Toyota

Toyota is a worldwide car manufacturer that in recent years has been successful with its hybrid powertrains.

Toyota Proace Electric 50 kwh with comfort factor

Posted 14/04/2021 by Terje Bjørnstad

The advantages of electric vans are several. The climate discount from ENOVA's Zero Emission Fund is a cash subsidy of up to NOK 50 if you buy an electric vehicle in business. You save tolls. In Oslo, you can park for free in streets with resident parking. Not only do you save money - you don't have to argue with overzealous representatives from the City Environment Agency when things need to be picked up or delivered.

Not just a niche

Electric vans have long been niche vehicles for local driving in the largest cities. Now the demand has increased, without the big car brands being able to offer cars of sufficient size and range. This has made room for new car brands from China that have gained a good foothold. The new Toyota Proace Electric will therefore face competitors called BYD T3 50 kwh and Maxus e-Delivery 3 52,5 kwh, as well as the slightly smaller box van Nissan e-NV200 40 kwh.

mazda camper — Pleasant craft in excellent weather

A nice day

I smile when I think of the song "En fin dag" by Prima Vera. Of all the days in April, I had chosen a day with something resembling a blizzard! But it was actually quite alright to work and cruise around with a Proace Electric - even on a day like this. And if you are in a good mood yourself, you only meet nice people. I don't just want to highlight the well-being factor, but also the environmental factor. Whether you like it or not, Oslo is currently undergoing a small environmental revolution. What fits better then "our" electric van with an advertisement for Hertz Bilpool on the side. The car-sharing company has placed a couple of brand new Toyota Proace Electrics in Oslo - in addition to all its regular Proaces.

French and a little Belgian?

Proace is, as most people know, not a pure Toyota product. It is identical to the Citroen Jumpy, Peugeot Expert and Opel Vivaro. The only difference is the front grill and logo. The Proace is manufactured at the Fiat factory Sevel in France just above the border with Belgium. The Toyota's VIN number states oddly enough Belgium as country of production. The collaboration with PSA means that the Proace Electric shares the battery pack and engine with models such as the Citroen ë-C4. Peugeot e-208, e-2008, Opel Corsa-e and new Mokka-e. This drive unit is set to become a big seller in Europe.

Powers and reach

In the small Peugeot 208, you can get a range of up to 340 km on mixed driving according to WLTP. In the much larger Toyota Proace Electric, the corresponding range is 219 km with the same battery pack. Although the range is far less than that of passenger cars, it is still on par with the competition. Even with a load of approximately 300 kg, 136 HP feels fully sufficient - at least as good as what the 2-litre diesel engine with 122 HP delivers. The electric motor has more horsepower, but lower torque than the diesel engine. The advantage of the electric version is that the torque is constant from the start.

Electric versus diesel

If you come from a Proace diesel to the Electric variant, there are no noticeable differences. The electric car's gear lever is shaped like a slide switch with a separate button for "P" as well as a separate button for more powerful recuperative braking. The car is not designed for so-called "one-pedal driving", but provides a weak - and just right - recovery of energy when you let off the gas. On the instrument panel you will also find an eco-meter instead of a rev counter and separate hands for each battery capacity and a separate eco-meter for the air conditioning. There you can see what effect air conditioning, heat, cold, heating wires and fans have on battery consumption. This is useful if you need to extend the range.

Can create range anxiety

There are a couple of features of the Proace Electric that you should be aware of. Even if you have full control over the range, you can be intimidated by the instrument panel - especially the number indicating the remaining range. If you stand in a queue with the air conditioning on - or make a number of stops along the way, the calculated remaining kilometers can plummet because the computer thinks you should stand still with the air conditioning on for the rest of the day. Even if you have to take the number with a pinch of salt, it is probably not a bad idea to switch off "power thieves", especially in queues. Check the eco-meter for climate energy.

Real range

Real range was this time calculated under unfavorable conditions. In my own eyes, I am an "expert" in getting the most kilometers possible out of any car. But in cold, wet conditions with slush on the road in several places - as well as queuing and waiting, my calculated range ended up being 160 real kilometres. It is about the same as I got out of the Nissan e-NV200 with a 40 kwh battery in cold and winter conditions. The combination of motorways, heavy loads, trailers (up to 1000 kg) and winter can further reduce the range. Many will probably be best served by choosing a larger battery pack.

On the road

"Our" car was of the L1H1 type, which in van language means "medium length and height". The electric car weighs 232 kg more than the equivalent model with a 2-litre diesel engine. On the country road, the Proace Electric is stable and comfortable, even in the bends. On vertical bumps - bumps and dumps - the damping could have been better. I also noted that the steering was light - and required more travel on the steering wheel than I'm used to. Noise level and seating comfort were otherwise very good. With cup holders and a fold-down work table in the middle seat, the well-being factor is high.

Conclusion

It is no secret that the Toyota Proace is the same car as the vans from PSA (Peugeot, Citroen and Opel). The only differences are that they are manufactured at different factories and sold through different retail chains. The cars are so similar that you don't have to choose car brand. Find the best one the retailer!

We have borrowed the Toyota Proace several times in the past with diesel. Proace is a good choice regardless of whether you choose diesel or battery. Electric vehicles, however, offer so many advantages that it would be unwise to choose anything else - but choose as large a battery as possible. The battery pack of 50 kwh can be scarce in bad conditions. The Toyota Proace with 75 kwh will probably be a better choice for most people. It will also be better equipped to face the competition from new electric vans. The Ford e-Transit with a 76 kwh battery will come next year.

If you need a van, there is in any case no reason not to drive electric.

Facts Toyota Proace Electric 50 kwh

Weights and Measures
External dimensions - L, W, H: 496 x 192 x 190 cm
Wheelbase: 328 cm
Cargo space: 5,8 cubic metres
Net weight: 1874 kg (without driver)
Payload: 926 kg
Number of seats: 3
Max trailer weight w/brake: 1000 kg
- without brake: 750 kg

Drivetrain
Battery pack: 50 Kwh
Engine: Electric, located at the front
Power: 136 HP
Torque: 260 Nm
Gearbox: Stepless.
Front wheel drive.

Performances
Top speed: 130 km/h
0-100: 12,1 seconds

Range
WLTP: 219 km (combined)
Calculated based on our trips: 160 km

Cargo
Contacts: Type 2 and CSS

Tires
Dimensjon: 215/65R16 109/107R
Type: Spikeless winter
Brand: VanContact Viking

Price
L1H1 Comfort: NOK 404
ENOVA support: NOK 19

About the car
Place of manufacture: Valenciennes, France
Owner: Hertz Car pool
Rented via hertzbilpool.no
Model: 2021
Mileage: 217
Km driven: 64
Source: Toyota.no

See

toyota van — Will the Proace become a Hiace?

The Toyotas that got Norway on wheels

Posted 24/08/2020 by Terje Bjørnstad

I am at Mageli Camping by the idyllic Losnavannet in Gudbrandsdalen. It's still summer. The sea is still green after this year's meltwater. Sunday has come to life. People sit outside with coffee and breakfast. A guy is busy building nail tents.

Old school Toyota

Between motorhomes and modern caravans, I can see some nice old Toyotas. Nice reunion, I thought. 30 and 40 years ago, the campsite would have been full of cars such as Corolla, Carina, Cressida and maybe the occasional Crown. It was when cars were painted in different colors - and families could go on holiday in a Corolla. The Toyotas have by no means disappeared from the campsites, but they look different today. It was not the T-Forden that got Norway on wheels. It was Toyota.

Simple and durable

The first Japanese cars were not distinguished by cutting-edge technological finesse and ground-breaking design. They were rather a thought side-rumped. The philosophy was "keep it simple" to keep prices low and quality high. A concept that was very successful.

Cressida (MX32)

I'm impressed with how well Cressida is doing - seen through today's eyes. I don't think of them as old cars, although the two cars in this post are over 40 years old. The great impression is enhanced by the fact that the cars have been given a new colour, upgraded wheels and lowered. Engine-wise, all Cressidas to Norway were delivered with a 2-litre engine with 90 HP. In other parts of the world you could get it with Toyota's great inline sixes 2,6 and 2,8. Today, there are several options for upgrading to something more modern under the hood.

crown — Toyota Corona and Toyota Corolla E20

Corona and Corolla

The red car is a Corona – one of the first models to be brought into the country. The Coronas were to prove to be very reliable and lay the foundation for Toyota's growth. The world car Corolla was no disappointment either. Mustard yellow was a very popular color when the second-generation Corolla E20 arrived in 1970. It was so popular that production continued for a couple of years after the successor was launched as a 1975 model.

old school toyota — Stylish and simple – typical Corolla

Crown

From 1975, the Corolla could be delivered as a station wagon. The just over 4-metre-long car became popular as a family car. But that one correct the dream car for a family was a light blue Crown station wagon. Few cars were as reliable as the Crown. No wonder the model became popular with taxi owners of the time.

s50 — Toyota Crown 2000 – 3rd generation (S50)

s70 — Toyota Crown 2000 – 4th generation facelift (S70)

More pictures of old school Toyota

See

Old School Toyotas Norway (Facebook)
Toyota Crown Club of Norway

Live retro - drive veteran!

Posted 01/08/2020 by Terje Bjørnstad

One of the year's big searches on the Internet this year is "motorhome". Cabin on wheels that you can take wherever you want. Forget cabin shame and closed borders!

The stroller doesn't have to cost a million

In the 60s and 70s, tents and caravans dominated. Motorhomes did not become common until the 80s. Many of the first motorhomes are still on the road. But it is safe to say that there is not much new excitement about an early motorhome on a Fiat Ducato chassis. You have to like both the car and the bodywork. I saw such a craft the other day. A - by Norwegian standards - large American Gulfstream superstructure over a Toyota Hilux.

A good combo

In my eyes, a 21-foot American "motor home" is a full-fledged motorhome. It has all the comforts and is big enough for a family. And even though it's 30 years old, it looks great. No one makes as good motorhomes as the Americans, and no one can make more reliable cars than Toyota. Remember how the Top Gear team struggled to kill their Toyota Hilux?

toyota motorhome — The Business side of the Gulfstream Ultra.

Petrol and automatic transmission

Toyota began offering motorhome chassis from the late 70s. Winnibago and several other RV manufacturers sold 18 and 21/22 foot RVs based on the Toyota as an alternative to the Dodge. Chevy/GMC and Ford. The little Toyota's big advantage was fuel consumption. Yes, we are talking about gas - not diesel. The first models were equipped with Hilux's 2,4-litre inline-four petrol with 122 HP and automatic – later upgraded to 3,0 V6. Petrol consumption with camping body and automatic transmission is between 1,3 and 1,5 liters per mile. By comparison, a V8 can guzzle almost 3 liters per mile with a heavy accelerator.

Was not profitable for Toyota

Toyota's American motorhome flirtation was not a financial success. The first vintages had problems with the rear axle. The load on the small twin wheels was too great. The hubs got hot - something that could be dangerous on the road. Toyota and the motorhome manufacturers had to share the bill to recall all the cars and replace the rear axles from "semi-float" to "full-float". Full-float axles rotate and drive the wheels without having the weight of the car over them.

More warranty cases should appear

Some cars were driven hard. It takes on when the donnings weigh around 3 tonnes. On cars with 3,0 V6s, the owners had early engine problems and Toyota had to replace the tops. Another expensive warranty issue. Toyota withdrew from the American motorhome market in 1993 due to poor profitability. The cars, however, still roll on.

hilux motorhome — The cozy side of the Gulfstream Conquest

The best of both worlds

For around 100 you can find dry and maintained American motorhomes on Toyota chassis both in Europe and in the USA. Americans expect a high level of comfort, and many carriages are therefore properly air-conditioned. American fabrics do not stand the test of time very well. But luckily that can be replaced. The cars were manufactured in Japan – not in the USA. If the frame is intact, I think most things can be fixed here at home. If you are a practitioner, you can convert to a diesel drive, while romantics can enjoy a slightly underpowered, raucous petrol engine with automatic transmission on the steering wheel. It's holiday.

It gets to hoot, he who hoots wants to. (From Øystein Sunde "Captain Snutebil")

Pictures of the Toyota Hilux motorhome

toyota camper — The interior of an American superstructure with the passageway into the cab.

See

Mitsubishi l300 — Mitsubishi L300 Camper.

Toyota Motorhomes on Pinterest

Family car? Toyota RAV4!

Posted 15/07/2020 by Terje Bjørnstad

If someone asks me to recommend a good family car, I answer "Toyota RAV4". User-friendly, easy to drive, reliable and big enough for a family. No one will come back later and claim that I was wrong.

Improved hybrid solution

Those of us who like to drive have probably not exactly praised Toyota's hybrid drivetrain and CVT transmission over the 20 years it has been produced. But now Toyota has finally started to get a turn on its hybrid solutions. The new Corolla and C-HR provide excellent consumption figures without spoiling the driving pleasure. The RAV4 has received 3 engines, 2 at the front and 1 at the rear. The four-wheel solution is called e-Four and is controlled by the rear electric motor being switched on when needed – electronically. No additional shafts, couplings and linings.

Saved the day

I actually got to test the four-wheel solution. While looking for a "location" for a photoshoot in rough terrain, one front wheel ended up halfway in a wet ditch. It was heading further down. With my heart in my throat, I straightened the wheels and put the car in reverse - calmly ... If the wheel had started to spin, I would have been sold. Fortunately, I could feel how the electric motor grabbed the rear wheel and slowly and silently pulled us up without any problems.

The four-wheel drive system requires electricity

Luckily I didn't run out of power. I wonder how hybrid four-wheel solutions with an electric auxiliary motor work when the batteries are empty of power. Purely theoretical, then. Under normal conditions, you rarely need to engage the rear wheels and rarely for more than a few seconds at a time. It doesn't take much to save the day.

RAV4 cabin car — In front of the cottage exhibition at Hellerudsletta

Popular family car

There is no doubt that the SUVs have taken shares from the station wagon market. The typical family car is undoubtedly an SUV, such as the Toyota RAV4. I borrowed "mine" through one of the car sharing services. I have followed and seen that the RAV4 cars are rarely inside. This summer, everyone is going on holiday in Norway. It was so close that I managed to hijack a RAV4 between two week-long leases.

Place

The space conditions in the compartment are very good. The back seat accommodates 3 adults, where the middle passenger can also sit comfortably. Plenty of space for rear-facing child seats. The luggage compartment is 580 liters with an intermediate plate that ensures threshold-free loading. It is good to have a living room. The boot in the RAV4 is larger than in the Audi Q5 (both diesel and hybrid), as well as the Volvo XC60 and Honda CR-V. It is not bad considering that there is an electric motor under the luggage.

RAV4 dashboard — Behind the wheel, common functions are intuitive and user-friendly

look and feel

“No more boring cars!” has been declared by the president of Toyota. I like Toyota’s new style. The RAV4 looks good – much better than all its predecessors combined. I also like the interior. The front seats are wide and comfortable. They actually remind me a bit of the seats in a Volvo. The interior, on the other hand, is not quite Volvo – but still alright. The user interface is intuitive. Anyone can get in, tune in to a radio channel and drive away. At first I found a fairly low seating position with some distance to the steering wheel. It worked fine, but after a while I felt more comfortable sitting a little higher and closer to the steering wheel. With the entire front section in my field of vision, and my arm on the center armrest, I almost had the feeling of steering a Range Rover.