Nissan is apparently on a mission to take over the taxi business all over the world. After securing a deal with the city of New York to provide a new generation of yellow cabs based on their NV van, now Nissan turns its attention to London and its Black Cabs, the symbol of Britain. And the only thing their proposal shares with the original thing is the black color. That ain’t right!

In a program supported by Mayor Boris Johnson, a fleet of Nissan NV200 London Taxis go under a series of trials and will be joined by an ll-electric e-NV200 concept. Obviously, the NV200 London Taxi is more efficient and more environmentally considerate than current ‘black cab’ models, and it provides more comfort and convenience for the passengers. It’s just not as cool as the black cab.

Powered by a 1.5 dCi 89 HP EuroV, and fitted with a 6-speed manual drivetrain, the NV Taxi delivers 53.3mpg on a combined cycle meaning an almost 50% fuel saving over the most efficient TX4, with its combined cycle figure of 35.3mpg. To make sure the black cab has no chance of competing, they will also be priced lower.

A distinguishing feature of the NX is the sliding passenger doors, which were developed for easy open and close. They are also much safer for pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles because they do not swing out to create a potential obstruction.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said: “Improving air quality in London is one of the most important challenges I face as Mayor.  Having taken the significant step of introducing the first age limit for taxis in London, I am absolutely delighted that manufacturers are stepping up to the plate and are responding to the challenge I set in my air quality strategy to reduce taxi emissions and improve efficiency.  I look forward to when a fully competitive model comes to market.”

Nissan NV200 London Taxi technical specification*

*Exact specifications will not be known until further testing is carried out; figures based on estimates and specification figures of existing NV200 van