Photo: Toyota
Our readers with an absurdly long memory might be able to remember that, in November 2013, we showed you a concept version of this Toyota JPN Taxi. Fast forward two more years and the world's biggest automaker is ready to show the production version.
Much of the design of the concept has been kept, but the headlights have normal projects, and the grille is less pronounced. In a way, this JPN taxi model is very similar to the famous London Black cab, but with a bit of Camry sensibleness at the front.
The new generation of the taxi cab is said to "change the landscape of the Japanese town." Its exterior and interior design is supposed to give off an air of hospitality, safety and comfort.
The van-type body offers sliding doors that can be opened in confined spaces and are less likely to be hit by traffic when the passenger exits the vehicle. A low floor will make it easier to get in and out, and the cabin space is apparently big enough to accommodate a wheelchair. Toyota has also designed the steering system with maneuverability and a tight turning circle in mind.
The powertrain is also typical of the Toyota brand. As you may have already noticed, "Hybrid" badges that are identical to those on a Prius are perched on the doors. We don't know the exact details of the powertrain, but besides the electric motor, this vehicle is powered by a four-cylinder engine that uses LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas).
The engine has been developed with the aim of offering high durability. It will also better withstand the strains of stop-start traffic. More should be revealed during the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, although deliveries won't start until the 2017 fiscal year.
In Japan, the majority of current taxi cab models belong to either the Toyota Comfort type (a Crown-like sedan without the luxury features) or similar Nissan 4-door models. However, some companies use the Prius.
The new generation of the taxi cab is said to "change the landscape of the Japanese town." Its exterior and interior design is supposed to give off an air of hospitality, safety and comfort.
The van-type body offers sliding doors that can be opened in confined spaces and are less likely to be hit by traffic when the passenger exits the vehicle. A low floor will make it easier to get in and out, and the cabin space is apparently big enough to accommodate a wheelchair. Toyota has also designed the steering system with maneuverability and a tight turning circle in mind.
The powertrain is also typical of the Toyota brand. As you may have already noticed, "Hybrid" badges that are identical to those on a Prius are perched on the doors. We don't know the exact details of the powertrain, but besides the electric motor, this vehicle is powered by a four-cylinder engine that uses LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas).
The engine has been developed with the aim of offering high durability. It will also better withstand the strains of stop-start traffic. More should be revealed during the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, although deliveries won't start until the 2017 fiscal year.
In Japan, the majority of current taxi cab models belong to either the Toyota Comfort type (a Crown-like sedan without the luxury features) or similar Nissan 4-door models. However, some companies use the Prius.
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