Toyota Proace Car Review - Time for the legendary Hiace to move on?

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When it comes to vans, Toyota's speciality has always been the medium-sized market it's targeted with its Hiace model ever since the Seventies - but never really cracked. Things are changing though, as the brand gets more serious with business buyers thanks to a technology-sharing deal with PSA Peugeot Citroen. The second product of that partnership is this, the MK2 model Proace van. On paper at least, it seems to have much to offer if you're looking for a versatile medium range Transit Custom or Vivaro-class van.

The ProAce is available with a range of diesel engines: if your requirements are mainly based around lighter loads and short distance urban work, then the entry-level 94bhp 1.6-litre diesel with its 210Nm of torque will be quite sufficient. For heavier payloads and longer journeys however, you'll be needing the 114bhp 1.6-litre diesel model which also gives you a 6-speed gearbox in space of the feebler 1.6's 5-speeder. The power of this pokier version should be quite sufficient for most businesses, offering a full 240Nm of torque. If you do feel the need for more power, then there's also a 121bhp 2.0-litre diesel unit on offer packing a healthy 340Nm.

The driving position, though not as lofty as in some models, nevertheless affords a decent view up the road and is comfortable on the move. That relaxed approach also extends to the electro-hydraulically-assisted power steering. You'll appreciate its lightness around town though, where this van is impressively manoeuvrable for its size, with a tight turning circle. The low stance and the big front overhang can initially make parking a bit tricky, though rearward vision is helped hugely by huge door mirrors with their separate wide-angle reflectors.

There's more to the Proace than meets the eye. The neat and unassuming styling leads you to believe that it's not a hugely capacious thing, but there's versatility in the model configurations and the range covers a lot of bases. There's a choice of three body sizes - 'Compact', 'Medium' and 'Long'. With each vehicle length, the Proace benefits from left and right side sliding doors and side-hinged rear double doors that open to 180 degrees. Across the range, the windscreen is steeply raked, creating a wedge-shaped front end with huge headlamps. You'll find chunky rubbing strips protecting the flanks, while tail lights are mounted high up to help avoid potentially costly parking knocks.

Get yourself comfortable and you'll appreciate a firmly upholstered seat that's positioned to suit those who've to jump in and out of their vehicle all the time. The cabin is robust, functional and spacious, designed to meet the needs of both commercial and private owners. The dashboard features clear instrumentation and analogue dials with ergonomic switchgear. The driving position is car-like and affords excellent visibility, with a short-throw gear lever mounted close to the steering wheel.

We're still looking here at the early stages of Toyota's rejuvenation in the commercial van sector. The choice of Proace derivatives isn't perhaps quite as large as some rivals can offer, but what's available will hit the sweet spot for 80% of users, all the key bases having been covered when it comes to size, weight and power. You're tempted to conclude in fact that a van of this size is probably the best bet for most businesses, lacking the constrictions of most compact models yet not far off them in terms of running costs.

Why you should buy this medium range van rather than any other is a harder question to answer. Perhaps it's easiest to say that there aren't many reasons why you shouldn't. Other, more modern designs may look a shade smarter or be slightly more efficient or practical - but there's not a lot in it. Certainly not enough to matter if you've already a good relationship with your Toyota dealer or have a convenient one close by. Vans from this brand have a history of selling to real professionals. Don't expect that to change any time soon.

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