Forbidden Fruit: The 2024 Ford Capri

Imagine a car company taking the name of a legendary two-door pony car and putting it on a four-door electric crossover.  That would never happen, right?

Ford is taking the script from the Ford Mustang Mach-E to Europe, only their version is called the Capri.

The Ford Capri was a fastback coupe sold in Europe form 1968 - 1987. The model was a legendary performer, even used by police as pursuit vehicles in the UK and by the Autobahnpolizei in the German state of Nord Rhine-Westphalia where they were built.  These were also sold as the Mercury Capri, though without Mercury badging, from 1970-1978.

For 2024, the Ford Capri is back, though now as a four-door crossover hatchback. The Capri is built in partnership with Volkswagen and rides on VW's MEB platform, the same underpinnings as the Volkswagen ID.4.

The Capri will come either as a 282 horsepower rear-wheel drive or 335 horsepower all-wheel drive model. Both are considered "extended range" however that's where things get complicated.  The 282 horsepower rear wheel drive model has a smaller battery and a European WLTP test range of 390 miles (knock 15% - 20% off that if you are translating to EPA) while the 335 all-wheel drive model has a larger battery and faster charging speed, but shorter range of 368 miles WLTP. Potentially helping range in colder climates, both trims are available with an optional heat pump HVAC system.

Opting for the Premium model gains a buyer more than just more power. There is also an upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system, ambient lighting, a hands-free tailgate, and 20-inch wheels upgraded from 19s.

Like its Mach-E distant cousin, the Capri gets a vertical tablet style center control unit for HVAC and infotainment. Unfortunately, that means that most controls are touch rather than physical buttons.

And same as Grandpap Capri, it will be built in Cologne, Germany. Current exchange rates suggest that it would be priced in the low to mid $60,000 range if sold here as an import, an unlikely scenario with the Mustang Mach-E selling well below that price.

Ford is saying the Capri won't be sold in the U.S., but we think that's a shame. If they could manufacture it here, they would sell the wheels off them at the right price point.