BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE A TOYOTA PROACE CITY VAN FROM OSV: https://bit.ly/3ma2VpK

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

Background

Toyota doesn't have much of a history in making compact vans but the brand needs one if it's to grow its share of the LCV market. The Japanese maker already shares 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 has 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 whose design is shares - the Peugeot Partner, the Citroen Berlingo and the Vauxhall Combo Cargo. But here, those established ingredients have been delivered with Toyota's strong equipment levels and comprehensive warranty, plus what some might see as more appealing packaging. In short, if your business needs a small but spacious van, this one has all the credentials to merit a place on your prospecting list.

Driving Experience

The Euro6 engine range is made up of 1.5-litre diesel units borrowed from PSA and offered in 75 or 100hp forms. There's a 1.5-tonne towing capability that's un-bettered in the class. There's very little about the handling dynamics of this van that encourage you to push it on in any way at all. Instead, development priority has been given to the creation of a supple quality of ride - something daily drivers will probably appreciate rather more.

The performance stats on offer will be quite sufficient for the daily needs of likely operators - with the 100hp variant anyway, which gets to 62mph in 11.5s en route to 107mph. The base 75hp model is quite a lot slower, managing only 15.8s en route to 94mph. Decent

highway refinement should be possible thanks to the installation of a full-height bulkhead in this cab. Further peace of mind can come with the addition of the extra-cost camera-driven safety kit that can be provided. This model's PSA-derived EMP2 platform enables short overhangs and a small turning circle for easy manoeuvring: the kerb to kerb turning radius is only 10.82m for the smaller 'Short' version and 11.43m for the 'long' variant.

Design and Build

Sharp, beaky styling distinguishes this Proace City van from its PSA 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 fold 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 does 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, according to Toyota, these including a 15-litre area in the centre console. Toyota knows that for business people today, a van often has to serve as a mobile office as well as a means of transport, so there are plenty of connectivity features too.

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