“A product that ticks all the boxes when it comes to customers’ priorities for a vehicle that can do the job, without a question,” is how Toyota has described its competitor in the crucial compact van segment, its Proace City.
“That goes for load volume, load length and payload performance,” a spokesperson highlighted in a statement as it pointed to its ability to serve as a mobile office and a means of transport.
“The diesel powertrain on offer is among the most efficient in the model’s segment across the board, in terms of both fuel economy and CO2 emissions – performance that contributes to Proace City’s strong cost-of-ownership profile.”
According to Toyota, the van is available in standard (4,403mm) and long (4,753mm) forms – the latter being both longer overall and having a longer wheelbase (2,975 vs 2,785mm) and respective load volumes are 3.3 and 3.9m3.
Towing ability & transporting items
Moreover, Proace City also has a towing ability, hauling loads of up to 1.2 tonnes with a braked trailer.
The vehicle is available with either two individual front seats or a driver’s seat and two-seat bench.
The Smart Cargo system uses a folding outer passenger seat and a hatch in the bulkhead to gain an extra 0.4m3 of load space and to increase maximum load length by 1.3m.
You can transport items such as ladders and piping with ease, and you can fold up the passenger seatback closest to the driver to form a desktop.
Proace City is available with a 101bhp 1.5-litre diesel unit – badged 100hp – with five-speed manual transmission.
According to Toyota, WLTP combined test cycle data indicates CO2 emissions from 148 to 160g/km and 46.31 to 50.44 mpg for the standard-length model; and 150 to 160g/km and 46.31 to 49.56mpg for the long version and fuel combined WLTP of 5.4L/100km.
In early 2022, Toyota introduced a “new, more powerful” 129bhp version of the engine (badged 130hp), with initially with a six-speed manual transmission.
Maintenance schedules, a spokesperson explained, are up to 25,000 miles/two years, and all new Proace City vans come with up to 10 years’ Toyota Relax warranty cover.
Some features:
- Active safety and driver assistance systems found on passenger cars – driver warned of imminent collision risks and given automatic, immediate support to help avoid an accident or lessen the consequences if an impact happens;
- Toyota Safety Sense package: – optional on Icon models, standard on design grade – includes a pre-collision system, road sign assist, lane departure alert and a ‘coffee cup’ driver fatigue alert that recommends the driver take a break if they have spent a long time at the wheel;
- Reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors;
- Audio and smartphone functions: 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bluetooth and USB connections;
- Satellite navigation;
- 16 different storage points around the cabin, ranging from a small coin holder and cup holders to a 15-litre space in the centre console.
Price
According to Toyota’s website, indicative prices for its Proace City start from €24,085 (including VAT) or €359/month with finance available.
More farming news from Catherina Cunnane, farming journalist.
