Full Load Ahead

The new enhancement programme for the Toyota Proace and Proace City vans has bolstered their competitiveness. Both models continue to offer net load values and maximum load lengths that rank among the best in their class, with new styling and design features that complement their transport capabilities with high levels of comfort, safety, and functionality.

The technological profile of the Proace has been enriched with the addition of a new 10-inch colour multimedia screen, standard on all versions except the basic models, which retain the five-inch screen. Bluetooth connectivity is standard across all models, and higher trims are equipped with a new 10-inch diameter digital instrument cluster. Additionally, all models feature USB-C ports for data and charging, as well as wireless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The My Toyota app provides range information and vehicle status. It also offers maintenance reminders, a "find my car" function, and roadside assistance. My Toyota can be used to lock and unlock the vehicle and activate the climate control remotely. Other features specific to battery electric vehicles include scheduling start and end times for charging, a battery status indicator, and a charging station search engine.

The Proace range marks a significant step forward in terms of safety and driver assistance features compared to previous models. Features that were once optional are now standard, such as the pre-collision system with brake assist, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and road sign recognition. The active safety package also includes adaptive cruise control (from 30 km/h or with optional stop-and-go capability) and intelligent speed adaptation. Other improvements include the installation of front side airbags, a redesigned front bumper for better pedestrian protection, a collapsible steering column, and reinforced structural components.

The diverse needs of customers are met with a variety of vehicle formats. Highlights include medium and long body options (4,983 mm and 5,333 mm, respectively) and a van version with a passenger cabin, featuring an additional second row of seats. The Proace van can comfortably accommodate up to nine passengers, with equipment levels that adapt the vehicle for professional use, family lifestyles, or executive transport.

Two combustion versions of the Toyota Proace are offered: the first with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, delivering 145 horsepower with a six-speed manual gearbox; in petrol, the 1.5-litre engine delivers 120 hp. The Proace City model is available with two 1.5-litre turbodiesel engines: 100 hp with a six-speed manual transmission and 130 hp with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Toyota Proace van has a cargo area volume that reaches a maximum of 6.6 cubic metres with the Smart Cargo system and a net load of 1,400 kilos. When more equipment or goods need to be transported, users have a towing capacity of up to 2,500 kilos. Its height of 1.9 metres allows access to standard parking spaces and makes manoeuvring in congested urban areas easier thanks to the turning radius of 6.2 metres for the medium-length version and 6.4 metres for the long version.

The Proace City version can be configured as a panel van or with a passenger cabin, while the Verso model is a versatile car with space for up to seven occupants for daily commutes or family transport. The Proace City van features ingenious design solutions that increase the available space to 4.4 cubic metres in the long-wheelbase version (with the largest capacity in the segment) and 3.9 cubic metres in the standard wheelbase model. The key to maximising volume is the Smart Cargo system. Building on the larger Proace City's available space extension function, this system uses a foldable passenger seat and a hatch in the rear cabin wall to extend the load length by 1.3 metres to accommodate longer items such as ladders or pipes. The maximum load length can reach up to 4 metres, another category-leading value.

The new Toyota Proace models also offer an electric motor, with 136 hp (100 kW) of power. Models equipped with the 75 kWh battery can cover up to 20 km more, extending the range to 350 km between charges. This level of capacity is more than sufficient for local trips without needing to recharge daily. Additionally, the battery can be recharged in 45 minutes using a fast DC charging point. A 50 kWh battery option is also available.

The battery electric model supports a maximum net load of 780 kilos, while the petrol and diesel versions can carry up to 1,000 kilos, more than any other in the category. Thanks to technical innovations, the Toyota Proace City electric van has seen a 50 km increase in range, reaching 330 km. Through a 100 kW fast DC charging system, the 50 kWh battery can be recharged to 80% in about 30 minutes. Additionally, higher trims feature a heat pump to help warm the cabin without excessively relying on the battery charge, thus preserving the vehicle's range.

The Toyota Proace incorporates a new regenerative braking system that further assists the driver in maximising the vehicle's range. This system captures the kinetic energy generated during deceleration and braking and returns it as electrical energy to charge the battery. The driver can select their level of regenerative braking using paddles behind the steering wheel. They can choose from three levels: light, medium, and strong, which result in different degrees of deceleration when the driver lifts their foot off the accelerator pedal. The higher the level, the more quickly the vehicle slows down and the more energy is recovered.

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