SET FOR THE CITY (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 68

Until the launch of this Proace City model, Toyota was competing in just 40% of the LCV market, so the launch of this compact van in 2018 was hugely important for the brand. Its practical attributes are the same as those of the PSA/Stellantis Group LCV models whose design it shares, but the warranty from new was better, as might be the dealer service that comes with it.

Modelsword count: 8

Van - 1.5 diesel / EV [Active, Icon])

Historyword count: 190

Back in 2018, Toyota didn't have much of a history in making compact vans but the brand needed one if it was to grow its share of the LCV market. By then, the Japanese maker was already sharing engineering with the French PSA Group to create its mid-sized Proace van, so it made sense to also borrow that Gallic conglomerate's design for a smaller model, which is what brought us this Proace City. All the things that really matter about the Proace City are the same as you'll find in the small LCVs from this period whose design is shares - the Peugeot Partner, the Citroen Berlingo, the Vauxhall Combo Cargo and (from 2022) the Fiat Doblo. But here, those established ingredients were delivered with Toyota's strong equipment levels and comprehensive warranty, plus what the brand hoped was more appealing packaging. An all-electric version of this model joined the diesel versions in 2020 (Toyota's first ever electric vehicle) and both variants sold in this form until late 2023, when the brand introduced a thorough facelift (and an MPV Verso EV version). It's the pre-facelift van models we look at here.

What You Getword count: 351

Sharp, beaky styling distinguishes this Proace City van from its PSA/Stellantis design stablemates that sit on the same stiff, sophisticated EMP2 platform. Like those LCV cousin models, it's available in a choice of short or long body lengths. And as with those vans, there's no option when it comes to roof height. What you get inside will be influenced quite a lot by your choice of trim. The plusher 'Icon' version gets a three-seater arrangement with a middle passenger seat backrest that folds down to create a desk top. 'Icon'-spec also gets you a 'Smart Cargo system' - basically a flap in the bulkhead that allows longer items to be pushed through from the load area, increasing load length by 1.3m for things like ladders. The base 'Active'-spec did without this feature (except as an option) and has two separate front seats. With both versions, there is no lack of storage space in the cab: 16 storage points, these including a 15-litre area in the centre console. There are plenty of connectivity features too. The load bay dimensions are the same for both diesel and EV and are perfectly in line with the segment, with a length of 4,403mm for the 'short' version ensuring an optimum effective usable length of 1.81m and a 3.3m3 capacity, sufficient to accommodate two Euro pallets. There are slide-opening side doors and twin side-hinged rear doors that open to 180 degrees. Plus the payload is up to one tonne. The 'long' version, which is 4,753mm long, provides even greater load capacity - 3.9m3. Yet more space can be freed up with the clever Smart Cargo feature (which was standard on Icon, but an option on Active grade). This uses a folding front passenger bench to add an extra 0.4m3, while also increasing the maximum load length by 1.3m. Payload varies from 936-982kgs with the diesel and from 651kg to 759kg with the EV (the higher figures being for the L1 body shape). On the move in the diesel, an engine stop-start function supports fuel economy and lower emissions. Maintenance schedules are up to 25,000 miles/two years.

To see the full road test text contact us on 0330 0020 227