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’.
MSN are reporting that the car is 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.
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.
Despite PR chiefs from Ford proclaiming that ‘the legend is back,’ motoring writers agree the new version looks nothing like the cult classic of yesteryear.
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?’.’
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.
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.
