The Proace is Toyota's medium range panel van and the improved version of the second generation model is a very competitive proposition. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Background

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

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.

Design and Build

In the unlikely event that you've been a regular user of the previous version of this second generation Proace, you'd certainly recognise this updated model's revised 'family frontal' design. As before, customers have a choice of formats: a van in medium or long body lengths; a Crew Cab with an extra row of seats; and a Platform Cab serving as the basis for bespoke and specialist body types. There's also a Proace Verso MPV version, which can carry up to nine - only now available as a full-EV. Across the range, the windscreen is steeply raked, creating a wedge-shaped front end with huge headlamps. You'll find chunky rubbing strips protecting the flanks, while tail lights are mounted high enough up to help avoid potentially costly parking knocks. Get yourself comfortable and you'll appreciate a firmly upholstered seat that's positioned to suit those who've to jump in and out of their vehicle all the time. The key changes to the cabin lie with a new digital instrument cluster and the addition of a larger 10-inch multimedia centre touchscreen, which includes built-in navigation. There's a smarter leather-trimmed steering wheel too. Avoid base spec and you also get the brand's 'Smart Cargo' loadspace extension system, which allows long items to be poked through for the cargo area. As before, the cabin is robust, functional and spacious, designed to meet the needs of both commercial and private owners. The dashboard features ergonomic switchgear, plus the driving position is car-like and affords excellent visibility, with a short-throw gear lever mounted close to the steering wheel.

Market and Model

Ex-VAT on the road prices start at just under £30,000 for panel van versions of this Proace. There are two body lengths - L1 and L2 - and four trim levels - 'Active', 'Icon', 'Icon Premium' and 'Sport'. The Crew Cab model's offered with the same trim options, but the Platform Cab variant comes only with 'Active' spec. The Electric model starts ex-VAT from around £37,000 - or from around £40,000 for the 75kWh version - and is mainly based around 'Icon'-spec. Even base 'Active' trim gives you a 10-inch multimedia touchscreen, a digital driver's instrument display, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, rear parking sensors and ply-lining in the load space. Advanced safety features include Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Assist, Automatic High Beam and automatic emergency braking with forward collision warning. The mid-range 'Icon' specification introduces the 'Smart Cargo' load space extension system, satellite navigation, a wireless phone charger and 16-inch wheels with full wheel caps. Moving up to 'Icon Premium' adds automatic air conditioning and 17-inch alloy wheels. The top 'Sport' grade gives the Proace extra style with 17-inch black alloy wheels, black door handles and body-coloured bumpers, plus keyless entry and LED front fog lights.

Practicalities and Costs

Proace carriage capacities start at 5.3m3 for the smallest 'L1' model, but you can boost that to 5.8m3 if get a version with the brand's 'Smart Cargo system' which combines an opening front bulkhead with a lifting front passenger seat base mechanism. If you've really big loads to carry, you'll want the 'L2' version, which has a load volume of 6.1m3 (or 6.6m3 with the 'Smart' system). Crew Cab capacity varies between 3.2m3 and 4.0m3, depending on variant. The diesel version's maximum payload is up to 1,375kg and the braked trailer towing capacity is up to 2,300kg. The side door aperture is wide enough for Euro pallets to be loaded. As for running costs, well these are pretty competitive. The base 118bhp model generates CO2 emissions of up to 175g/km with combined cycle fuel economy of up to 39.1mpg. The 2.0-litre 142bhp model produces up to 194g/km and achieves up to 37.6mpg. A 22.5-litre tank of AdBlue ensures the system will work to its optimum capability for about 9,300 miles, with usage varying according to driving style and conditions. If you're looking at the full-battery version, you'll want to know that the Proace Electric can be charged using the standard 7.4kW onboard charger (an 11kW charger is optional). The 75kWh battery can be recharged from 5%-80% in 45 minutes at a 100kW public charging station. All Proace vans are covered by a comprehensive ten-year manufacturer's warranty (valid provided you service the car at a franchised Toyota dealership). The Electric version is additionally covered eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for battery degradation. Those dealerships by the way, are now designated as 'Toyota Professional Centres' and can offer dedicated vehicle maintenance areas and highly trained staff. Five years' roadside assistance is another contribution towards stress-free ownership, providing rapid help any time of the day or night, 365 days a year to get business moving again, or take the vehicle to the nearest Toyota workshop for repairs.

Summary

There's plenty to like about this improved Proace. Thanks to its sophisticated underpinnings, it's light enough to facilitate an impressive set of efficiency stats, while at the same time being tough enough to take the kind of treatment that mid-sized vans must put up with in regular use. The practicalities add up too, especially if you get a version with the 'Smart Cargo' system with its variable front seat layout and configurable bulkhead. As for problems with this LCV, well there aren't too many and they tend to be things that may not bother many potential company buyers very much. It isn't, for example, the sharpest steer in the segment. And some customers could be disappointed that this Toyota can't offer a choice of roof heights. Beyond that though, there's really not too much to complain about. Otherwise, this Proace's main issue probably lies in the fact that much the same package at much the same price is available badged as either a Vauxhall Vivaro, a Fiat Scudo, a Peugeot Expert or a Citroen Dispatch. This Toyota's advantage over these four design stablemates probably lies less in product design and more in the after-sales peace of mind that comes with its class-leading ten year warranty. If that's enough to get you interested in Proace ownership, there's little that'll put you off once one of these is running on your fleet. Vans from this brand have a history of selling to real professionals. Don't expect that to change any time soon.