SPACE ACE?(some text hidden)

By Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review word count: 45

The second generation version of Toyota's Proace mid-sized van gets a thorough update, with smarter looks, a more connected cabin and an EV variant capable of longer range. There's also a stronger-value model line-up and a rejuvenated 'Toyota Professional Centre' dealer network. It's all good.

Background word count: 138

The Proace used to be Toyota's lone offering to LCV customers, a mid-sized model usually forgotten about because it's long been merely a borrowed design. Today, things are a little different. For a start, that borrowed second generation design, first launched with Proace badging in 2016, is a lot better. And it can these days be part of a proper Toyota LCV fleet, with the arrival of the smaller Proace City model in 2018 and the larger Proace Max in 2024. All three of these vans can be had in full-EV form: in fact, the Proace Electric was the first Toyota EV of any kind. And they're sold by a rejuvenated 'Toyota Professional Centre' LCV sales network that can now brief you on the thoroughly revised version of the MK2 Proace that we're going to look at here.

Driving Experience word count: 218

As before, the Proace is primarily available with a range of four cylinder diesel engines. If your requirements are mainly based around lighter loads and short distance urban work, then the entry-level 118bhp 1.5-litre diesel may be quite sufficient. For heavier payloads and longer journeys however, you'll be needing the 2.0-litre 142bhp model which, like the feebler variant uses a 6-speed manual gearbox. If you do feel the need for more power, then there's also a 174bhp 2.0-litre diesel unit which uses an 8-speed auto transmission. The EV alternative, the Proace Electric, offers a 136PS motor generating 260Nm of torque and energised by a now-larger 75kWh Stellantis-sourced battery that when fully charged can offer up to 213 miles of range (8 miles more than before). A smaller 50kWh battery is also available. Across the Proace range, the driving position, though not as lofty as in some rival models, nevertheless affords a decent view up the road and is comfortable on the move. That relaxed approach also extends to the electro-hydraulically-assisted power steering. You'll appreciate its lightness around town though, where this van is impressively manoeuvrable for its size, with a tight turning circle. The low stance and the big front overhang can initially make parking a bit tricky, though rearward vision is helped hugely by huge door mirrors.