Daily Mail

Cabs go green,

- BY RAY MASSEY MOTORING EDITOR

FoR parents who feel as though they’re running an unpaid taxi service for their offspring, why not go for the real thing? having just driven — and been driven in — the new plug-in electric TX taxi, which goes into official service with farepaying passenger next week, i think it’s one of the best practical urban family people movers on the road.

Costing £55,599 — including the underfloor battery — it’s about the same as a premium 4x4, though a finance package of £177 per week is also offered.

With six seats in the back (three facing in each direction) and the driver cocooned by a glass screen, this could be a brilliant green option for urban families who risk being banned or priced out of city centres by councils imposing pollution charges and toxin taxes.

Being electric, it is eerily silent and wonderfull­y smooth both for passengers and driver. Compared to the outgoing throbbing TX4 diesel cabs the seating is exceptiona­lly comfortabl­e.

it’s easy to drive and nimble through busy city centre traffic with plenty of oomph when you need it and turns on a sixpence.

The automatic control stick and the big, tablet- style dashboard screen are similar to those on volvos, to which it is related via Chinese parent Geely.

There’s room for 440 litres of luggage next to the driver, plus space under the rear seats for suitcases, plus onboard wi-fi, usB and charging points.

it has air conditioni­ng and an air quality sensor shuts off outside air vents if there’s too much pollution. And you don’t have to have it in black.

it’ll drive 80 miles on pure electric power, but a 1.5 litre 3- cylinder petrol engine boosting its total range to 400 miles.

 ??  ?? Black and green: Ray tries the hybrid electric taxi that could double as a family car
Black and green: Ray tries the hybrid electric taxi that could double as a family car

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