New London taxi driven

We get behind wheel as new cab joins the ranks

UNLIKE the other cars Auto Express reviews, brand-new taxis are not revealed every year. The history of the black cab can be boiled down to three models: the Austin FX3 of 1949, which was followed by the 1958 FX4, and then the TX1 launched in 1997. This new TX, though, is easily the biggest step-change.

The name is a clue to how different it is; the company that builds it – London Electric Vehicle Company, or LEVC – is owned by the Chinese powerhouse Geely, which has a new £325million factory in Coventry for the production of electric vehicles.

Underneath the new cab’s stylish but retro body, there’s a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and a 31kwh lithium-ion battery powering an electric motor. That makes the TX a range-extender, like the BMW i3.

The 80-mile pure-electric range means that, for the vast majority of a cabbie’s shift, they’ll be gliding around on electric power, with the engine kicking in occasionally to extend the range. This is when the TX is in ‘Smart’ mode. The two other modes are ‘Pure EV’ and ‘Save’ – the latter of which stores electricity. There’s none of the old TX1’S wailing diesel engine and black smoke pouring out the exhaust.

Around town, the TX is as smooth and quiet as most EVS. Its ride is supple and it’s simple, easy and enjoyable to drive. The only real gripes are a bit of road noise and a regenerative brake pedal with which it’s

First drive of TX range-extender Promises 80-mile electric range “Stylish new black cab has none of the old TX1’S wailing diesel engine and black smoke pouring out the exhaust”

difficult to modulate pressure, while – due to that electric motor generating 255Nm of torque – the rear wheels have a tendency to spin up. However, be gentle with the throttle and you’ll find acceleration is alarmingly quick at city speeds – combined power is 148bhp and, as with most electric cars, the torque is instant. It’s a far cry from the TX1’S limp acceleration and slushy auto; dashing between fares will be easier than ever.

Thanks to the commanding driving position, it also feels like you’re in a large SUV. This theme continues when you look at the controls, as virtually all the touch points – the wheel, stalks, gearlever, start/stop switch and even the key – are borrowed from the Volvo XC90. Even the SUV’S nine-inch portrait touchscreen features.

There’s a range of three trims. Basic kit includes the touchscreen, panoramic roof, auto lights and wipers plus rear parking sensors, while our top-spec cab throws in sat-nav and front parking sensors. Overall, it couldn’t be more different from the cramped seating position and haphazard dash layout in the outgoing diesel-powered cab.