By Stewart Smith on 2017-01-04 - Stewart was the former motoring editor of the Coventry Telegraph and is now a freelance contributor to Eurekar. He is based in Scotland and specialises in First Drive reviews.
Merc hails new black
cab for London
THE latest Mercedes Vito black cab taxi for London has been launched in the city.
Mercedes claims it offers unrivalled levels of space and refined comfort for the driver and up to six passengers, as well as being fully-wheelchair accessible.
The new cab was tested by real cabbies at the VanExperience Live event in June, and most recently as part of a marketing campaign around the capital.
The London edition of the new Vito Taxi uses the low-emission 114CDI Euro 6 engine, offering 136bhp.
It comes with a 7G-Tronic Plus seven-speed automatic gearbox as standard operated via a steering column-mounted lever.
The London-specific model also comes with a rear steering axle that allows it to meet the famous 25ft turning circle rule so it can execute a U-turn in London's congested streets.
Standard equipment also includes fuel-saving BlueEfficiency measures like the engine start/stop, air conditioning, electric folding mirrors, and electrically operated sliding doors on both sides and an electrical nearside and off-side step.
Steve Bridge, managing director of Mercedes-Benz Vans UK, said: "We know that the London taxi fraternity has been waiting in anticipation for us to bring the new Vito Taxi to market - our previous cab took the industry by storm and has sold in excess of 3,000 units since its launch in 2008.
"The new Vito Taxi is quite simply a game-changer in every sense of the word and I'm very proud that our black cab helps to keep businesses moving - both the businesses of the taxi drivers, and the businesses of their clients. I look forward to hearing the feedback of how it is improving the fuel-economy and comfort for our hard-working professional drivers."
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