Toyota has revealed its new medium-sized panel van produced as a result of a new partnership with PSA Peugeot-Citroen.
The Toyota ProAce will effectively replace the HiAce panel van in Europe, which was discontinued in 2011, but will not be sold in other markets.
It will be available in two lengths and heights, giving load capacities of 5cu m, 6cu m or 7cu m, according to the configuration chosen. Payloads up to 1,200kg can be carried and ProAce will be able to tow up to two tonnes.
It is a re-badged version of the Peugeot Expert, Citroen Dispatch and Fiat Scudo, although Toyota is expected to have greater input into the next generation version, which will also be produced by PSA.
Two sliding side doors can be specified, and customers can choose between a top-hinged tailgate and dual side-hinged rear doors that open to 270 degrees.
The ProAce can also be specified as a panel van, glass van or crew cab, so meeting a wide range of business transport needs.
The van's versatility and capability are matched by comfort and convenience for driver and passengers.
Details of optional equipment items will be available nearer to the on sale date.
The standard safety provisions include ABS with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), electrionic stability control and daytime running lights.
The ProAce will be available with a range of diesel engines: an 89bhp 1.6-litre engine produces 133lb-ftm of torque and is matched to a five-speed manual transmission. Two 2.0-litre diesel units are offered, with outputs of 126 and 161bhp and peak torque figures of 236lb-ft and 251lb-ft respectively. Both of these engines come with a six-speed manual transmission.
An 80-litre fuel tank capacity gives the 2.0-litre versions of the ProAce a theoretical driving range of more than 770 miles before refuelling.
The new ProAce will go on sale in Spring 2013 with first deliveries to customers during the second quarter of the year. Details of equipment specifications, powertrains and performance data for UK versions will be announced later.
Toyota reveals ProAce medium panel van
- By Fleet News
- |
- 17 October 2012
Grim_Reaper - 19/10/2012 17:30
Does anyone actually miss the old Toyota HiAce? I wonder how much of this is a political move to ensure European vehicle plants that are working with excess capacity continue to work allowing the manufacturers and politicians to avoid difficult decisions about laying off employees or closing factories. Van operators are savvy enough to know this van is a Peugeot, Citroen or Fiat served up under another name, and won't come with the same attributes that make Toyota vehicles attractive to their owners.