Battle of the vans: Probox vs Succeed

The demand for a small, reliable multipurpose car led to an influx of several cars on the market over the years, but the Probox, and Succeed standout. While many people may be driven by the few characteristics of these cars, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the overall driving experience and other features.
According to Toyota.com, an online portal, the Probox was launched in 2002 and little has changed in either the exterior or the interior design. It generally comes in two engine sizes; 1.3-litre and 1.5 litre. The Probox can be used both as a family or a business car. It is spacious and can seat five adults comfortably. It is also commonly used to carry goods because the second-row seats can be folded, though they cannot be split.
Similarly, the Succeed was also launched in 2002 and has since then been marketed as a midsize car. In comparison to the Probox, it can also be used as family or a business vehicle. It is mostly available with a 1.5-litre engine.

Size and loading capacity
James Magero, who owns a Probox but has also driven a Succeed, says when it comes to overall size, the Probox is, to an extent, noticeably smaller than the Succeed. According to Toyota.com, the weight of a Succeed averages at around 1,140 kilogrammes, while the Probox is around 1,000 kilogrammes. For overall loading capacity, the Probox offers the smallest amount with an average of around 400 kilogrammes, with the Succeed averaging between 400 kilogrammes and 450 kilogrammes depending on the model.

Comfort
Magero says the level of interior comfort between each car is also slightly different. He says the Succeed is more comfortable which would be the reason it is used more for transporting passengers while the Probox is more associated with transporting cargo, with passenger comfort taken into consideration secondarily.

Engine
The Probox’s engine specifications are different from that of the Toyota Succeed. For example, Ronald Lubega, a mechanic, says engine sizes start at 1300cc which most people know as 1.3litre engine displacement, with 1.4 litres and 1.5 litres depending on the models. He adds that the Succeed’s engine specifications are either 1.4 litres or 1.5 litres.

Fuel consumption
James Magero says the Probox consumes averagely less than the Succeed though the distinction is not much. According to Toyota.com, the average fuel consumption of a Toyota Succeed is close to 15km/l, while a Toyota Probox using a 1.3-litre engine reaches an average of 18km/l.

Interior
The Probox focuses on function over form, and its popularity is a testament to the fact. According to Magero, you will not find any unnecessary luxuries, but instead a more simplified cabin, instrument panel, and standard features.
He adds that another plus is the amount of legroom for both front and rear passengers. Additionally, the rear seats are foldable when needed to create more room for larger cargo.
The Succeed was built more so with ferrying passengers in mind than the Probox, and that is perhaps why its offers more comfort-oriented features within its interior.

Exterior
Lubega says the Probox is a five-door wagon, which has a decent amount of ground clearance to help it clear speed bumps and other obstacles with relative ease. Other notable design features include 14-inch tyres with steel rims, a well-pronounced grill, and a signature two-tone front bumper.
The Succeed on the other hand is a close sister to the Probox, you will find similar Succeed aesthetics, right down to the same bumper and grille design. However, the Succeed is designed as a five or six-seater car, which gives it a slightly longer length.

Price

The Probox costs Shs26m while the succeed goes for Shs28m at most car bonds in Kampala.

Major differences

1.Toyota Succeed is larger in size than Toyota Probox. The latter is shorter in length by 105mm, and cargo compartment is smaller by 20mm compared to Toyota Succeed.
2.The interior and exterior of Toyota Succeed are designed such that it can often be used as a station wagon as well.