Toyota has officially introduced the new Proace City, which is priced from £18,386 and marks its entry into the compact van sector.
Joining the established Proace medium-duty van, Hilux pick-up and Land Cruiser Commercial, the Proace City will significantly grow the manufacturer’s CV proposition; Toyota says it will now cover 80% of the national light commercial vehicle market.
Key features of the new model include claimed best-in-class load-carrying capabilities and high-equipment specifications that mean it’s also being targeted at customers who need business transport that doubles as a mobile office. Toyota also says residual values are expected to be strong, in line with those achieved by the Proace medium-duty van.
It’s also backed by Toyota Professional, Toyota’s new programme of services for its new and established LCV customers.
The Proace City line-up will offer five models from launch, covering panel vans in short (4,403mm) and long (4,753) body styles. All can carry two Europallets in the easy-access load area, with slide-opening side doors and twin side-hinged rear doors that open to 180 degrees. Load area is 3.3m3 for the short body version and 3.9m3 for the long and the payload is up to one tonne. It also has a 1.5-tonne towing capability, said to be class-leading.
On-board space can also be maximised with the clever Smart Cargo feature (standard on Icon, 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.
Engine line-up brings two 1.5-litre diesel powertrains in 75 and 100hp variants. Fuel economy details are yet to be revealed but both offer stop-start to support fuel economy and lower emissions. Maintenance schedules are up to 25,000 miles/two years and the models get Toyota’s five-year/100,000-mile manufacturer warranty along with a five-year roadside assistance package.
Active entry-level models bring equipment specification including air conditioning, automatic headlights, heated, power-adjustable door mirrors, one-touch power windows, twin sliding side doors, 180-degree-opening rear doors, DAB audio with USB port and Bluetooth, full-size spare wheel, rubber floor covering in cargo area and a full metal bulkhead.
Icon upgrades this with a multimedia system with eight-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Smart Cargo system, three front seats, automatic wipers, electronic parking brake, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control with speed limiter, front fog lights and cornering lights.
Add-on packages include an optional safety pack for Icon models with a Pre-Collision System, Road Sign Assist, Lane Departure Alert and a “coffee cup” alert that recommends the driver take a break if they have spent a long time at the wheel.
Deliveries start in May 2020.
