Toyota has never been much given to play in the industrial vehicle market. However, in recent years we have seen a commercial explosion, mainly in MPV units derived from vans. The Toyota Proace City It is the representative model of the Japanese brand in this increasingly popular market, where highly versatile units stand out, both in use and in mechanics.
Introduced in April 2019, the Toyota Proace City enters the category of light commercial vehicles for the first time. Following the same strategy that had been followed shortly before with the Toyota proace, the superior unit in capacities and size. Both models arise after an alliance with the now named Stellantis Group. A development carried out by French companies that has been replicated under the emblem of the Japanese brand.
Toyota markets two different versions of this industrial last-mile. On the one hand, we find the Proace City, designed for a more professional and industrial use. Closed body panels and space maximization of up to 4,4 cubic meters. That same unit can be configured in a passenger format with the Combi unit. The version intended as tourism is called Toyota Proace City Verso, and is capable of holding between 5 and 7 passengers depending on the selected length: Normal or Long.
Technical characteristics of the Toyota Proace City
For the development of Proace City, Toyota has borrowed the EMP2 platform from the Stellantis Group. It is the same architecture that we can see in a wide range of models such as the Peugeot 3008, Citroen C5 Aircross or Opel Grandland. Thanks to it, the industrialist is able to offer technologies and mechanics typical of a conventional car, with all the advantages that this entails.
Being a commercial vehicle, Toyota offers different bodies. Two lengths in total. The standard version has 4,4 meters of exterior length. Its load capacity (1,81 meters long) allows two Euro pallets to be inserted and shows a cargo volume between 3,3 and 3,8 cubic meters depending on the version chosen. This body only shows a possible configuration suitable for a maximum of three passengers.
In the case of long version, the Toyota Proace City reaches 4,75 meters long outside. It has a box with a useful length of 2,16 meters and a cargo volume between 3,9 and 4,4 cubic meters. The longer body also makes it possible to present two possible formats, a single cargo one with capacity for two passengers, and an enlarged cabin version with capacity for a maximum of five passengers.
Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Toyota Proace City
When choosing the mechanical range for the Proace City, Toyota has borrowed, once again, engines from the Stellantis Group. Blocks more focused on supporting heavy loads than enjoying high performance. Thanks to the EMP2 platform, the mechanical offer is varied in mobility solutions. The range is made up of two petrol versions, a diesel, plus a 100% electric unit. As a curiosity, it should be mentioned that the Proace City Electric is the first electric in the history of Toyota.
The portfolio starts with 1.2P with 110 horsepower and 205 Nm of torque. It uses a turbocharged three-cylinder block with 1.199 cubic centimeters. The same drive unit is used for the Proace City 1.2P with 131 horsepower and 230 Nm of torque. The only diesel version uses a turbocharged four-cylinder block with 1.499 cubic centimeters. That Proace City 1.5D develops 131 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. All units send power to the front axle by managing manual or automatic transmissions depending on the version.
The most ecological and efficient model in the range is the most recent Toyota Proace City Electric with the ZERO environmental label from the DGT. It has a 50 kWh capacity lithium-ion battery that powers a single front electric motor. It develops 136 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque. Homologates an electric autonomy of 280 kilometers in the WLTP cycle. For recharging, fast charging systems are chosen, up to 100 kW in direct current and 11 kW in alternating current.
Equipment of the Toyota Proace City
Over time, industrial vehicles have been including technologies and systems typical of conventional passenger cars. The platform used by the Toyota Proace City and City Verso gives you access to a more complete equipment and wide. Of course they continue to present qualities designed for resistance and not for luxury.
The entire interior is made of hard plastic with correct fit and finish. As we see in other products of the house, the model offers different levels of finish. From lowest to highest endowment we find: GX and VX, indistinctly selectable depending on the selected body, either Van or Combi for passengers. Although the two finishes focus their differences on technology, aesthetic changes can also be seen.
As far as equipment is concerned, many details are not lacking either. Most of them focus on safety and practicality for day to day. Elements such as: bi-zone air conditioning, light and rain sensor, navigation system, multimedia equipment with an eight-inch touch screen and connectivity for mobile devices, USB and auxiliary sockets, keyless access and starting, and a complete equipment of assistants and driving aids.
The Toyota Proace City according to Euro NCAP
Being developed on the same platform that it shares with other sister models, the Proace City shares the ratings in the safety tests Euro NCAP. The evaluating body has determined four of the five possible stars for Japanese light van. The results obtained are: 9,1 in adult passenger protection, 8,1 in child passenger protection, 5,8 in pedestrian vulnerability and 6,8 in security assistants. These results are the same that we can see in the derived MPV version, in the Toyota Proace City Verso.
The Toyota Proace City of Km 0 and second hand
Unlike its development siblings, the Proace City is not among the best-selling models in the category. Over the years it has earned a well-deserved reputation for durability, reliability and strength. Despite this, demand is low, finding a few units available in alternative sales channels.. In them, the Japanese model shows a depreciation rate that is at the segment standard, varying depending on the generation and condition of the vehicle.
If we take a look at the used and second-hand market, we see that prices start in amounts close to 15.500 euros for cargo van models one year old and more than 20.000 kilometers traveled. The passenger Tourer versions increase the price to a minimum of 21.000 euros. The Km 0 channel is practically null. Dealers do not accumulate stock due to low demand. The cheapest units start at 17.000 euros.
Rivals of the Toyota Proace City
As we have already discussed, the light industrial or last-mile market has grown in recent years. Alliances have allowed more brands to join the segment thanks to sister products, such as in this case. The Proace City has three direct natural enemies, who are his brothers: Citroën Berlingo, Peugeot Partner and Opel Combo. To these units we must add other important ones found in the market, such as: Volkswagen Caddy, Ford Transit Connect, Mercedes Citan, Dacia Dokker y Fiat Fiorino. All of them are rivals both for size and qualities, although some units are cheaper than others.
Highlight
- Versatility
- equipment possibilities
- Varied mechanics
To improve
- boring aesthetic
- Quality of some materials
- Behavior
Toyota Proace City Price
When it comes to checking out, the Proace City is in the middle within the category, where every euro counts to improve sales. The starting price of the Toyota Proace City is 17.336 euros (VAT not included). That amount refers to a model with GX finish and Van body with short body and 1.2 horsepower 110P engine. The most expensive model in the family is the Proace City Tourer with a long-format van body and a 131-horsepower diesel engine. Its price is announced from 19.320 euros (VAT not included).
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