Although it's not the norm, many families, for one reason or another, need large vehicles . And I'm not referring to a minivan or an SUV, but to a vehicle that allows them to comfortably and spaciously transport several passengers, as well as having ample cargo space . This might be the case, for example, for many large families who don't know which vehicle to buy.
The problem with 7-seater SUVs, just like minivans, is that the third row of seats is very small and practically only suitable for children. That's why we decided to test the Toyota Proace Verso in its Family-Advance version, a mid-size SUV with 8 seats and a 180 hp diesel engine . I'm in the driver's seat, but feel free to sit in any of the other 7, whichever one you prefer.
Van, but with brand image
It's clear that it's difficult to find beauty in these types of vehicles. That's what happens when they're derived from a commercial van… However, it's also true that manufacturers are increasingly putting more effort into the design of these vehicles, trying to convey a more attractive image with the front ends and seeking some differentiation from their rivals.
You should know that this model, the Toyota Proace, is the result of a collaboration between the brand and the PSA Group . Essentially, it's a sister model to the Peugeot Traveller and the Citroën SpaceTourer, sharing its technology, chassis, mechanics, and so on. Virtually the only difference between them is the aforementioned front-end design.
The shape is typical of a commercial van, although in this case it uses two side doors—electrically operated—and a large glass area . The trunk has a large, vertically opening tailgate—manual in this case. We also liked the feature that we can open just the rear window to, for example, put in a bag or a jacket without having to open the tailgate.
An interior prepared to withstand everything
As you can imagine, the interior doesn't offer the same level of quality materials as a typical passenger car or minivan. Everything is designed to withstand the rough treatment that commercial vehicles usually endure, where they spend many hours and are typically used by companies in the industrial sector. There's no room for luxurious details or high-end materials. The upside is the feeling that time and use won't take much of a toll.
In any case, the Toyota Proace Verso doesn't skimp on features like a small screen for trip information in the instrument cluster or an infotainment screen in the center of the dashboard for controlling the radio and navigation system, among other things. The Head-Up Display system in our test vehicle is also a highlight . Equally noteworthy is the double-glazed roof, which floods the cabin with light.
I really liked the large number (and size) of storage compartments, including three glove boxes in the dashboard : two on the passenger side and a third located at the top center. And I mustn't forget the climate control for the rear seats, with independent adjustment.
This unit, equipped with the most powerful diesel engine, the 177 hp version, uses a six-speed automatic transmission, which also incorporates paddle shifters on the steering wheel for manual control. Additionally, there's the Toyota Traction Select rotary dial , which adjusts the engine, transmission, and electronic driver aid settings depending on the selected program (normal, sand, mud, snow, and ESP off).
A passenger compartment with 8 real seats
Our test vehicle came configured with an 8-seater cabin , although different options are available depending on the version chosen. It's also worth noting its excellent modularity , as the second and third-row seats can be removed in just a few minutes. However, you'll need to be fairly strong, as they are quite heavy.
In both the second and third rows of seats , the left-side seats are independent, allowing for fore/aft adjustment as well as backrest tilt. The middle seats are joined to the right-side seats at the bench, so fore/aft adjustment is shared by both; however, they have the advantage of being divided in the backrest section, allowing for independent tilt adjustment.
Assembling and disassembling the seats is simple . Just use small levers to fold the backrest and then pull a red cord at the base while simultaneously lifting them out of their tracks on the floor. As I mentioned before, they are quite heavy , especially the right and center seats—because they are attached. Although one person can remove and replace them, if you don't want to strain your lower back, it's best to ask someone for help.
Regarding interior space, all seats are designed and adapted for adults ; that is, (in the case of our test vehicle) eight adults can travel comfortably without any space issues. The electric opening and closing system for the two side doors is a welcome feature , offering great convenience as they can even be operated from the key fob.
Access to the first and second rows is relatively easy, although you do have to get over the ground clearance. It's a vehicle you literally have to climb into. Getting to the third row is a bit more difficult , especially for older people, as you have to slide the outer seat forward and fold down the backrest if you want to do it in a more or less conventional way.
Cargo capacities of the Toyota Proace Verso Medium
Toyota Proace Verso Medium trunk capacity with 5 of its 8 operational seats
Using all eight seats in this Toyota Proace Verso Family Advance in the Medium trim level, the trunk capacity is 603 liters up to the parcel shelf, although the usable space isn't great due to the limited legroom. Removing the third row increases the trunk volume to 1.624 liters at the maximum height of the seatbacks or 2.381 liters to the roof, allowing for the loading of objects up to 1,5 meters long.
Mechanical versions available
Currently, the Toyota Proace Verso is available with diesel engines producing 120, 150, and 177 hp (although the most powerful is called the 180D), with 1.5-liter engines for the 120 hp version and 2.0-liter engines for the two more powerful versions. The 120 hp and 150 hp versions come with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the 177 hp version uses a 6-speed automatic transmission. All are front-wheel drive.
The 180D version is equipped with the aforementioned 2-liter diesel engine. It develops a maximum power of 177 hp at 3.750 rpm and a maximum torque of 400 Nm at 2.000 rpm. According to official figures, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8,8 seconds and reach a top speed of 170 km/h. The official combined fuel consumption is 6,3 l/100 km.
At the wheel of the Toyota Proace Verso 180D
Now we're starting up this Toyota Proace Verso and beginning to drive. It's a large vehicle, especially for those of us used to driving cars, but not vans. The first few meters are always a bit tricky until we get our bearings and adapt to the vehicle's dimensions.
The first thing we noticed as soon as we got in is that the driving position is very "van-like." It feels more like we're sitting in a large (and comfortable) chair than a car seat. The steering wheel is also very large and quite angled compared to what we're used to, with a very high steering ratio. But don't worry, as I said, it's just a matter of the first few minutes and kilometers; after that, it will feel perfectly natural.
Maneuvering in parking spaces is difficult because the vehicle is both very long and very wide. Fortunately, it has rear parking sensors and large mirrors, although a reversing camera would be a welcome addition. Despite its size, the excellent turning radius of the front wheels is a significant advantage; otherwise, maneuvering would be much more challenging. As expected, it struggles most in urban environments.
The automatic transmission is much smoother for city driving than I expected before starting the engine, going completely unnoticed , which is always great news when it comes to automatic transmissions. We simply select "D" with the rotary dial and drive.
The suspension has a soft damper setting, which results in noticeable bouncing when going over speed bumps a little too fast. It's not that it's poorly set up, but rather that it's been tuned for carrying several passengers and/or a significant load. Therefore, it 's less noticeable when driving empty, but it feels more comfortable with passengers or heavy cargo . On the open road, this bouncing is less pronounced.
Once we hit the highways , we start to forget its size, except for the fact that we can see everything from a fairly high vantage point. Driving it is practically like driving any other vehicle, although it's true that the influence of crosswinds is greater, forcing us to make more steering corrections when they're strong.
Its handling on winding roads is less enjoyable , where a relaxed pace and a pleasant view of the scenery are recommended. The high steering ratio significantly reduces precision and confidence. Furthermore, its height and the almost nonexistent seat support mean passengers will suffer more in every corner.
Changing gears and talking about its engine , we found it very satisfying in this vehicle with the automatic transmission. The engine delivers plenty of power from low down and you almost never need to rev it thanks to the high torque, while the transmission is quite "intelligent," usually choosing the most appropriate gear for each situation. Furthermore, it's smooth both during gear changes and when maneuvering at very low speeds.
We have paddle shifters behind the steering wheel and a manual mode for the transmission, but the truth is we hardly used them because, as I mentioned before, the most appropriate gear for the situation is almost always selected. It's not very fast, but it's not far behind any passenger car (I'd even venture to say better than some), and it's certainly more than we'd expect from a van.
Laughter on the go
One of the most outstanding aspects of this Toyota Proace Verso 180D is its fuel consumption . In the city, it typically averages between 9 and 11 liters per 100 km, which isn't bad considering its weight and dimensions, but what's truly surprising is its performance on highways, where it's possible to achieve figures below 8 liters per 100 km at legal speeds. During our test, we covered more than 1.100 kilometers, and the trip computer recorded a consumption of 7,7 l/100 km.
Conclusions
The Toyota Proace Verso's handling is impeccable . These types of vehicles aren't the most pleasant to drive in parking lots or narrow streets, but that's perfectly understandable given their size. It prefers to cruise in the low to mid-range of the rev counter, and the engine noise is only noticeable when the engine is cold and under hard acceleration.
Inside , although the quality isn't exceptional, all the seats are very spacious, and there are also numerous large storage compartments. The two electric side doors offer great convenience and ease of access for occupants, and the climate control system for all rows of seats is also a welcome feature.
The truth is, it's hard to find fault with this model, because it also boasts a wide range of equipment , safety systems, and driver assistance features. These include a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, a speed limiter, and automatic emergency braking in the city.
Equipment Toyota Proace Verso
The Japanese brand has just updated and slightly varied its equipment, with some variations compared to the tested unit and now being as follows:
Family Advance
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- conventional spare wheel
- Exterior mirrors and door handles in body color
- Darkened rear windows
- Light sensor
- Power-adjustable, power-folding mirrors
- Keyless entry and start
- 2 sliding and motorized side doors
- Halogen headlights
- Automatic high beam sensor
- front fog lights
- Speed limiter and adaptive cruise control
- Automatic city emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Recognition of traffic signs
- Lane departure warning
- Toyota Traction Select
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rear camera
- Toyota Touch2 multimedia system with 8 speakers
- Dual zone automatic climate control
- front armrests
- Sliding seats, with adjustable backrest and removable
- Front automatic electric windows
- 4,2-inch TFT multifunction screen
- Head-Up Display
- Front cup holders
- Folding trays in rear seats
VIP
- Rear glasses darkened (more than in Family)
- Skyview panoramic sunroof
- Xenon headlights
- Premium sound system with 9 speakers and DAB digital radio
- Driver and passenger seat with electric adjustments, massage and heating
- Electric multi-adjustable passenger seats
- XNUMXnd and XNUMXrd row interior LED reading lights
- Table in the second row of seats
- 6 airbags
Toyota Proace Verso Prices
| Bodywork | Finished | Motor | Change | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bodywork | Finished | Motor | Change | Price |
| Compact | Family Advance | DO NOT 1.5D | manual 6v | 29.000 Euros |
| Media | Family Advance | DO NOT 1.5D | manual 6v | 30.500 Euros |
| Media | Family Advance | DO NOT 2.0D | manual 6v | 33.500 Euros |
| Media | Family Advance | DO NOT 2.0D | automatic 8v | 41.000 Euros |
| Media | VIP | DO NOT 2.0D | automatic 8v | 50.500 Euros |
| Long | Family Advance | DO NOT 2.0D | manual 6v | 34.000 Euros |
| Long | Family Advance | DO NOT 2.0D | automatic 8v | 43.500 Euros |
| Long | VIP | DO NOT 2.0D | automatic 8v | 51.000 Euros |
Editor's opinion
- Editor's rating
- 4 star rating
- Excellent
- Toyota Proace Verso 180D Advance-Family (Medium Body)
- Review of: Diego Avila
- Posted on:
- Last modification:
- Exterior design
- interior design
- front seats
- rear seats
- Trunk
- Spring Suspension
- Consumption
- Comfort
- Price
Professionals
- Consumption on fast roads
- Modularity of the second and third row
- Behavior of the engine and gearbox
Cons
- Address too low
- Weight of the seats for assembly and disassembly
- Touch of some interior materials
