Elektrische Neuauflagen im Duell: Ford Capri trifft auf Smart #3

Ford Capri vs. Smart #3: A First Look at Electric Cars

Does the Capri still retain its essence and is the Smart still living up to its name?

Talk of electric crossover coupes is becoming more common, and among the latest to hit the scene are the Smart #3 and the Ford Capri. These models, similar in size and shape, are catching the eyes of younger consumers with their sleek designs.

The latest Ford Capri is rolling off the production lines in Cologne, yet it shares no common features with its namesake predecessors. This model emerges as the sleek sibling to the Ford Explorer and also utilizes the MEB platform from the Volkswagen Group, similar to the Volkswagen ID.4. Meanwhile, the Smart #3 is being produced in China through a collaborative effort between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, tapping into the SEA platform also found in the Volvo EX30. Today, we're sizing them up side by side on the specs sheet.

Exterior

In terms of aesthetics, both the Ford Capri and the smart #3 have been envisioned and crafted as more vigorous iterations of two models that have been available for several months, specifically the new Ford Explorer and the smart #1.

Regarding appearance, the initial key disparities between the two vehicles become evident. The Ford is designed with crisp, angular contours reminiscent of the brand's iconic models from the 1960s and 1970s, in contrast to the Smart car, which boasts the brand's signature rounded shapes.

Upcoming Ford Capri Model Set for 202

Intelligent Model Number 3

The body of the Ford Capri features a front section highlighted by two full-LED headlights with a dual light signature, a design element intended to evoke memories of the circular headlamp duo from the Capri models of the previous century.

At the same time, the profile was designed to echo the silhouette of the coupe born in 1969, with the designers particularly adopting the window line and the arch of the C-pillar with the additional window.

Upcoming Ford Capri Model for 2024

Intelligent Number Three, Year

The Smart #3, on the other hand, adopts a completely different design approach. It's about 23 cm shorter, featuring a front end that echoes the design cues of its sibling, the #1 model, complete with sharply styled LED headlights and a highly aerodynamic bumper.

In this case, the roofline has been significantly lowered in comparison to the previous model, a design element that gives the car a more distinct coupe-like profile than the competitor being evaluated. However, this comes at the expense of cargo space, a compromise that will become apparent as we discuss the loading capacity.

Interior

The variances between the two vehicles extend to the interior, impacting not just the aesthetic but also the onboard technology.

The dashboard of the Ford Capri features a digital instrument panel with a 5.3-inch screen, a size consistent with other vehicles built on Volkswagen Group's MEB platform. Additionally, there's an option to pair this with various special package offerings that include a roughly 10-inch head-up display.

More on Ford and Smart:

Central to the dashboard is a sizable 14.6-inch touchscreen that serves as the hub for the infotainment system. This technology is not exclusive to electric vehicles but is also utilized across various Ford models, encompassing the full range of the company's connectivity services.

The dashboard of the Capri is void of physical buttons. Adjustments are made predominantly through the screen or via the limited buttons located on the steering wheel spokes.

The Interior of the 2024 Ford Capri

The interior of the smart #3 presents a completely different design, starting with the main screen which adopts a more "conventional" approach, featuring a horizontal layout and measuring 12.8 inches diagonally. This display comes standard paired with a 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster situated in front of the driver. Only the higher-end models offer this setup alongside an expansive 10.25-inch head-up display.

Both cars offer ample space in the rear as well as the front. However, that's not all. Standard for both models are premium trims for the dashboard and seats, along with an array of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS). Additionally, the Ford model has the option of adding various extra packages.

Intelligent model #3, set for release in 2024

Regarding the trunk space, the Ford Capri takes the lead with its naturally squared-off rear and an additional length of about 23 cm.

The SUV built on Germany's MEB platform boasts a substantial cargo space of 572 liters when set up with five seats. This space can be expanded to 1,510 liters by folding down the rear seats.

On the other hand, the #3 has a cargo capacity limited to 370 liters, a volume that can expand to 1,160 liters once the seats are folded down. Unlike the Capri, it also features a front trunk ("Frunk") with a 15-liter storage capacity.

Optional 5.3-inch Head-up Display available

A heads-up display measuring 9.2 by 10.25 inches is available from the premium version upwards.

Power Systems

Moving on to what propels these vehicles: Each car is equipped with fairly substantial and cutting-edge battery packs, which deliver a reasonably impressive distance capacity.

The Ford Capri comes in three different power options (for detailed specs, please refer to the chart provided at the conclusion): you can choose from 170 horsepower, 286 horsepower, or 340 horsepower models. The first two variants feature rear-wheel drive and a single engine setup, while the most powerful option boasts all-wheel drive and a dual-engine system. Additionally, each model is available with three distinct battery capacities: 52 kWh, 77 kWh, and 79 kWh.

Upcoming 2024 Ford Capri

Intelligent Issue Three, Year

The clever model #3, on the other hand, comes in two power variants: one with a single motor and rear-wheel drive that boasts 272 horsepower, and another with a dual motor and four-wheel drive offering 428 horsepower. Both options come with the same two types of batteries – one is a 49 kWh with LFP chemistry, and the other is a 66 kWh with NMC chemistry.

Range

The stated range (WLTP) for the Ford Capri varies from 627 km to 598 km for the rear-wheel-drive model that boasts 286 horsepower, and from 592 km to 560 km for the all-wheel-drive variant with 340 horsepower. However, the figures for the less powerful 170-horsepower version have not yet been released.

Regarding charging capabilities, the 286-horsepower rear-wheel-drive model supports direct current refueling at a peak power of 135 kW, which increases to 185 kW for the 340-horsepower all-wheel-drive variant.

The 2024 edition of the Ford Capri

Intelligent #3 Brabus Edition for the

The reported range (WLTP) for the smart #3 varies, with the entry-level Pro model capable of 325 km, while the top-tier Premium or 25th Anniversary Edition can achieve up to 455 km. The four-wheel drive, high-performance Brabus variant has a range limit of 415 km.

Regarding charging: The Pro base model, equipped with a smaller battery and LFP chemistry, supports DC charging at a peak rate of 130 kW, whereas the other models with larger batteries and NMC chemistry have a higher maximum charging capacity of 150 kW.

The integrated AC charger has a capacity of 11 kW for all models of the Capri, while the basic Pro version of the smart car comes with a 7.4 kW charger, and the other versions are equipped with a 22 kW charger.

Spanning a distance of 627 kilometers

Depending on the choice of engine, the distance can range up to 570 kilometers.

135 kilowatts or 185 kilow

Depending on the version

ranging from 13.4 kWh per 100 kilometers

approximately 15.8 kilowatt-hours per 100

ranging around 2,098 kilograms

approximately 2,190 kilograms

Spanning a distance of 455 kilometers

Depending on the choice of engine, the distance ranges up to 325 kilometers.

130 kilowatts or 150 kilow

Depending on the version

7.4 kilowatts or 22 kilowatts

Depending on the version

between 16.3 kWh per 100 kilometers

approximately 17.6 kilowatt-hours per 100

between 1,780 kilograms

approximately 1,910 kilograms

Pricing

Starting prices for the Ford Capri on the German market kick off at 51,950 Euros for the 286 horsepower rear-wheel-drive model. Meanwhile, in Italy, the 170 horsepower version is available, with pricing starting from 42,750 Euros.

The cost for the entry-level smart #3, dubbed the Pro and featuring the smallest 49-kWh battery pack with LFP technology, starts at 38,490 euros. Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line, high-performance Brabus variant, boasting 428 horsepower, is priced from a minimum of 50,990 euros.

Most Read

LATEST ARTICLES

LATEST ARTICLES

Regarding this article