Toyota Proace Verso Review

The Toyota Proace is a versatile van-based MPV aimed predominantly at taxi drivers and airport shuttle firms. But it can also make a good choice for those with a big family. 

Like the van it is based on, the Proace Verso is built in France as part of a joint agreement with Citroen and Peugeot. This means it's almost identical to the Citroen SpaceTourer and Peugeot Traveller, with low running costs and high levels of standard equipment. However, the Proace is sold with Toyota's 100,000 mile five year warranty as standard.   

There are three body styles to pick from as well as three trims - Shuttle, Family and VIP - reflecting the market that the Proace Verso is aimed at. Entry Shuttle models are well-equipped, with nine-seats fitted as standard, along with automatic headlights, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, heated door mirrors and automatic dual-zone - for the front and rear - climate control.

The front-wheel drive Proace Verso comes with 1.6 and 2.0-litre diesel engines. The 1.6 diesel is the most efficient on paper, returning a claimed 54mpg while the 2.0-litre averages 48mpg officially. Most of the engines are linked to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, while the most powerful version gets a six-speed automatic. 

Those in need of a fully-fledged nine seater will have to opt for the entry-level Shuttle trim; these get three rows of seats and a useful tilt and tumble feature that makes it easy to move seats to get in and out of the third row. Head and legroom is plentiful and three adults can sit abreast without feeling claustrophobia or bashing elbows with the person next to them. 

As well as three trim levels, there are also three vehicle lengths to choose from - Compact, Medium and Long. Owing to the van's high roof and wide seats, interior space is seldom an issue, but Compact nine-seater versions offer very little boot space when all of the seats in place. Those in need of a nine-seater with storage for suitcases will need the Proace Verso in Medium or Long wheelbase. 

There is only one roof height available in the Proace range and at 1.9 metres it makes it easy to access areas with height restrictions, such as airport car parks and multi-stories. The Proace Verso is also easy to move at low speeds, with Compact models completing a full turning circle in 11.3 metres, while the larger versions will require just 12.4 metres.  

The high price and van-origins may limit the Proace Verso’s appeal for private buyers, but its flexible and practical nature will make it a tempting choice for professional drivers. Even more so when you factor in its comprehensive five year warranty. 

If you're looking for the van version, you need our Toyota Proace (2016-) review.

Like the standard panel van version, the Proace Verso is a pleasant place to while away the hours with a modern interior and height adjustable driver’s seat that has plenty of support and comfort. 

Compact versions offer the least boot space with the rear seats in place - just 224 litres - but things are more practical with the medium and long bodystyles, which offer a respective 603 and 989 litres. Family-spec versions get a split tailgate, which means you can access the boot without having to lift the large, heavy tailgate.

While the Proace Verso is very much geared towards professional buyers, a mid-range Family model is offered. These eight seaters are very similar to the entry-level Shuttle models, but get seatback tables and Isofix child seat anchors for all of the rear seats. 

Both Shuttle and Family models feature detachable seats, which return the vehicle to its van origins, but all of the seats are heavy and cumbersome to move. Not only will you need a strong set of arms you'll also need a large space to store them. 

Likewise, the 150PS unit has similar traits and it's only the halo 180PS 2.0-litre engine that feels accomplished enough to match the refinement of the engines found in the Ford and Volkswagen. 

Things improve on the motorway, with all of the four-cylinder diesels quietening down to a low level rumble, while the smooth six-speed manual gearbox does an efficient job of sliding through the cogs. 

A six-speed auto - fitted to the 180PS unit as standard - is also extremely good with smooth changes and all versions get hill-start assist to prevent the van from rolling backwards when you're crawling through traffic. 

The Proace Verso isn't as good to drive or refined as its German rivals - such as the Mercedes-Benz V-Class or Volkswagen Caravelle - but it is efficient for its size and nimble in town. 

The 2.0-litre units are equally impressive on fuel, with the 150PS unit returning an advertised 53.3mpg and the range-topping 180PS providing 49.6mpg.

Rear passenger ventilation controls and automatic headlights are also included. 

Basic versions get high levels of tech that’s designed to make life easier, with automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, cruise control and steering wheel mounted audio controls.

The range-topping VIP model is aimed at the executive transport end of the market and features seven leather heated seats and a rear table. Like the Proace Verso in Family trim, the seats are rail-mounted, which means they can be moved forwards/backs or removed altogether.