16 minute read
Launch Pad I
10 | LAUNCH PAD I
Toyota Commercial family expands with Proace City
Proace City is the new and welcome addition to Toyota’s light commercial vehicle family. Priced from just €15,038 ex. VAT, the Proace City is a competitive and appealing addition to the Light Duty Van (LDV) segment.
Based on the IVOTY Award winning PSA Groupe Peugeot Partner/Citroen Berlingo, Proace City comes with two wheelbase lengths to choose from. Th e short wheelbase version is 4.4m long with a cargo volume of up to 3.30 m 3 , 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 threeseat bench with a folding outer passenger seat and a bulkhead hatch which provides an extra 0.4m 3 load space, increasing the maximum load length by 1.30m to 3.10m. Th e centre passenger seatback can also be rotated to create a handy desk space, with additional under-seat storage.
Th e long wheelbase option is 4.7m in length. Its standard cargo length is 2.20m, and cargo volume is 3.90m 3 . Both cargo length and volume increase to 3.40m and 4.30m 3 respectively with the Smart Cargo feature. Th e Proace City has a payload capacity of up to 1 tonne and both the long and short wheelbases models can accommodate up to two Euro pallets.
Th e Proace City benefi ts from equipment specifi cations that promote a comfortable driving environment and improved practicality. Where multimedia and connectivity are concerned, Proace City has everything customers need to run their business., It can be equipped with an 8” touchscreen to access audio and smartphone functions, Apple CarPlay (including Siri assistant) and Android Auto (including Google assistant), plus Bluetooth, and USB/Aux-in connections. Clever storage points are featured throughout the cabin (according to grade), ranging from coin and cup holders and open stowage areas, to an under-seat drawer and spaces designed into the doors and fl oor.
Proace City is available initially with a diesel powertrain offering a power spread from 75 to 100hp, and a fi ve-speed manual transmission. Th e model range amply covers business and fl eet customer requirements in the segment in terms of capability, versatility, performance and effi ciency. An electric variant will be developed in due course.
To mark the launch Toyota Ireland is off ering a selection of off ers, from competitive leasing off ers with Toyota Financial Services, or a 3.9% APR Hire Purchase off er, or a Scrappage Bonus of €3,000.
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 off ering improved practicality and bestin-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 off ers our customers peace of mind and reassures them that they can depend on dealers and our range of highest quality vehicles. Th e customer is at the heart of everything we do, and we believe that they will be impressed with the new Proace City.”
Steve explained that Toyota Professional off ers a comprehensive range of services to keep customers on the road., “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 your business moving.”
Toyota Professional includes:
• Toyota Roadside Assistance • Extended opening hours at select dealerships • A “While you wait” service (subject to availability) • Priority service booking within 48 hours • CVRT Test arranged • Where possible, dealers will provide a replacement van when the customer’s van is in for a service
New Toyota Proace Cit y – In Summary
• Toyota’s latest addition to their commercial range, the Proace City, has arrived in Ireland • Practical, agile and fl exible, with class-leading features • Th e Proace City prices start from €15,038 ex. VAT • Competitive Leasing Off ers available with Toyota Financial Services • OR 3.9% APR Hire Purchase off er • OR Scrappage Bonus offer of €3,000 that rubber mats were fi tt ed.
FIRST DRIVE
A fresh face, but with a long pedigree, the new Toyota Proace City may look familiar to people in the know. It is a coshare production project with the PSA Group that manufactures the Peugeot Partner/Citroen Berlingo and Opel/ Vauxhall Combo, an award winning trio that won the International Van of the Year title in 2019.
Proace City is produced alongside these camera views and parking sensors.
multi-brand units at PSA’s Vigo plant in Spain. While rolling off the same assembly line, each brand has strived to create its own unique identity and styling. For Toyota, the team at its European Design HQ (ED2) based near Nice in France, have managed to adapt the van to fi t in with the Japanese marque’s family look, similar to that of the bigger Proace.
Sitt ing in the Proace City, a highlight is the multimedia system, which is controlled via the 8” touchscreen. It’s easy to use and not too distracting when driving, aided by matching controls on the steering Cabin storage is always an issue with vans, as there’s never enough for all the bits n bobs. However drivers won’t fi nd the Proace City wanting in this regard. Th roughout the interior there are over 16 storage areas together with a number of open pockets and large side pockets (includes bott le holders). What impressed most was the quality fi nish all round and
With a full tank of diesel, up to 820 km is achievable from the 100hp 1.5 litre Euro 6 engine which transmits its power through a 5-speed box. Gearchanges are aided by a gear-change indicator in the dash. Th e driving experience is silky smooth with the steel bulkhead ensuring that interior noise from the load area goes un-noticed. Visibility is good, enhanced by exterior wheel.
Pricing on this 1.5D (100hp) GX SWB is €21,380.
PROACE CITY GIVEAWAY
Toyota Ireland partners with Chadwicks for exclusive giveawayof the new Proace City *One lucky Chadwicks trade customer will drive away in a211 Toyota Proace City
Toyota Ireland has teamed up with Chadwicks, Ireland’s leading builders’ merchants, to give Chadwicks customers the chance to win a brand-new 211 Toyota Proace City. Not only will the winner be driving away in a brand-new Toyota van, but Chadwicks will also fi t an Armorgard Tuff Bank Van Box into the van which has hardened steel plates and anti-jemmy features ensuring tools and other important items are kept secure. Th e lucky winner will also take away a selection of state-of-the-art speciality power tools. Chadwicks customers can enter the competition online at htt ps://www.toyota.ie/PROACE-CITY-CHADWICKS and more details are available in any of the 37 Chadwicks branches nationwide.
12 | LAUNCH PAD II
Expanded Renault PRO+ line-up provides the widestxpanded Renault PRO+ line-up provides the widest range of all-electric LCV of any manufacturerange of all-electric LCV of any manufacturer
It’s all go at Renault Commercial Vehicles in Ireland these days as the French brand gives its market leading electric powertrain vans a major boost, literally. Th e Renault PRO+ van line-up is now stronger than ever with the arrival of the all-new ZOE Van, the latest Master Z.E. with more staying power and a broader range of models, and together with the Kangoo Z.E., ensuring there is a Z.E. (Zero-Emission) model to suit most business requirements. Th e comprehensive all-electric commercial vehicle line-up now spans a variety of off erings in terms of size, driving range, load space and carrying capacity.
All-New ZOE Van
Th e new ZOE Van is based on the awardwinning ZOE passenger car and is the latest addition to Renault’s expanding Z.E. PRO+ range.
With the same generous 400 km WLTP range as the ZOE car, the new zeroemissions LCV delivers versatility and reassurance to business buyers keen to experience the benefi ts of running an electric commercial vehicle. Utilising the same powerful 52kWh batt ery and 80kW R110 motor as the passenger car, recharging is both quick and simple thanks to the option of 50kW DC charging, allowing the ZOE Van to charge from zero to 80 percent in just 70 minutes. If time is tight, a 30-minute charge is enough for a 90-mile boost in range using a DC charger.
Th e charging inlet behind the Renault badge on the front of the vehicle is fi tt ed with Renault’s advanced on-board Chameleon charger, which adapts to the power supply for the most time-andenergy-effi cient charging. It also gives drivers the fl exibility to use a range of chargers. As standard, the ZOE Van comes with a type-2 charging cable – which allows for charging via a 22kW public charger to 100 per cent charge in three hours.
Th e ZOE Van’s generous and practical load area provides a total load volume of one cubic metre and has been created by removing the rear seats of the ZOE passenger car. A completely f lat load fl oor and mesh bulkhead behind the front seats ensures the load area is practical and the additional load area cover in the rear compartment also ensures complete security. Th e rear windows are covered in an opaque fi lm for added security, and all ZOE Vans feature protective rubber fl ooring in the load area with four anchorage points on the fl oor.
A maximum load length of 1,205mm combines with a maximum load width of 1,110mm to provide impressive versatility while the maximum payload is rated from 387kg.
Th ere’s a choice of Business and Business+ trim levels in line with other Renault PRO+ commercial vehicles, off ering an impressive level of desirable equipment, including a rapid charging option for both models for added convenience.
Both specifications offer customers a comprehensive level of standard equipment, with the opportunity to build on this with key options available at extra cost – including DC charging for faster charging. As standard, Business trim brings a wealth
of features, including: • 10-inch TFT instrument cluster • 7-inch Easy Link infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity • Manual air conditioning • Electric front windows • Renault keycard with handsfree entry • Electrically adjustable heated door mirrors • Automatic headlamps and wipers • Full LED headlamps with C-shape daytime running light • 15-inch steel wheels with Michelin
EV Energy Tyres • USB socket • Driver and passenger airbags • Isofi x points on passenger seat • Front fog lights • Cruise control with speed limiter • Z.E. Voice (low speed pedestrian warning)
Moving up to Business+ trim enhances the ZOE’s technology and comfort features even further.
Included on all Business+ models are: • Satellite navigation • Rear parking sensors • 100 per cent rec ycled seat upholstery • Lane Keeping Assist (LKA ) • Lane Departure Warning (LDW) • Automatic High Low Beam • Traffi c Sign Recognition • Automatic Climate Control • Driver’s one-touch electric window • Electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, electrically folding, fi nished in body colour • 16-inch alloy wheels with Michelin
EV Energy Tyres
ZOE Van benefi ts from the same assurances that current ZOE customers enjoy. Th at means it boasts a fi ve-year, 200,000km warranty that gives customers greater peace of mind, mirroring the rest of Renault’s car range.
In addition, Renault’s confi dence in its EV technology is clear, as the Z.E. 50 batt ery receives an eight-year, 160,000km warranty. Service intervals for the ZOE Van are every 12 months or 30,000km, whichever comes sooner.
Master Z.E.
Today’s Renault Master Z.E. range now benefits from the widest selection of variants for an electric commercial vehicle including panel van, platform cab and a chassis cab, with an increased payload over its entire range of up to 1,700kg (before conversion). Previously off ered in only a 3.1-tonne derivative, the Master Z.E. is now available with a 3.5 tonne Gross Vehicle Weight across an increased range of body styles. Th e uprated capability brings the Master Z.E. in line with its diesel equivalent while also providing an enhanced additional payload of 375kg and further conversion options to meet customer requirements. As well as the uplift in payload and GVW, the Master Z.E. 3.5 tonne will also be available in a new chassis cab confi guration providing the perfect base for a wide range of conversions. Th is, along with panel van and platform cab, is available in a choice of two lengths and two heights, plus a price listed ‘Off -the-Shelf ’ Luton Low Loader Z.E. meaning the Master Z.E. now off ers the widest variety of conversions for a large electric van range.
With three lengths (L1, L2, L3), two heights (H1, H2) and a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 3.1 or 3.5 tonnes, the Master Z.E. is ready for business.
Th e complete Master Z.E. range, which uses a 33kWh batt ery off ers a WLTP range of 120km and full recharge in six hours from a 7kW Wallbox or Public Charging Point, making it ideal for zero-emissionin-use last-mile deliveries. Delivering 225Nm of torque, a series of on-board technologies help to optimise the range including regenerative braking and an Eco mode which restricts abrupt acceleration as well as limiting the maximum speed to 50mph. Th e Master Z.E. 3.5T can be charged from zero to 100 per cent in just six hours when plugged into a 32 A/7kW wall box, which can be fi tt ed as a home or workplace charger, or through a public charging point, giving users a range of charging options. All body-styles benefi t from increased payload thanks to the enhanced Gross Vehicle Weight delivering further practicality and further uses for the individual, such as the panel van now capable of being converted into a minibus for up to 13 passengers. Th e body styles available include: • Chassis Cab: A new chassis cab version is available with a maximum payload of 1,620kg before conversion.
Th e Master Z.E. chassis cab allows for a whole host of conversions including
Tipper, Dropside and Luton Box
Van. For example, a Master Z.E. equipped with a 20 m3 large volume box and a tail lift guarantees 1,000 kg of payload. • Platform Cab: Two platform cab versions are now available with a payload up to 1,740kg. Th is increased payload allows for larger conversions, including the possibility of a Luton
Low-Loader of up to 20 m3, with the advantage of a low loading sill. • Panel Van: Four practical panel van versions are available, with volumes between 9-13m3 off ering up to 1,490 kg of payload. Th is increased payload makes it possible to transport heavier equipment or even make minibus conversions feasible.
The Master Z.E. 3.5T comes with a 5-year / 200,000km warranty as standard. Renault’s confidence in its battery technology is underlined by the 5-year / 100,000 batt ery warranty as standard on the vehicle.
14 | TEST I
‘It’s a bit like a van,but not so much’ safety. Th e van comes with Cruise Control, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blindspot sa A Car Derived Van of the Year 2020’, it had to stand out, as the competition in this segment is formidable. Previously manufacturers would take their passenger car models and simply remove the rear seats, some driving comforts and technology, then call it a van. With the C5 Aircross Commercial, Citroen Ireland has done the opposite and this is what makes the C5 diff erent and sets it apart. What a customer gets is a sizeable stylish SUV with all the creature comforts of the passenger version left intact. Inside we fi nd a pleasant dashboard well-fi nished in soft -touch materials, and a sense of the car having been built around the driver. Th e multi-adjustable seat and steering column ensure that each driver will be able to fi nd their own favoured position easily and the high seating allows for good visibility. All controls and switchgear are to hand, although those unfamiliar with Citroen may take a moment to get acquainted with the controls to ensure they get the best out of the systems. Th ere is also good storage, USB and 12V power outputs and wireless phone charging. Citroen Ireland claims the C5 Aircross Commercial is the only van in its class to include a Dashcam as standard. Also included is a 12” touchscreen infotainment display which is where one fi nds all manner of vehicle sett ings including audio, phone, vehicle and driving information. Some are still yet to be convinced of the benefi ts of having all controls placed here, especially we needed to adjust regularly throughout the day’s drive with constantly changing weather conditions. However, this technological trend is common to all manufacturers and not a criticism of any one in particular. On the subject of technology, the C5 Aircross Commercial comes with more than its fair share, and indeed would leave many passenger cars lagging far behind. Importantly the systems are there to enhance the driving experience and road Indication, Front and Rear Curtain Airbags, In Folding Mirrors, and Speed Limit Indicator F
For Citroen’s C5 Aircross Commercial To be awarded the ‘Continental Tyres Irish
sett ings for heating and ventilation, which
amongst others. a Powered by Citroen’s well-proven 1.5 litre P Blue HDi engine developing 130 hp, the B C5 Aircross is well able to move and does C it very quietly. Th e HDi engine in the it test unit was driving through a 6-speed te manual transmission with smooth gear m shift ing enhanced by the well-positioned sh gear selector. The suspension includes g Citroen’s ‘Progressive Hydraulic Cushion’ C and being typically Citroen delivered a comfortable drive with assured road holding on the narrow routes across the Wicklow Hills in the aforementioned poor driving conditions.
A wide opening tailgate allows good access to the business area of the C5 and its classleading carrying capacity of 1630 Litres. In addition, the cargo area includes good interior lighting, a useful 12V power socket, and load securing rings. Th e C5 comes with a small bulkhead which rises to approximately half the height of the front seats, and will be suffi cient for many applications. However depending on the nature of the work an additional load restraint may be needed.
Th e C5 Aircross Commercial could be the right transport solution for many large and small businesses that do not need the carrying capacity of a mid-sized van, for instance the service and repair sectors. In many ways, it is diffi cult to describe this as a van or a commercial vehicle. It might be bett er described as a Citroen C5 Aircross - with exceptionally generous boot space.
