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MIGHTY 1:11nflik
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The box van needs to excel in one area: space. Toyota's 350 Dyna combines a Tardis-like load area with a decent payload, but is it worth the E18k-plus price tag?
Space is not necessarily a heavyweight issue. For some, payload is the master and the more a commercial vehicle can handle the better. For others,having a real hauler is not a priority, space is the final frontier and the larger the load area the better. Of course you have to have specific needs to request something as vast as this particular Toyota Dyna.but there are people out there with such requirements.
This particular test vehicle satisfies Toyota's motor sport needs by transporting its Fl driving simulators: hence the Toyota Grand Prix livery on the side.And let's face it. that's as close as the CM test team is going to get to driving motor sport vehicles anyway.To add to its uniqueness, the driver's door is signed by Toyota's Fl drivers Oh the glamour!
While Toyota won't provide you with a plain old chassis-cab.it will sell a complete readybodied Dyna, whether with a tipper body or box van.This one was provided by JC Payne. complete with roller shutter door.To make loading easier, it is also fitted with a hydraulic RSG tail-lift.with a weight capacity of 500kg.
The Dyna is available in three versions: the 300 (short wheelbase) and two 350 variants (medium and long wheelbases).
The 300 is powered by an 88hp common-rail four-valve 2.5-litre charge-cooled turbo diesel and has a GVW of 3,000kg.The 350's 2.5-litre (test vehicle) engine develops 102hp at 3,600rpm with 260Nm of torque on tap between 1.400-2,600rpm.
As denotes the 350 badge, GVW is 3,500kg and kerb weight is 1.820kg, but its main difference is the twin rear wheels All Dynas come with ABS, as well as electric front windows, driver's airbag, remote central locking, alarm and engine immobiliser as standard.
Productivity
A 3.5-tonner box van like this is never going to win any prizes in the economy stakes, even with the help of cab roof aerodynamics. That said, a laden run around the fabled Kent fuel route produced a rather impressive 28.2mpg. Weather conditions were terrible at best and there was plenty of stop-starting. For comparison, the Nissan Cabstar E90 3.2-tonner produced 22.8mpg and the 3.5-tonner Ford Transit saw 25.4mpg. One reason for this respectable performance is the Toyota's engine. It's bang up-to-date on the technology front and delivers a progressive stream of torque that allows relaxed driving, even when laden. According to the marketing fluff the D-4D engine, as it's known, was developed specifically for the European market.
Loading the Dyna was easy, largely due to the easy-to-operate RSG hydraulic tail-lift. Simple controls and a smooth action helped keep the process simple. And it tucked away nicely when not in use, As for the actual load volume, this is a cavrnous 19.7m.' — which should be more than adequate for most requirements. Exterior box length is 4.3m and the height is 2.3m.Body/payload allowance is a respectable 1.780kg.
Servicing is every 20,000 miles and the warranty is three years/60.000 milesThe Dyna is also equipped with an engine control unit that monitors the oil contaminant level (dependent on driving conditions) and distance travelled, helping to extend service intervals and reduce running costs.
On the road
While driving expectations are low when it comes to box vans, that doesn't mean it has to be a complete non-starter. Due to the sheer size of the thing,certain adjustments to your driving style are required if you're stepping up from a regular 3.5-tonne panel van (as one test team member found out to his detriment). Steering is somewhat vague, but that's lobe expected given this type of vehicle and the mechanical layout that comes with it. Handling is best described as safe, but this type of vehicle in general puts functionality first anyway.
That said, there is not much body roll when cornering and though the body is wider than the cab it's not a problem once you get your bearings. As mentioned previously, the common-rail diesel engine is a beauty: even when fully laden the Dyna has enough power to keep it moving at a reasonable pace.
To get the best out of the engine you do have to work the gearstiek. Mounted between the driver and passenger seats it has a short throw and a fairly light action.And when it comes to stopping, the brakes (discs at the front and drums at the rear) do a decent job, though the could be a bit more progressive.
The interior of the Dyna is a bit of acornpromise. Japanese inspired forward-control cabs are designed with tight packaging in mind. But it leaves them open to criticism.While the Dyna's driving position is not the worst in the class, it does have that sit-up-and-beg setup that may become uncomfortable over long periods. Tall people are going to feel cramped inside the Dyna's cabin,with restricted headroom.
Furthermore, the full three-seat layout is realistically usable only on very short journeys, which may be a problem for some job requirements. Instrument layout is basic, though it does the job: this is not an ultramodern setup by any means and the design feels a bit dated, Major controls are well placed and storage is adequate with two central compartments and one on the passenger side. as well as a glovebox.
The trim, except for the black central dash console,is finished in a grey/cream colour that's very similar to a household computer and with about as much personality.At least it helps to lift the gloom of the Dyna's cramped cabin.
Forward visibility is good, the large nearvertical windscreen letting in plenty of light. The rear view is dictated by the large wing mirrors that extend past the width of the load box so as to give a full vista,And they may be liable to damage unless judgements are precise. •