Karsan V1 Taxi Meets New Yorkers

Judging by the response people have had to the three models who have made it into the final and are racing for the chance to become the next city-wide yellow taxi, it would appear that New Yorkers are willing to welcome a little change in the big apple.

As you already know, the city of New York is looking for the vehicle that would become the single taxi in the city in 2013. The three main competitors are the Ford Transit Connect, the Nissan NV200-based van and the Turkish built Karsan V1. Karsan, as it would appear, leads the race.

The model was presented to New Yorkers in Manhattan on Wednesday, in an attempt to draw more supporters.

Unlike its competitors, who are usual vehicles converted for taxi work, the Karsan has been purpose built for this task, with its creators taking great pride in the fact that the taxi can load and carry passengers in wheel chairs without having to be modified (a major advantage, taking into account the fact that of the 13,000 taxis in New York, only 300 can carry wheelchairs today).

Together with the presentation of the V1 in Manhattan, a few more details about the car were presented. The engine of the vehicle, a 2.4l unit, is supplied by an unnamed American manufacturer. The V1 has been built in such a way that in the future it can accommodate a hybrid or electric powertrain as well, The New York Times reports.

Below this text, there's a comment box. Fill it and tell us who do you choose: the Karsan V1, the Ford Transit Connect or the Nissan NV200?