Test: Toyota Proace Verso - nine-seater A shuttle for the flexible

Minibuses are often rolling oases of wellness - and accordingly expensive. If you do not want to spend quite as much money, choose the shuttle model instead of the MPV variant. This saves money, but also requires a few concessions.

Minibuses are usually available in two versions: one that is particularly comfortable for families and other private users. And one for commercial use in hotels or taxi companies. The "Shuttle Comfort" variant of the Toyota Proace Verso belongs to the latter group. Despite its somewhat rough charm, the nine-seater convinces with a lot of space and a decent level of comfort.

The window in the tailgate can be opened individually

If you are looking for a sedan with a lounge atmosphere, the "Shuttle Comfort" models of the Proace Verso are at the wrong address. The most important differences from the finer "Family" versions: the overall simpler choice of materials, the less variable seating system and a double bench in the front on the passenger side. The additional seat makes better use of the available space than the usual single seat at this point, but above all requires the middle passenger to make some concessions in terms of personal freedom. In the long run, it will be difficult for family members to be placed. In rows two and three it is much more airy, with a little jerking three child seats can be positioned next to each other. So there is space for a total of nine passengers, plus some luggage.

There is always enough space, thanks to two sliding doors and a tailgate with a window that can be opened separately, it can also be used in any situation. The lack of the shuttle model, on the other hand, is variability. There are no sliding or swiveling seats there. After all, the backrests can be folded down in a 60:40 ratio and the armchairs can then be tilted forward or completely removed. However, this requires strength, time and enough storage space in the garage, especially with the two-seater benches. Those who switch more frequently between the transport of people and goods should choose the more flexible equipment lines "Family", "Family Comfort" or "Executive". If you need space and a robust environment, this is the place for you.

Depending on the variant, there are three different lengths to choose from

Even if the shuttle is more practical than chic in terms of the family variant - in a segment comparison it does offer an upscale ambience. It starts with the harmonious design on the outside, which is further enhanced by 17-inch light-alloy rims, tinted windows and add-on parts painted throughout in body color - externally, the Shuttle effectively distinguishes itself from the pure commercial vehicle variants. The interior continues with the right mix of car flair and utility utility. So the materials are kept rather simple. And the open second glove compartment and the shelf on the dashboard create a van atmosphere, the standard multimedia system with touchscreen, the cockpit trim parts in aluminum look and high-quality extras such as a head-up display and an extensive assistant package limit the shuttle sufficiently from purely commercial utility vans.

In the shuttle version there is a bench instead of the passenger seat

Even if the Proace Verso does very well in the class comparison, it cannot keep up with real cars in terms of comfort level. The minibus reveals its origins, particularly in terms of noise insulation; at the latest at the speed of the freeway, it is too loud on board for a pleasant conversation with the family. There are also minus points in the long-distance rating for the seats, which are rather soft, simple and contourless. At least the driver's seat has electrical adjustment options, lumbar support and armrest. A disappointment is the multimedia system, which often takes far too long to start up. This is particularly annoying because the rear-view camera is not available during charging - so when parking, you need patience or a surely free environment.

The Toyota convinces on the road. The 2,0-liter diesel with 110 kW / 150 PS installed in the test car is powerful and sophisticated, consumes around seven liters in a practical mix without a trailer and is coupled to a well-coordinated and precisely guided manual six-speed gearbox. There is no automatic system for this engine, if you want it you have to choose the more powerful and significantly more expensive variant with 125 kW / 177 hp. For 48.085 euros, it offers slightly better mileage with comparable practical consumption. The chassis offers good long-distance comfort without letting the bus sway excessively in curves.

The Toyota Proace Verso can accommodate up to 9 occupants

If you choose the smaller engine, you pay at least 46.685 euros for the Proace Verso Shuttle Comfort. The Toyota is not a bargain, it is not only priced at a similar level to the identical sister models Peugeot Traveler, Citroen Spacetourer and Opel Zafira, but is also as expensive as the bestseller VW T6 Caravelle, which it has at least some horsepower and has a lot of equipment ahead.

Emergency brake assist, blind spot warning, rear-view camera and two-zone automatic climate control are included as standard. It is much cheaper to choose the significantly slimmed down version “Shuttle” for 37.900 euros, which is only available with 88 kW / 120 PS diesel: You can spend a lot more money if you want to expand the Proace Verso into a fully variable family car. Then the price quickly rises above the 50.000 euro mark.

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