[PHOTOS] New Toyota Proace Verso Debuts at Geneva Motor Show
The 2016 Toyota Proace Verso
Toyota is having a busy time over in Geneva right now. The automaker revealed three new models at the European auto show—two of which were world debuts. Visitors to Toyota’s display at the Geneva Motor Show will be able to see the new Hilux pickup truck, the production version of the C-HR concept crossover, and one very unique, very Japanese vehicle—the Proace Verso.
Toyota classifies the Proace Verso as a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), though its sheer size and ability to carry up to nine people make it a minivan by American standards. It’s much more versatile than your typical minivan, though, with five available diesel powertrains, two wheelbases, and three body lengths from which to choose.
The five diesel powertrains have a varying output from 94 to 177 bhp, and come mated to robotized manual and automatic transmissions. The three body lengths are fairly self-explanatory—Compact, Medium, and Long. The Compact model’s wheelbase measures 2.9 meters, while the larger two models ride on 3.2-meter wheelbases. Total length on the Medium model measures 4.9 meters, while the Long version lives up to its name at 5.3 meters in length.
In addition to its five powertrains, three body lengths, and two wheelbases, the new Proace Verso comes in a choice between three trims: Shuttle, Family, and VIP. The Shuttle model, which is available with Compact, Medium, or Long body styles, is designed for families or businesses on a budget. While its carpeted floors and cloth-upholstered seats are comfortable, it’s the most basic model and is meant for the owner who has to watch his budget.
The Family grade builds upon the basic Shuttle model, adding more comfortable seating for eight, as well as airplane-style tables in the second row and captain’s chair seats in the front row.
Topping the lineup, the VIP model comes with front- and middle-row captain’s chairs, seating for up to seven, and even middle-row seats that can be reversed for a more “informal traveling configuration.”
The Proace Verso was awarded five stars in Euro NCAP crash testing thanks to safety systems like forward collision warning, driver attention alert, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot detection, and adaptive front lighting. These safety technologies are available through the Toyota Safety Sense package, which is gradually being rolled out to all models in the automaker’s lineup.
The addition of this model is expected to help Toyota capture a new section of the European auto market once it’s released later this year.
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