Nissan NV200 Taxi Targets London’s Black Cab Market
Production of the Nissan NV200 London Taxi is set to begin in December 2014, offering London cabbies a new alternative with improved fuel economy and bespoke design.
Nissan has confirmed that production of its NV200 London Taxi will begin in December 2014, introducing a new contender to the capital’s iconic black cab segment. The van-based taxi, developed by the same design team responsible for the Juke and Qashqai, has been tailored specifically for London’s taxi trade.
The NV200 London Taxi stands out from the standard NV200 van with a redesigned front grille and LED lighting, evoking the traditional look of the city’s Hackney carriage. Nissan’s London-based design team worked with local cab drivers to ensure the vehicle met the needs of both drivers and passengers, focusing on accessibility, space and durability.
Technical details and fuel economy
Under the bonnet, the NV200 London Taxi is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine paired with an automatic transmission. Nissan claims the taxi will achieve an average of 40 mpg on the UK cycle (7 litres per 100 km), a figure that could appeal to operators conscious of running costs. This puts the NV200 ahead of many traditional diesel-powered black cabs on fuel efficiency, particularly as London tightens restrictions on high-polluting vehicles.
The NV200’s platform has already received recognition, having been named International Van of the Year 2010. Nissan’s taxi version aims to build on this reputation by offering a purpose-built vehicle for London’s demanding urban environment. The company has also developed a version of the NV200 for New York, but the London model features design and specification changes to comply with Transport for London’s taxi regulations and the city’s unique requirements.
Design for cabbies and passengers
Nissan’s design team, based at Nissan Design Europe in London, worked closely with drivers to address the practicalities of taxi operation in the capital. The result is a vehicle that prioritises passenger comfort, accessibility and ease of use for drivers. The NV200’s interior layout is designed to maximise space for both passengers and luggage, while the exterior references the familiar silhouette of the London cab.
- Redesigned front grille and LED lighting to echo classic black cab
- Spacious interior for passengers and luggage
- Automatic transmission for ease of use in city traffic
- Complies with Transport for London taxi regulations
Nissan’s entry into the London taxi market comes as the city increases pressure on operators to adopt cleaner, more efficient vehicles. While the NV200 launches with a petrol engine, the platform’s adaptability could allow for alternative powertrains in the future as emissions standards tighten further.
The NV200 London Taxi’s arrival follows a period of uncertainty for traditional black cab manufacturers, as new entrants and changing regulations reshape the sector. Nissan’s move signals growing competition in London’s taxi market, with operators now able to consider alternatives to established models.
