Toyota ProAce - Triple Strike

Toyota's new van debuts on the market. This is a structure developed jointly with the PSA concern, which has extensive experience in this market segment. Is that enough to make the ProAce van a success?

Toyota has been in the van market since 1967. It was then that the HiAce model debuted. From the very beginning, it had an engine mounted under the cab, and this is how it got to Europe. In the 90s, changes in the rules forced Toyota to make changes in this regard. Under the well-known name HiAce, a van was shown with an engine in the front of the cabin. The problem is that in addition to the Scandinavian markets, where the car took a dominant position in its segment, drivers from other countries of the Old Continent underestimated the Japanese van. Developing a new front-engined model at current sales levels would be disadvantageous, so Toyota decided to take the step that other manufacturers have long taken by signing a collaboration agreement covering the design and production of an entirely new model. . The choice fell on PSA, which ended its cooperation with Fiat in this segment.

We are talking about the MDV (Medium Duty Van) segment, that is, medium-sized vans. The PSA concern has been present in it since 1994 with the Peugeot Expert and Citroen Jumpy models. The Toyota badge appeared on the second generation of these cars in 2013, and the car was named PROACE. But only now we can say that we are dealing with a real Toyota van. This is the third generation of the French MDV, in the development of which the engineers of the largest automobile concern in the world took an active part.

flexible van

To understand the size of the model we are dealing with, the best way to illustrate this is by comparing it to the competition. Ford Transit Custom is offered with two wheelbases (293 and 330 cm) and two body lengths (497 and 534 cm) to choose from, which makes it possible to pack 5,36 and 6,23 m3 of cargo, respectively. The Volkswagen Transporter also has two wheelbases (300 and 340 cm) and two body lengths (490 and 530 cm), resulting in a volume of 5,8 and 6,7 m3 with a low roof. The high roof increases the cargo space by 1,1 m3.

What will be the new answer to this? PROACE? For direct combat, Toyota offers two models with one wheelbase (327 cm) and two body lengths (490 and 530 cm), named with a little sophistication: Medium and Long. They offer 5,3 and 6,1 m3 respectively of cargo space, which, however, can be increased by a special hatch in the bulkhead separating the triple cabin from the hold (Smart Cargo system). By folding down the passenger seat and lifting the tailgate, you get an additional 0,5 m3. The roof is exceptionally low, like a Ford.

But Toyota has something else up its sleeve. This is the third version of the body, which is not offered by competitors. It's called Compact and is the smallest version of the ProAce case. The wheelbase is 292 cm and the length is 460 cm, resulting in a carrying capacity of 4,6 m3 of cargo or 5,1 m3 in a single passenger road train. This offer is addressed to customers who are currently looking for an extended version of a small van, such as the Ford Transit Connect L2 (up to 3,6 m3) or the Volkswagen Caddy Maxi (4,2-4,7 m3). More roomy ToyOta ProAce Compact is shorter than these models (by 22 and 28 cm, respectively), and in addition, its turning circle is almost a meter smaller (11,3 m), which makes it more convenient in urban areas.

There is a wide sliding door on the side of the body, through which, in the Medium and Long versions, you can pack a Euro pallet into the machine. Nota bene, there are three of them in the last one. At the rear are double doors that can be opened 90 degrees or unlocked 180 degrees, and in the Long version even 250 degrees. Optionally, you can order a tailgate that opens up. Toyota ProAc it is available both with a built-in landing gear and in combined passenger versions, traditionally known as the Verso. The carrying capacity of the car is, depending on the version, 1000, 1200 or even 1400 kg.

The charm of French diesels

Under the hood, one of two PSA diesel engines can run. These are well-known units, marked in Peugeot and Citroen with the BlueHDi symbol, complying with the Euro 6 standard. The younger one has a volume of 1,6 liters and is offered in two power options: 95 and 115 hp. The former is paired with a five-speed gearbox, the latter with a six-speed manual. What is important, the weakest equipment is by no means the most economical, the engine is 20 hp more powerful. consumes an average of 5,1-5,2 l / 100 km, which is half a liter less than the base unit.

The larger engine has a displacement of 2,0 liters and is offered in three power options: 122, 150 and top 180 hp. For the first two, a six-speed manual transmission is standard, the most powerful version is necessarily compatible with a six-speed automatic. When ordering the Medium or Long version, a 2.0 engine with 122 or 150 hp is recommended. Only they guarantee a maximum load capacity of 1,4 tons. The average fuel consumption for both specifications is 5,3 l/100 km, unless you order a weaker version without the Start&Stop system, in which case it is 5,5 l.

The drive has been moved to the front axle, but customers looking for a car adapted to slightly more difficult conditions will not leave without a ticket. The Toyota ProAce can be ordered with 25mm more ground clearance and Toyota Traction Select. This is an ESP system with programmed settings for driving on snow (up to 50 km/h), mud (up to 80 km/h) and sand (up to 120 km/h). The chassis must be strong, as Toyota engineers, not PSA, were responsible for its design.

Working with ProIce

When you get into the cockpit, you see that the instruments, like all electronics, are the work of the French. The watch is very good for a delivery vehicle and has a large and readable on-board computer screen. The factory panel of the radio and air conditioner is located in the center of the dashboard. Everything is clear and easy to use. The materials are, as you'd expect, strong, but appear to be reasonably resistant to the rigors of heavy use. There are many small shelves in front of the driver and passengers, but only small things will fit on them. However, there is no larger shelf, for example, for documents. True, the passenger seat can be folded down, turning it into a mobile office, but if the driver is not traveling alone, this is a problem.

During the first trips, we had the opportunity to check how the car behaves under load on the road. True, 250 kg can hardly be considered a serious test, but with two people on board it gave some idea. In truth, there are no big differences compared to an empty ride, the suspension works properly in all conditions and does not create large vibrations transmitted to the body. The Medium version with the smaller 1.6 engine is a car that is great for short to medium distances, maneuvering is really easy, although the clutch operation takes some getting used to.

Incomplete Range

Currently, every major player in the market is trying to offer the widest possible range of delivery models. For example, the PSA concern has four sizes of vans, and Ford adds a pickup to a similar offer. Volkswagen, Renault, Opel, Renault and Fiat and even the pricier Mercedes all offer at least three van sizes. Toyota's offering looks rather modest in this context, with just a pickup truck and a single van not enough to incentivize companies looking for a diversified model offering. But the situation is not bad, as small companies may be interested in the model. PROACE. It’s tempting - a three-year warranty with a limit of 100 40. km, a service interval of two years with a limit of thousand km and an extensive Toyota service network.