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SPECIAL TOYOTA PROFESSIONAL SUPPLEMENT
Volume 18. No 2. Summer 2021
S PECIAL S UPPLEMENT
Proace Range - Toyota’s trump card!
Toyota Ireland, Killeen Road, Dublin 12. Tel: (01)4190200 Web: www.toyota.ie
TOYOTA Proace range: A complete line-up of Light Commercial Vehicles
Toyota Ireland’s Proace family has grown recently with the arrival of the Proace City model. Offered alongside the Proace, the pair enable Toyota to present an extended offering ranging from panel van to people carrier shuttles.
Introduced in 2016, the second generation Proace marked Toyota’s return to the highly competitive medium duty light commercial segment it once dominated with the Hiace, offering load volumes of 4.6 to 6.1 cubic metres, while the Verso range can accommodate up to 9 passengers. The recently launched Proace City is Toyota’s new small van offering, available with diesel power initially and soon to be joined by an all-electric variant.
Proace
Proace is available in a choice of three body sizes - Compact, Medium and Long. Being 4.6 m long and with a 2.9 m wheelbase, the Compact version offers a remarkable size versus roominess ratio. Despite having a 4.6 to 5.1 cubic metres load compartment volume, its turning circle of only 11.3 metres makes it easy to manoeuvre and park in built-up areas.
The Medium version is 4.9 m long with a 3.2 m wheelbase, while the Long version has the same 3.2 m wheelbase but features an extended rear overhang for greater cargo capacity, increasing overall length to 5.3 m. All variants are 2.2 m wide and 1.9 m high.
A choice of power outputs from the 2.0 litre diesel powertrains and transmissions ensures best-in-class CO2 emissions in the Medium Duty Van (MDV) segment. For increased payloads, both the 122 hp and 150 hp variants of the 2.0-litre turbodiesel, which boast high torque figures of 340 Nm and 370 Nm respectively, are mated to 6-speed manual transmissions. ‘Toyota Safety Sense’, Toyota’s set of active safety technologies designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions across a wide range of traffic situations is provided on the Proace. Combining millimetre-wave radar and camera technology for advanced detection capabilities,
Toyota’s active safety systems include Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Alert, Driver Attention Alert, Road Sign Assist and Intelligent Speed Adaptation, Adaptive Front Lighting, and an Automatic High Beam system. For added reassurance, the people carrier variant has been awarded a 5-star Euro NCAP crash test rating.
Proace is offered with a Smart Cargo system, which combines an opening in the bulkhead with a lifting front passenger seat base to increase the cargo loading length by 116 cm. That gives a maximum cargo length of 3.3 m in the Compact version, while total cargo volume rises to a best-in-class 5.1 cubic metres. Available on all Proace variants, the Smart Cargo system also includes a storage compartment under the central passenger seat base, and a movable desk configuration built into the lowered central seat back which includes a swivelling shelf with a flexible, high grip
tray to securely hold items such as paperwork or a laptop PC.
Fitted with the Smart Cargo system, the Medium version’s maximum cargo length increases from 2.5 to 3.7 m, and total cargo volume rises from 5.3 to 5.8 cubic metres. In the Long version the Smart Cargo system increases maximum cargo length to 4.0 m, and total cargo volume rises to 6.6 cubic metres.
Practicality come with left-and right-hand side sliding rear doors and side hinged, 180 degree opening double rear doors. All three Proace variants, which retail from €25,870, have a maximum payload capacity of up to 1,400 kg, and a towing capacity of up to 2,500 kg.
Proace Verso
Similarly, the Proace Verso is offered to customers with a choice of two body lengths, namely MWB and LWB, enabling this MPV to transport up to 9 passengers comfortably with their luggage. The VIP edition’s high specification levels include unique, user-friendly equipment such as rail-mounted sliding seats, opening rear tailgate glass, foot-operated automatic sliding side doors and a panoramic roof. Safety standards are on a par with the high levels expected of any Toyota passenger car, and the Verso has been awarded 5 stars in the Euro NCAP crash test programme. It is powered by a 2.0-litre 140hp diesel with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Priced at €49,040, Verso VIP comes with left-and right-hand side sliding rear doors and a top-hinged tailgate. Both body length versions are 2.2 m wide and around 1.9 m high. Family grade models may be identified by coloured bumpers, a chrome trim surround to the lower front grille, fog lamps and separate-opening tailgate glass fitted as standard.
On board, the robust, functional and spacious interior has been designed to meet the needs of both private and commercial owners. Comprehensive storage throughout the cabin includes cup-holders and generous door pockets.
Proace City
The arrival of the smaller Proace City significantly strengthens Toyota’s presence in the Irish van market. This compact van offers a wealth of bestin-class load-carrying capabilities and high equipment specifications for the customer who needs their business transport to double as a mobile office.
Joining the Proace medium duty van, Hilux Pick-up and Land Cruiser Commercial in Toyota’s LCV line-up, the addition of the Proace City extends the brand’s reach to 80 per cent of the national light commercial vehicle market. Its arrival also coincides with the launch of Toyota Professional, Toyota’s new programme of services for its new and established LCV customers. 2022 will herald the launch of the Proace City Electric versions which will be available with a 50 kWh lithium-ion battery providing maximum output of 136 hp, ensuring smooth operations in low emission zones.
The new range offers customers a choice of standard (4.4 m) or long (4.75 m) wheelbase variants. Practicality is assured, too, with up to 4.4 m3, plus up to 800 kg payload and 750 kg towing capacity. Notably the EV models match the load capacity of their internal combustion engined siblings. Annual compact EV van sales have doubled since 2017 to almost 20,000 units, with the market growing at a four times faster rate than for medium-duty EV vans. The potential for success with the Proace City Electric is clear. The new models are ideally suited to fleet and small businesses who need capable, reliable transport they can use to access the increasing number of urban low and zero-emission zones, and from customers keen to improve their environmental profile.
With Proace, Proace Verso, Proace City and the forthcoming Proace City Electric, now more than ever Toyota has a van to suit the needs of a very broad range of customers.
A fresh face from a company with a long pedigree has entered the small panel van segment. Having featured in this category some decades back with the Liteace, the new Toyota Proace City has great potential and will broaden Toyota Ireland’s dealer network client base, in the busiest light commercial vehicle sector. It’s been long awaited and compliments the Proace range that eventually replaced the best-selling Hiace.
A load on board the Toyota Proace City
The overall shape of the new Proace City may look familiar to people in the know. It is a co-share production project with the PSA Group that manufactures the Peugeot Partner/Citroën Berlingo and Opel & Vauxhall Combo, an award winning trio that won the International Van of the Year title in 2019, soon after launch. Proace City is produced alongside these multi-brand units at PSA’s Vigo plant in Spain. While rolling off the same assembly line, each brand has created its own unique identity and styling. So with the Proace City, the team at Toyota’s European Design HQ (ED2) based near Nice in France have managed to adopt the Japanese marque’s family look, similar to that of the bigger Proace.
Proace City comes with two wheelbase lengths to choose from - the short wheelbase is 4.4m long with a cargo volume of up to 3.30 m3, a standard cargo length of 1.80m, and two individual front seats. For those who need to carry more personnel and cargo, the Smart Cargo feature allows for a three-seat bench with a folding outer passenger seat and a bulkhead hatch which provides an extra 0.4m3 load space, increasing the maximum load length by 1.30m to 3.10m. The centre passenger seatback can also be rotated to create a handy desk space, with additional under-seat storage.
The long wheelbase option is 4.7m in length, and its standard cargo length is 2.20m, and cargo volume is 3.90m3. Both cargo length and volume increase to 3.40m and 4.30m3 respectively with the Smart Cargo feature, standard on the GL and GLX grades. The Proace City has a payload capacity of up to 1 tonne and both the long and short wheelbases can accommodate up to two Euro pallets.
As discovered during the week’s test drive, the multimedia system, engageable from the 8” touchscreen, is easy to use and not too distracting. It is further aided by matching controls on the steering wheel. Where connectivity is concerned, Proace City drivers can access audio and smartphone functions, Apple CarPlay (including Siri assistant) and Android Auto (including Google assistant), plus Bluetooth, and USB/ Aux-in connections.
Cabin storage is always on issue with vans, never enough for all the bits ’n bobs. With the Proace City, drivers won’t be found wanting. Throughout the interior there are over 16 storage areas together with a number of open pockets and large side pockets (including bottle
holders). What also impressed was the quality finish all round and that rubber mats were fitted.
The Proace City is available with a 1.5-litre Euro6 diesel powertrain offering a power spread from 75 to 100hp, and a five-speed manual transmission.
With a full tank of diesel, up to 820 km is achievable from the 100hp 1.5 litre Euro 6 engine through the a 5-speed box. A gear-change indicator in the dash aids efficient driving. The driving experience itself is silky smooth, with the steel bulkhead ensuring that interior noise from the load area goes un-noticed. Visibility is good, enhanced by exterior camera views and parking sensors.
Pricing on this 1.5D (100hp) GX SWB is €21,380. An electric variant will be developed in due course.
Commenting on the arrival of the new model, Steve Tormey, Chief
Executive of Toyota Ireland said: ‘We’re delighted to announce that the new Proace City has arrived, extending our commercial offering into the LDV segment and offering improved practicality and best-in-class features. With Proace City we are now catering to a much broader commercial market than we’ve served before and we look forward to welcoming new business customers into the Toyota family. We understand for our customers a van is not just a van, and our dedicated range of Toyota Professional services offers our customers peace of mind and reassures them that they can depend on dealers and our range of highest quality vehicles. The customer is at the heart of everything we do, and we believe that they will be impressed with the new Proace City.’
SPECK CHECK
Make/Model: Toyota Proace City GX SWB
Engine: 1.5litre, Euro 6, 4-cylinder, common-rail diesel
Power: 100hp @3,500 rpm
Torque: 250 Nm@1,750 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Brakes: Ventilated discs
Payload: 1,000kg
Suspension: MacPherson (front)/ Deformable crossbeam (rear)
Load area dimensions: 1.229 mm
Length: 1.817 mm Exterior: 4.403 mm
Load floor length: 3.090 mm
Width: 1.630 mm Exterior: 1.848 mm
Height: 1.200 mm Exterior: 1.880 mm
Wheelbase: 2.785 mm
Load capacity: 3.7m3
Payload/Towing: 1,000 kg
Fuel Tank capacity: 53 litres
fEATURES
Front & Rear Parking Sensors;
Front fog lights;
Power retractable door mirrors;
rain sensor wipers;
8” touchscreen display audio;
steering wheel controls;
Toyota Professional offers a comprehensive range of services aimed at keeping its customers on the road. Introducing Toyota Professional, the brand’s new support facility for commercial vehicle customers into the Irish marketplace, Steve Tormey, Chief Executive of Toyota Ireland observed: “Our dealers are providing more than just commercial vehicles, they’re a partner any business owner can rely on.”
Toyota Professional supports all aspects of businesses’ needs with a comprehensive range of services and highly trained technicians to keep their business moving. Toyota Professional includes:
n Toyota Roadside Assistance n Extended opening hours at select dealerships n A “While you wait” service n Priority service booking within 48 hours
n CVRT Test arranged n Where possible, dealers will provide a replacement van when the customer’s van is in for a service
“Our dedicated Toyota Professional retailers are on hand to keep customers moving. With highly trained technicians and a comprehensive range of services, Toyota Professional offers the back-up needed for total peace of mind,” said Steve.
Introducing KINTO ONE Leasing Package
KINTO One is the new all-inclusive lease solution from Toyota Financial Services that provides all the benefits of driving a new vehicle, without having to own one. Whether requiring a single vehicle or an entire fleet, KINTO
One can maintain business working capital by choosing a long-term rental option with lower monthly repayment and the ease of handing back the vehicle at the end of the agreement. KINTO One is an Operating Lease product available to Sole Traders,
Partnerships, SMEs and Limited
Companies. Simply select the vehicle and agree the repayment period and annual mileage parameters. Clients can also choose the number of rental payments upfront – this can be between 1 and 6. Rentals will be charged for the remainder of the agreed term. Another advantage of this programme is that monthly rentals can include an optional services and maintenance package.
At the end of the agreed term the Toyota Professional Dealer will be in contact to arrange hand-back of the vehicle. There are no depreciation or disposal concerns, leaving the company owner free to concentrate on the most important thing; running the business.
Toyota Ireland extends its customer services with Toyota Professional and KINTO ONE leasing
Highlights of KINTO ONE – in brief:
n No expensive capital outlay - helps to maintain working capital for the business n The fixed interest rate allows for effective budget control knowing that the cost is set for the duration of the lease agreement n The dedicated Kinto One team take care of the fleet administration n No residual value risk upon completion of the contact n A comprehensive maintenance and servicing package can be included in the agreement for a fixed monthly fee n All routine servicing and maintenance due to fair wear and tear, including all parts and labour costs. n Roadside Assistance for the duration of the agreement n Unlimited tyres - Subject to fair wear and tear
“At Toyota Ireland, we remain totally committed to our customers. From the new practical, agile and flexible Proace City, to our iconic Land Cruiser and the indestructible Hilux, our commercial range is ready to go wherever business takes you,” concluded Steve.
