A Closer Look at the Nissan NV200 London Taxi

Nissan Unveils a Bold New Vision for the London "Black Cab": The Nissan NV200 London Taxi

Staff Report

LONDON, UK - The clean, functional design of the NV200 London Taxi combines styling cues from existing Nissan passenger cars and commercial vehicles and adds a number of unique features such as the dramatic upswept swage line that neatly frames the door glass. This sculpted line runs around the front of the vehicle to create a dramatic sense of movement, while the deep side windows provide enhanced visibility - an essential quality in a busy city environment.

The NV200 London Taxi will offer significantly reduced CO2 outputs compared to current taxi models - a focus in line with the Mayor Boris Johnson's Air Quality strategy for London.

An all-electric e-NV200 concept is also set to undergo trials in the Capital.

The Mayor has joined disability groups and the influential London Taxi Drivers' Association in welcoming the launch of the Nissan NV200 London Taxi.

Taxi versions of the NV200 have already been unveiled in Tokyo and it has also been chosen as the exclusive New York City 'Taxi of tomorrow.' The NV200 London Taxi joins an exciting global Nissan vision for the private hire industry.

Nissan has a respected place in the Capital's taxi history - its 2.7-liter TD27 diesel engine was chosen for the iconic LTI FX4 'Fairway' black cab, which introduced improved speed, reliability and efficiency to the London cabbie's daily drive. The same engine also featured in the Fairway's successor, the TX1.

The NV200 will build on this reputation.

Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association, said: "Nissan already has a great footing in the London taxi market - the 2.7-liter diesel that featured in some of the early taxis was one of the greatest engines ever put in a cab. From what I've seen of the NV200 London Taxi, it ticks all the right boxes. It's important that it looks like a cab, is comfortable with good ingress and egress and is reliable. If the fuel consumption figures are as promised, it will be a big seller."

Designed from the inside out for the well-being of passengers, drivers and even other road users, the NV200 London Taxi is more efficient and more environmentally considerate than current 'black cab' models, while delivering more comfort, space and convenience for occupants. A particular focus was also placed on providing for passengers with mobility issues.

Alan Norton, from Assist UK, said: "Assist UK is proud to be associated with Nissan in the development of an accessible taxi to meet the needs of all disabled people. We have had the opportunity to bring together experts from all fields of disability to work with designers to ensure the vehicle will work for all in their transport needs. The work is ongoing and future refinements are planned after the initial launch, as many ideas have been discussed and are currently undergoing development. We congratulate Nissan for its initiative and wish them every success with their project."

Durable and reliable, the Nissan NV200 London Taxi is based on the company's multi-purpose NV200 compact van - a vehicle which has won many awards including International Van Of The Year. Launched at end of 2009, the model has been introduced to 40 countries, selling over 100,000 units worldwide.

The Nissan NV200 London Taxi comfortably seats five adults - three on a rear bench with two on rear-facing, fold-down seats. The front passenger seat has been removed to create space for luggage.