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VERSOTILE SPACE (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Toyota's contender in the super-large MPV EV segment is this Proace Verso EV model. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 42

Toyota has used its LCV partnership with Stellantis to bring us this model, the Proace Verso EV. A full-electric large People Carrier, it's a really sensible family or business choice if you need an MPV with room for up to nine people.

Backgroundword count: 154

If you're in search of a really big full-electric MPV these days, you'll need a big cheque book. Think over £60,000 for a Ford E-Tourneo Custom. And nearly £90,000 for a Mercedes EQV. Toyota though, wants to suggest a more sensible option. At starting prices from under £50,000, the company's Proace Verso EV looks much more accessible. The Proace Verso, based on the brand's Proace mid-size van, has been around since 2016, when its arrival marked Toyota's return to the large MPV segment, a market sector it'd been absent from since the demise of the Previa back in 2007. But prior to this EV model's launch in 2024, we'd only had this vehicle in diesel form. That black pump-fuelled model was replaced by this full-EV variant. As before, it's a Toyota version of a Stellantis Group design - now also sold as the Peugeot E-Traveller, the Citroen e-SpaceTourer and the Vauxhall Vivaro Life Electric.

Engines and Tech Specword count: 214

Toyota is offering the 75kWh battery pack fitted to this model's Stellantis Group cousins. Which means you get much the same sort of range as is quoted with those models - here rated at 213 miles. Not massive, but if you're planning to use this Proace Verso for merely suburban duties, that might not matter. As with the Vauxhall, Peugeot and Citroen versions of this design, the powertrain features a 134bhp electric motor. The driver can select Eco, Normal or Power driving modes using a centre console-mounted switch. In Power mode, maximum output delivers peak torque of 260Nm from start-up. Top speed is electronically limited to 80mph and 0-62mph acceleration can be accomplished in 11.9 seconds. In Eco mode output is reduced to 81bhp with 190Nm of torque, while in Normal mode the electric system produces 107bhp with 210Nm. Through the corners, as you would expect, there's plenty of body roll if, rather unwisely, you start throwing the thing about. If you can ignore both that and the slightly vague steering and find yourself absolutely having to push on, you'll find that there's reasonable grip and traction. The turning circle isn't too huge - at 12.9 metres - which, along with the glassy cabin makes this a surprisingly manoeuvrable vehicle for use around town.

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