BADGE APPEAL

Alan Anderson finds Toyota’s re-nosed Peugeot steps things up a gear

Peugeot’s acquisition of Vauxhall Opel makes things very interesting as it also means that Toyota joins the union as its Proace LCV is, itself, a rebadged Peugeot/citroen van following the discontinuation of its own Hiace back in 2011. Older van drivers may fondly remember just how respected this panel van remains, liked for its high quality and smooth driving nature – a lower cost alternative to a Mercedes, in fact.

Toyota says that, like Mercedes, who tied up with Renault to market the Citan (essentially a rehashed Kangoo), the Japanese manufacturer also had some say (and sway) in how the new Proace would turn out as the first model was already dated when first introduced in 2012. The end result now is a much improved design in terms of dynamics and quality and one which Toyota proudly stuck its badge on but only after giving the Hiace its own identity with a nose job that differs to the French pair, being more in line with Toyota’s current corporate look.

Hiaces have always been a select line-up and while the French ranges are far more expansive, the 10-strong Proace line up is still available in three body sizes, two wheelbase lengths in normal panel van or crew cab, combi and cab forms. Similarly, the Toyota engine line-up is limited with a choice of a 1.6 in both the 95bhp and 115bhp tune and a 120bhp 2.0-litre unit for the larger ranges; petrol power is not an option.

Transmissions are six-speed apart from entry-level model, which even though it’s a base trim, still comes with central locking, cruise control (with speed limiter), powered windows and door mirrors, DAB, USB port and Bluetooth. The Comfort trim lives up to its name boasting more cabin insulation, air con, seat height adjustment for the driver and useful extra 12V power points.

We tested one of the popular models, a Comfort Medium with the 115bhp engine retailing at a shade under £22,000 (plus VAT) which is mid way in the price spectrum that spans from £18,195 rising to £22,674 for the 2.0-litre Comfort with the longer body option, placing the Proace in the middle of the PSA pair: £17,495 - £26,545. Options fitted our test Toyota included the Safety and Security Pack which is short hand for forward collision warning, with pre-collision system, cornering lights, rain-sensing wipers and very useful headup speed display on the dash prism, all in at under £1,600. Other worthwhile additions include plylining at £187 or £250 with an anti-slip floor and essential rear parking sensors at £208. Strangely, the electric powered side doors found on the Citroen and Peugeots are not listed.

Not unexpectedly, the Proace drives like its Citroen and Peugeot counterparts meaning gutsy flexible engine performance, crisp handling – aided by Hill-start assist and Vehicle Stability Control – and good civility levels. The cab is just about roomy enough to make the optional three-seat configuration tolerable for a small passenger although its underseat stowage area that turns into a table is more welcome. The cab is big improvement on previous Peugeots and Citroens, especially in build, and it’s a very pleasant environment, boasting all the mod cons you’d expect.

What makes the Porace the preferred pick? For a start, it costs roughly the same as an equivalent Dispatch and Expert yet boasts a five-year warranty, two years to the good of the PSA cover.

Where the Expert may trump the others is Peugeot’s clever ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) offshoot where an adaption of the standard anti-lock brakes and traction control systems creates a pseudo “4x4” effect for this ‘almost off-roader’ van.

Also there’s far more PSA dealers around compared to Toyota’s 70-strong UK dealership network of which 25 are specialist LCV centres. Ultimately, the final buying decision boils down to which badge you want to wear because the Toyota one still ranks as the highest.