Toyota JPN Taxi brings retro cues to Tokyo Motor Show
Toyota unveiled the JPN Taxi at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, blending vintage-inspired design with modern accessibility and safety features for Japan’s taxi market.
Toyota unveiled the JPN Taxi at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, targeting Japan’s professional taxi sector with a blend of retro styling and modern practicality. The vehicle draws clear visual inspiration from London’s Black Cab, with its tall roofline, extended wheelbase, and upright silhouette, while nodding to Toyota’s own taxi lineage that stretches back to the Model AA of 1936.
Design and accessibility
The JPN Taxi’s proportions prioritise passenger comfort and accessibility. A low, flat floor and wide-opening rear sliding door provide easy access for all passengers, including those using wheelchairs. The cabin offers large windows for visibility and 401 litres of boot space. Distinctive front fender-mounted mirrors and a front end influenced by the Japan-only Crown sedan reinforce the vintage aesthetic.
Toyota offers the JPN Taxi in two specifications: the entry-level Nagomi and the higher-grade Takumi. The Takumi adds bi-LED headlights and vertical lighting on the D-pillars. Both versions include LED illumination for the outer rear seats.
Engine and safety features
Power comes from a 1.5-litre engine that runs on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), aiming for low running costs and emissions. Toyota cites fuel economy of 19.4km/litre on the JC08 test cycle. Safety is a core feature, with six airbags and Toyota Safety Sense C (TSS-C) fitted as standard.
Position in the taxi market
The JPN Taxi is Toyota’s latest effort to modernise Japan’s taxi fleet while retaining a sense of tradition. Its styling and engineering address the needs of operators and passengers alike, offering a practical alternative to conventional saloons and imported models. The approach echoes similar moves by other manufacturers to update classic taxi formats for contemporary requirements, as seen with electric and hybrid concepts at other Asian motor shows such as the ZAP electric taxi at the Beijing Motor Show.
