Review of the Toyota ProAce City

by: Fergus Gray

Fergus is a talented automotive writer specialising in automotive and sports content. He has a Level 3 qualification in content creation and previously worked for Boxxer and The Best of Bolton.

Toyota ProAce City Review 2023

The Toyota ProAce City is a welcome addition to the compact van segment in the UK. Designed to cater to the needs of small businesses and urban professionals, it brings a blend of practicality, efficiency, and modern features to the table.

Rivals to the Toyota ProAce City include the Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner and Vauxhall Combo.

Our Toyota ProAce City review covers:

• Key Features
• Key Features
• Design, Practicality and Boot Space
• Interior and Trims
• Power and Performance
• Leasing vs Buying

Toyota ProAce City Key Features

• Contemporary and clean design that exudes a professional look
• Offers a comfortable and ergonomic cabin
• Maximum payload is up to 1,400kg
• Two BlueHDi 1.5-litre diesel engines in 100hp and 130hp formats
• Three trim levels are available: Active, Icon and Design

Toyota ProAce City Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Compact Size
• Comfortable Interior
• Practical Cargo Space

Cons:

• Ride Comfort
• Higher Trim Costs
• Limited Petrol Options

Design, Practicality and Boot Space

The design of the Toyota ProAce City is characterized by its clean and contemporary aesthetic. The front of the ProAce City features a distinctive and bold grille with the Toyota emblem at the centre. It gives the van a professional and recognizable look on the road. The ProAce City is designed with compact dimensions, making it well-suited for navigating narrow city streets and parking in tight spaces. This design choice enhances its manoeuvrability, which is crucial for urban driving.

The Toyota ProAce City excels in terms of practicality, catering to the needs of businesses and professionals. This van offers impressive cargo space for its class. The load area is well-designed to accommodate a variety of cargo sizes and shapes. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses that need to transport goods efficiently. A side sliding door is included, offering easy access to the passenger and cargo areas, making loading and unloading a breeze. While primarily a commercial vehicle, the ProAce City's cabin is designed with passenger comfort in mind. The seats are comfortable, and there's ample headroom and legroom, making it suitable for longer journeys. Various storage compartments are strategically placed throughout the cabin to help keep the interior organized and clutter-free. 

The boot or cargo space of the ProAce City is one of its standout features. Depending on the specific variant and configuration, the ProAce City offers a maximum payload up to 1,400kg which is a competitive cargo capacity in its segment. This makes it well-suited for transporting goods or equipment for businesses.

Interior and Trims

The interior of the Toyota ProAce City is designed to provide comfort and functionality, catering to the needs of both drivers and passengers. The cabin of the ProAce City features a well-thought-out design with a focus on durability and functionality. The materials used are of good quality and are chosen for their durability, which is essential for a commercial vehicle.

Toyota has incorporated various storage compartments and pockets throughout the cabin to help keep the interior organized and clutter-free. This is particularly important for businesses that need to store documents, tools, or personal items. Depending on the trim level, the ProAce City may come equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system. This system may include features such as Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and navigation, enhancing convenience and entertainment.

Three trim levels are available: Active, Icon and Design.

The Toyota Proace City Active comes equipped with a range of practical features. It includes twin sliding doors, making it easy to access and load cargo from both sides. Inside, a full-height bulkhead separates the cargo area from the passenger cabin, ensuring safety and protecting occupants from loose cargo. For comfort, manual air-conditioning allows you to set the cabin temperature to your liking. The Active trim also features automatic headlights for enhanced visibility and safety. Stay connected with DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity, enabling music streaming and hands-free calls. The van rides on durable steel wheels, and electrically heated and adjustable wing mirrors add convenience, particularly in colder weather.

The Icon trim builds on the Active's features. It boasts an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, providing seamless smartphone integration. Smart Cargo is a notable addition, offering a twin passenger seat with a load-through bulkhead for added versatility in transporting longer items while maintaining passenger seating. Parking is made easier with front and rear parking sensors, and a reversing camera provides a clear view when manoeuvring. Cruise control is included for comfortable long journeys, and the Icon trim adds stylish wheel covers.

The top-tier Design trim takes luxury and convenience up a notch. It features satellite navigation, eliminating the need for external navigation devices and ensuring you can easily find your way. The Proace City Design rolls on 16-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal. Body-coloured bumpers give it a polished and integrated appearance. Additionally, the Design trim includes an alarm system, providing an extra layer of security when the van is parked.

Power and Performance

Toyota offers the ProAce City in two diesel variants:  1.5-litre BlueHDi with 100hp and 1.5-litre BlueHDi with 130hp. The 100hp engine delivers ample power for relaxed highway driving and quick getaways at intersections without any noticeable delays. It operates exceptionally smoothly and should satisfy the needs of the majority of buyers. Additionally, a more recent addition to the lineup is the 130hp engine, which offers enhanced versatility and increased torque. It's worth noting that both engines are coupled with the same six-speed manual gearbox.

The new Toyota ProAce City is a well-rounded compact van that caters to the needs of businesses and professionals. Its practicality, comfortable interior, and competitive pricing make it a worthy option in this segment. Whether you're looking for a vehicle to transport goods or provide services in the city, the ProAce City is definitely worth considering.

Leasing vs Buying

The Toyota ProAce City is now available for purchase at a starting on-the-road price of £27,019.00*, or it can be leased with monthly payments starting from £338.59.

If you're considering leasing a Toyota ProAce City, we proudly offer excellent car leasing services in the UK. Our leasing deals include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax, breakdown insurance, and free delivery to most areas of the UK mainland (excluding specific regions).

Leasing a Toyota ProAce City can often be a more financially advantageous option compared to purchasing outright, thanks to the fixed monthly payments, variable mileage options, low initial rental, and flexible contract durations.

It's important to note that the 'on-the-road' price mentioned includes a year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee, and a number plate fee. Please be aware that this price is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change. To get the most up-to-date information, we recommend contacting your nearest retailer.