IF you're a driver of a certain age, the name Capri will evoke images of a flashy but affordable coupe with penchant for hanging out its tail.

Well, that was the super-popular Ford Capri of the 1970s. With a three-litre, six cylinder up front it was guaranteed to provide cheap thrills. Of course, there were also slower, even cheaper (somewhat boring) versions in the range.

Reborn last year, the current incarnation couldn't be more different. For a start, instead of a snarling six-pot the new car is all electric. While there are a few styling cues borrowed form the classic version, it's now a roomy, high-riding SUV with the usual five doors.

Priced from around £37,000 (including the electric car grant) up to more than £50,000 for the extended range, four-wheel-drive model, it battles for sales with the likes of Polestar, Kia EV6, Cupra Tavascan and VW ID, plus a bevy of Chinese BEVs.

We sampled the Premium rear drive Extended Range which packs 283bhp and is propelled by a 77kWh battery giving it a useful capacity of a claimed 370 miles.

With generous power, it's hardly surprising acceleration is rapid. 62mph comes up in a swift six seconds and the linear impetus continues way beyond the legal limit. It's exceptionally silent and unflustered with just a murmur from the fat low-profile tyres, dependent on the road surface. As with all BEVs, transmission is single speed automatic with the selector being an arm off the steering wheel.

Slightly larger than its Explorer sister, the Capri is particularly roomy with ample space for five, helped in the back by a flat floor. Front seats are big and supportive with electric adjustment for the driver's seat.

Head and legroom all round is better than average and the boot can swallow up 572litres of luggage (1,505litres with rear seats folded). An electric tailgate lift is standard on the Premium model as is a glass panoramic fixed roof.

The cabin is uncluttered but dominated by the large, central touchscreen. Fascia materials and furnishings are high grade though somewhat sombre. There's an overall impression of quality and longevity which should particularly appeal to families.

An irritation is the window lift operation. Only two buttons are provided to raise or lower the four side windows resulting in regular confusion.

Ford has long been justly praised for building cars with dynamic handling and the Capri is no exception. It corners and handles nicely with the proviso that the driver is aware of its substantial weight - it's a 2.2 tonne vehicle - a factor that inevitably reduces the fun factor during enthusiastic cornering.

Steering is on the light side and can be affected by rippled road surfaces. A tad more ‘feel' would be appreciated. It remains confident and secure in wet or slippery conditions.

Long distance drivers or those whose homes down have wall chargers will appreciate the Capri's fast charging capability. It can recharge from 10 to 80 per cent in less than half an hour with a peak speed of 185kW.

Solid yet practical and quite stylish in an individual way, the Capri may not win over traditionalists but it's likely to have strong appeal to young families who may have previously been attracted by a German premium brand.

£48,015

77kWh, 283bhp, electric motor driving front wheels via automatic gearbox

111mph

6.4sec

370 miles

30

0

3%

3yrs/60,000 miles

4.4