Toyota has confirmed that its new Proace van will make its global debut at the Commercial Vehicle Show this month.
Its appearance at the NEC event on 26th-28th April will coincide with order books opening for the vehicle ahead of sales starting in September.
The Proace continues to be built in a joint programme with PSA Group, Peugeot and Citroën’s versions being the Expert and Dispatch. People-carrier variants were shown by all three brands at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
Toyota says that the new third-generation Proace for the first time caters for all parts of the medium van segment, and offers medium-sized van capacity within a compact format thanks to the addition of a new Compact model.
This is expected to appeal to businesses in urban areas. Measuring only 4.6m long with a 2.9m wheelbase and a tight 11.3-metre turning circle, it will still offer a cargo bay 2.1m long by 1.6m wide, giving a load volume of 4.6 cubic metres.
Medium variants are 4.9m long with a 3.9m wheelbase, 3.7m load length and 5.3 cubic metre load volume, while the long versions retain the 3.9m wheelbase but add a rear overhang extending load length to 5.3m and volume to 6.1 cubic metres.
Combi models will seat up to nine occupants, while the platform cab variant will suit a range of body conversions.
The new Proace will be offered in three body sizes, two wheelbase lengths and a variety of body styles – panel, semi-glazed, crew cab, combi and platform cab.
UK specifications and pricing are yet to be announced but European models will be offered with a five-strong range of diesel engines with power outputs from 94 to 178bhp and manual and automatic transmissions.
Among the available specification will be power-slide side doors, three front seats and a Smart Cargo system, which by use of an opening bulkhead and liftable front passenger seat increases available load length by 1.16 metres, also adding half a cubic metre to the volume.
The Van Expert will be reporting on the launch of the Proace and all the other LCV highlights at the CV Show, starting from 26th April.
