Ford Capri | |
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1989–1992 Ford Capri (SA) convertible, with optional removable hardtop roof
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Ford Australia |
Also called | Mercury Capri |
Production | 1989–1994 |
Assembly | Australia: Campbellfield, Victoria |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Sports roadster |
Body style | 2-door convertible |
Layout | FF layout |
Related | Mazda 323 |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 1.6 L B6-2E I4 1.6 L Turbo B6T I4 |
Transmission | 3-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,405 millimetres (94.7 in) |
Length | 4,219 millimetres (166.1 in) |
Width | 1,641 millimetres (64.6 in) |
Curb weight | 1,048–1,130 kg (2,310–2,491 lb) |
The Ford Capri (SA30) is an automobile which was produced by Ford Australia from 1989 to 1994. The launch of the car marked a revival of the Ford Capri name, previously used by Ford of Europe from 1969 to 1986.
The Australian Capri, codenamed the SA30, was an entry-level convertible, based on Mazda 323 engines and mechanicals that Ford Australia had also used in the Laser. It had a body shell designed by Ghia and an interior by ItalDesign. During development of the Capri, Mazda was developing the MX-5, a vehicle that, although considerably more expensive, was commonly considered its direct competitor.
The Australian-built Capri was intended primarily for export to the US. Exports began in 1991, as the Mercury Capri. When the car was new, it had a poor reputation for reliability, although many still exist today perhaps due to the mechanical robustness of the Laser/323 upon which it was based. In particular, the Capri's roof was prone to leaking, due to poor-quality materials being used; although Ford quickly resolved the issue, the car's poor reputation stuck. As a result, the MX-5 was comfortably more popular, particularly as that car was rear-wheel-drive, and enthusiasts were skeptical about the front-wheel-drive arrangement that the Capri used.
Two models were initially offered in the Capri's range: a base model, with a 1.6 L B6-2E SOHC inline-4 engine that produced 61 kW (82 hp; 83 PS), and a turbocharged model, which used the 1.6 L B6T DOHC inline-4, which produced 100 kW (134 hp; 136 PS). The base model was available with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 3-speed automatic transmission, whilst the turbocharged model only had the manual gearbox. In 1990, the naturally-aspirated 1.6 L B6D DOHC unit, which produced 75 kW (101 hp; 102 PS), was added to the range, and this was the only engine available in 1991.