is a Capri in name only
Despite the lukewarm reception, Ford PR chiefs have nonetheless declare that ‘the legend is back’
The much-loved two-door Capri of the 70s and early 80s had a distinctive style of its own
For the much-loved two-door Capri of the 70s and early 80s had a distinctive style of its own.
The long sleek bonnet and sporty appearance captured the imagination and had a certain glamour.
TV tough guys Bodie (Lewis Collins) in the Professionals and Terry (Dennis Waterman) in Minder drove one, as did Del Boy (David Jason) in the comedy classic Only Fools and Horses.
Top Gear‘s online reviewer wrote: ‘Fair odds that anyone over 40, upon seeing Ford’s new interpretation of the Capri, will spend five minutes simply saying ‘that’s not a Capri though is it?’.’
Mike Bubbins, comedian and actor, wrote on X: ‘Dear Ford Motor Company, I don’t know what on earth your latest model is supposed to be, but I know what it’s not. It’s not a Ford Capri.’
The Capri had a certain glamour with its long sleek bonnet and sporty appearance
A yellow classic Capri parked on a cliff edge. Motoring experts have complained that the new model looks nothing like its classic namesake
The one millionth Ford Capri rolled off the production line at the Saarlouis factory in Germany in 1973
Motoring Nomad commented on X: ‘This is the new Ford Capri, looking absolutely nothing like a Capri… stop ruining classic names by trying to cash in on them please, Ford!’
The original Capri appeared in 1969 and became as much a part of 1970s culture as bell- bottom trousers and disco music, its sleek shape, powerful engines and relatively modest price making a best-seller.
A Mark II arrived in 1974 and the final Mark III was made from 1978 to 1986.
TV tough guys Bodie (Lewis Collins) in the Professionals and Terry (Dennis Waterman) in Minder both drove one.
In 1969 a Capri cost as little as £890 – about £11,000 now. The ultra-modern namesake – packed with technology and being promoted by Manchester United legend Eric Cantona – has a starting price of £42,000.
Murat Gueler, chief designer for Ford Europe, said using an ‘iconic name that has the coolness factor’ was a sure way to get a buyer’s attention.
He said: ‘How do you get a buyer’s attention? You can get it through adding LEDs and go nuts on the design, or you can go with this: an iconic name that has the coolness factor and then something relatively simple design-wise.
‘That’s why we’re very confident [the Capri] will stand out from the masses.’
Today’s Capri has models costing £42,075, £48,075 and £56,175.
Packed with the latest tech, rather than a dodgy cassette player, the electric car has a range of between 250 and 390 miles.
The original Capri became a 1970s bestseller thanks to its modest price, sleek shape and powerful engines
A blue Ford Capri II. In 1969 a Capri cost as little as £890
Murat Gueler, the chief designer for Ford Europe said the company was confident the new model would ‘stand out from the masses’
A 1962 Ford Consul Capri on display at the Queen Elizabeth country park in 2010
An olive green 1972 Ford Capri. Instead of cassette players, the new SUVs will have the latest tech and a range of between 250 and 390 miles
Whatever the sales they are unlikely to capture the imagination like the original Capri.
Back in the day it was sold under the slogan ‘the car you always promised yourself’ and up until production ceased in 1986 a total of 1.9 million rolled off the production line.