Toyota enters the EV market for small MPVs with this Proace City Verso EV. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

The Proace City Verso EV is the smaller MPV sibling to the Proace Verso EV. And Toyota's version of the Stellantis Group compact electric van-based people carrier design already offered by Peugeot, Vauxhall, and Citroen. Let's take a closer look.

Background

Perhaps the affordable section of the people carrier MPV market has life left in it after all. We've recently seen rejuvenated versions of the Vauxhall Combo Life, the Peugeot Rifter and the Citroen Berlingo hit the market. Now Toyota has joined the fray with this car, the Proace City Verso EV. As its name suggests, like its Vauxhall, Peugeot and Citroen Stellantis Group cousins, it's fully electric. And, like these models, it can come in five or seven-seat form. Toyota has no history in this segment of the MPV market, which is possibly why, when it introduced the Proace City van in 2018, it didn't then choose to sell us the MPV Verso version of that borrowed Stellantis Group design that it could have offered. As part of the early 2024 Proace City mid-term facelift though, Toyota has decided to add this passenger-carrying Verso version to the line-up, mindful no doubt of the pressing need to incorporate more EVs in its model range.

Driving Experience

If you know anything about the engineering of this product, you won't be expecting it to be any different to drive than its E-Rifter, E-Berlingo or Combo Electric Stellantis Group EV cousins - and of course, it isn't. Start up and there's the usual beep as you get the sign that all is ready to pull away; which you do in the default 'Normal' drive mode. The other selectable drive settings are 'Eco' and 'Power'. You'll need the 'Power' mode to unleash the electric motor's full 134bhp output, though if you drive like that, you will of course get nowhere near the 50kWh battery's WLTP-rated best driving range figure, rated at up to 213 miles. Better to stick to the 'Normal' mode, which restricts output to 108bhp; or possibly around town to 'Eco' mode, though that gives you just 81bhp and restricts the climate system. 'Normal' mode should be fine for realistic maximisation of range, particularly if you select the 'B' transmission setting that increases brake regeneration. As usual with EVs, if you do need performance, it's only a right foot jab away; 62mph from rest occupies 11.2s, but the instant response you get to 30mph makes this MPV feel quicker than that. Overtakes are easy too; 50-75 mph takes 8.9s.

Design and Build

This Proace City Verso EV isn't too much of a van-looking thing - well it isn't in plusher 'Design'-spec form anyway, with 16-inch alloy wheels fitted instead of the base model's dour steel rims. As usual with this Stellantis Group-derived design, two body lengths are available - 'Medium' L1 (4.41m) and 'Long' L2 (4.76m). Like the alternative Vauxhall, Citroen and Peugeot models, the 'Long' version can be had with an extra third seating row. Inside, Stellantis hasn't allowed Toyota to add the regen brake paddles behind the steering wheel that you get with the Citroen, Peugeot and Vauxhall versions of this design, but this Proace City Verso EV does get the same updated screen tech as you'd find in those cars - a configurable digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch centre screen, upon which navigation is standardised with both trim grades, plus there's smartphone integration with 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto'. Because the battery pack is neatly mounted beneath this MPV model's floor, cabin space is not compromised. And you might be surprised to find that the sliding doors incorporate electric windows and decently-sized door pockets, plus you get overhead reading lights. But compared to the other versions of this design, there's quite a lot missing here that Stellantis has decided Toyota can't have; like individual rear seats, front seat back tables and the option of roof storage with glass panels. One nice-to have touch this Toyota has been allowed to have (with top spec) is an opening rear tailgate glass panel, which is a real boon when you simply want to throw a light bag inside the back. That's mainly because the tailgate itself is a pain to lift, heavy and vast, with no powered operation option and needful of a large area behind when you need to pull it up. Still, once it's raised, you'll be able to shelter under the thing in the rain while the kids are getting their school bags out of the back. Even the 5-seat short wheelbase 'L1' model can swallow 597-litres in its boot, while the alternative long wheelbase 'L2' version has a capacity of up to 850-litres. You don't get the fixed parcel shelf that's supplied with the other versions of this design (allowing you to theoretically position the family dog above your shopping); instead, there's a pull-out tonneau cover. There's no extra room beneath the cargo base and this charging lead bag takes up valuable space on the floor, but there's side storage on the right, four tie-down points, a dim light on the left and a strap to pull the tailgate back down. The second row seat splits 60:40, freeing up as much as 2,126-litres of space in the 'L1' version; it'd be up to 2,693-litres on the 'L2' version with the rear rows folded.

Market and Model

Prices range in the £32,000-£36,500 bracket. Most customers will choose the mainstream 'Icon' trim level, available with medium L2 (4,403mm) or long L2 (4,753mm) body lengths. Plusher 'Design' spec comes only in L1 form. The 'Icon' equipment specification includes a 10-inch multimedia display, a navigation system, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, removable third row seats, automatic headlights and an electronic parking brake. 'Design' grade adds 16-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, smart entry, automatic windscreen wipers, retracting door mirrors, body-colour bumpers, side mouldings and door handles, gloss black door mirror casings, a reversing camera and an energy-saving heat pump for the automatic air conditioning system.

Cost of Ownership

We mentioned the improved WLTP-rated range in our Driving Experience section - 213 miles. A range of provided BEV features delivers key information at a glance: Battery charging and thermal pre-heating programmes, a charging station locator, an autonomy range check and a battery usage display. As you'd want, the Proace City Verso EV supports up to 100kW rapid (DC) charging, with an 80% re-charge taking 30 minutes, while a full charge from a 7.4kW single-phase wallbox takes 7.5 hours thanks to the 7.4kW on-board charger. Customers with access to three-phase power can specify an optional 11kW on-board charger that will charge this Toyota in 4 hours 45 minutes, when using a wallbox that also supports this faster home-charging solution. As usual with a compact zero emissions EV model, there's a Benefit-in-Kind first year tax rate of just 2%. That's until 2025, as is exemption from London congestion and ultra-low emissions charges. Maintenance intervals are much as they would be for a combustion model, but there'll be less for the workshop to do, so costs should be lower. There are plenty of Toyota outlets to choose from, so you should never be too far from one. For peace of mind, the lithium-ion battery pack in this model comes with an eight year/100,000 mile warranty, for up to 70% of the initial battery capacity. A key ownership attribute over this model's Vauxhall, Peugeot and Citroen design stablemates is the fact that Toyota offers a 10 year warranty, provided you keep the vehicle serviced at a franchised dealer.

Summary

In principle, the Proace City Verso EV has plenty going for it in terms of transport for a small family. Provided you can accept the EV driving range. Provided you don't mind the LCV origins. And provided you can get a better deal than you'd be offered with essentially the same design from your nearest Vauxhall, Peugeot or Citroen showroom. Lots of provisos then. They needn't necessarily be deal-breakers against this Toyota though. MPVs like this are typically used for small commuting distances, so the 213 mile range between charges should be fine for most customers. The LCV origins mean a boxy shape that makes this car really practical. And there's an easy reason to choose this Proace City Verso EV rather than the Vauxhall, Peugeot or Citroen versions of this design; Toyota's far superior 10-year warranty. So is this car starting to make sense to you now? For some, it just might.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Auto up and down function on drivers window

Rain sensing wipers

Anti-jam protection on power windows

Rear window defogger

Front power windows

Auto up and down function on 2nd row windows

Privacy Glass - 70% Midnight tint

Rear tailgate with opening window

Two fixed side windows on 3rd row

Two sliding side windows on 2nd row

Brakes

Electronic parking brake

Hill start assist control (HAC)

Anti lock braking system + Electronic brake force distribution

Brake assist

Communication

Bluetooth connectivity

eCall emergency call system

Smartphone integration including Apple car play and Android auto

Handsfree phone set

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Front parking sensors

Drive mode selector

Rear parking sensors

Speed limit recognition

Speed limit information

Driver attention alert system

Memory on adjustable speed limiter

Lane Departure Alert (LDA) switch on lower driver dashboard

MyT connected services

Cruise Control switch behind steering wheel

Road sign assist with extended range

Rear 180 degree visio park

Driver Information

Analogue speedometer

Analogue tachometer

Battery capacity indicator

10" colour EV multi information display

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Electric heated door mirrors

Power adjustable door mirrors

Shiny black door mirrors

Power retractable door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Chrome insert on centre air vents

Open tray on passenger dashboard

Entertainment

Audio switch on steering wheel

DAB digital audio broadcast

USB connector

8" Pro touch screen multimedia system

Exterior Body Features

Body coloured front bumper

Body coloured door handles

VIN Plate

Gloss black roof rails

Body coloured rear bumper

Black upper front grille

Body coloured protection moulding on side doors

Two sliding side doors

Chrome insert on lower side doors

Body coloured rail cover on side sliding door

Body coloured insert on license plate

Short roof antenna

Chrome insert on side air vents

Exterior Lights

Front fog lights

Halogen headlights

Daytime running lights

Auto headlights

3rd brake light

Automatic high beam

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone automatic air conditioning

Pollen air filter

Interior Features

Overhead storage box

Chrome interior door handles

Retractable tonneau cover

3 spoke leather steering wheel

Cloth upholstery

Cooled glovebox

Hooks for luggage holding net

Leather gear shift

Non leather handbrake

Parking brake button colour

Satin chrome surround on multimedia display

Satin chrome insert on steering wheel

Chrome insert on gear shift

Console box front

Black surround on gear shift console

Carpet floor trim

Closed upper passenger dashboard storage compartment

Closed upper driver dashboard storage compartment

In floor storage box

Drivers armrest

Interior Lights

Front reading lights

Boot light

Safety

Driver and passenger airbags

Front side airbags

Three 3 point rear seatbelts

Front and rear curtain airbags

Tyre pressure warning system

Pre collision system

Seats

Front headrests

Rear headrests

1/3 to 2/3 split folding rear seats

Height adjustable driver seat

ISOFIX child restraint system

Manually sliding and reclining front passenger seats

Adjustable lumbar support on driver seat

Single front passenger seat

Retractable 2nd row 3 seat bench

Front passenger seat foldable backrest

Security

Locking wheel nuts

Power door locks

Remote door lock

Power child safety door lock

Key starting system

Towing

Trailer sway control

Vanity Mirrors

Light on driver sun visor

Mirror on driver sun visor

Vehicle Charging

11kW on board charger

6m 10a home charging cable plug

Wallbox charging cable

Wheels

Black small centre caps

Tire spoiler

Wheels - Alloy

16" 5 triple spoke caps alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Capacity in kWh: 50

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 5

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 30

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 270

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 450

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 1020

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 418

Usable Battery Capacity: 45.4

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 172

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 277

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 20.4

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 260

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3

Emissions - ICE

Noise Level dB(A): 68

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Catalytic Convertor: N

Gears: 1 SPEED

Transmission: AUTO

Compression Ratio: N

Engine Layout: N

Camshaft: N

Number of Valves: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Cylinders: N

CC: 1

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Fuel Delivery: N

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Combined (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

General

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Generation Mark: 1

Badge Engine CC: 0

Badge Power: 136

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 17E

Special Order: 0

Special Edition: 0

Based On ID: N

Coin Description: Long

Coin Series: Family

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 136

Top Speed: 84

0 to 62 mph (secs): 11.2

Engine Power - KW: 100

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 192

Engine Torque - NM: 260

Engine Torque - RPM: 300

Engine Torque - MKG: 26.5

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Rear: 205/60 R16

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 16" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 5-TRIPLE SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 205/60 R16

Vehicle Dimensions

Wheelbase: 2975

Width: 1848

Length: 4753

Width (including mirrors): 2107

Height (including roof rails): 1880

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 582

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2320

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 1538

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 2693

Minimum Kerbweight: 1738

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Black

Metallic - Falcon grey

Metallic - Silver shadow

Paint - Solid

Solid - Icy white

Trim - Cloth

Cloth - Grey