Toyota has decided to refresh the Proace and Proace City, pioneering models in the introduction of 100% electric powertrains in the range of light commercial vehicles from the Japanese brand.
There are now 100% electric or hybrid options for all models in the light commercial range, and the updated versions for 2024 benefit from new styling and equipment features that enhance their cargo transport capabilities with higher levels of convenience, comfort, safety, and versatility.
Aesthetically, there is a strong visual presence with a front style featuring simple and powerful lines. The absence of an upper grille between the headlights creates a distinct and sophisticated look, while in the more compact Proace City version, the lower and horizontal hood is complemented by a lower grille that adopts a trapezoidal shape – a design cue shared with other current models in the Toyota range.
The overall style conveys robustness, amplified by the new headlights – now available with LED technology – and by the alloy wheel options in the Verso versions.
Inside, the cabin also features a new look, with a robust and comfortable finish that is more technological. This is aided by a new 10” color multimedia screen, available in the more equipped versions of all models except for the Proace Van, which retains a 5” monochrome screen. DAB radio and Bluetooth are standard across all versions, and the higher-equipped versions introduce a new 10” color digital instrument panel.
USB-C ports for data and charging are provided in all versions, along with wireless smartphone integration via Mirror Link. The Proace Verso versions also offer an integrated navigation system.
In terms of safety and driver assistance systems, the refreshed Proace range comes with a set of new features, as functions that were previously optional are now mostly standard, including pre-collision systems, lane-keeping assistance, automatic high beams, and traffic sign recognition.
Other updates include the provision of front side airbags; a redesigned front bumper for better pedestrian protection; a collapsible steering column; and reinforced structural components.
In terms of space, the medium van Proace and the passenger version Proace Verso demonstrate that they continue to be a reference in the segment through a wide range of vehicle dimensions. These include options for medium and long body lengths (4983 mm and 5333 mm, respectively) and a Service version that, in addition to a generous load capacity with a partition, adds a second row of extra seats.
The Toyota Proace continues to showcase a height load capacity. The volume of the cargo area reaches a maximum of 6.6 m3 (long version with Smart Cargo system) and the payload is 1200 kg. When additional equipment or goods need to be transported, users can take advantage of a towing capacity of up to 2500 kg (2.0L 140hp model). The Verso can comfortably accommodate up to nine passengers, with equipment levels that adapt the vehicle for work-focused use, family lifestyle, or executive transport.
In terms of powertrains, Toyota has enhanced the 100% electric version by introducing a new electric motor with 136 hp, as well as a new connector for the lithium-ion battery. As a result, vehicles equipped with the 75 kWh battery can travel up to an additional 20 km, raising the range to 349 km (WLTP combined cycle), with a 50 kWh battery also available as an option. The Japanese brand also revealed that the battery can be charged in 45 minutes using a DC fast charging source.
In addition to the electric powertrain, the Proace also features the proven 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, available in two power levels: 140 hp with a six-speed manual transmission, and 180 hp with an eight-speed automatic transmission in the Verso. There is also a 1.5-liter engine with 120 hp, exclusively for the Proace Van.
Meanwhile, the City and City Verso versions benefit from the same technical updates applied to the larger Proace models (details above), along with a new electric motor that provides the vehicle with a maximum power of 136 hp. The updates have allowed for an increase in range by 50 km, bringing it to 337 km (WLTP combined cycle) in the City L1.
In terms of charging, Toyota revealed that using a 100 kW DC fast charging system, the 50 kWh battery can be recharged up to 80% in about 30 minutes.
The Japanese brand also announced that the Proace City is still available with two 1.5-liter diesel engines: 102 hp, designated as 100, with a six-speed manual transmission and an eight-speed automatic version with 130 hp.
Meanwhile, the City Verso adds to these two engines a 1.2-liter gasoline engine with a manual transmission producing 110 hp. Toyota has not disclosed the prices for the updated Proace and Proace City, nor the date of arrival in the national market, leaving those details for a date closer to the launch of the refreshed models.
