Nissan Taxi on a roll
The local taxi market is huge, and that's probably the main reason why Nissan re-entered the market four years ago with the NP350 Impendulo.
I say 're-entered' because Nissan used to do business in this segment - remember the E20? - but discontinued the popular bus 24 years ago for reasons unknown.
That left Toyota as the sole taxi builder is SA and for years it was a one-horse race, Toyota smiling all the way to the bank.
But Nissan's Impendulo is busy gaining popularity and if you care to note what make of taxi has just overtaken you on a solid white line at 120 in a 80 zone, chances are that it might be a Nissan.
What does the Impendulo offer?
Sixteen seats inside a cabin wrapped in durable vinyl, just like the Toyota Quantum.
These vehicles work long, hard hours, so durability is essential and carpets as in normal leisure orientated buses will simply not last long enough.
Other features include a height-adjustable steering column and trip computer for the driver, two cup holders up front and sliding rear windows.
A two-speaker audio system is also standard spec.
On the safety front, features include dual front airbags, ABS with Brake Assist, and safety belts for all 16 seats.
Powering the Nissan taxi
The NV350 Impendulo is powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine that produces 108kW at 5 600rpm and 213Nm of torque at 4 400rpm that is sent to the tarmac via a fivespeed manual gearbox.
Power outputs are slightly below that of the Toyota's 2.7-litre petrol plant which puts out 111kW at 4 800rpm and 241Nm at 3 800rpm, and it would be interesting to get taxi drivers' opinion on which bus performs the best on the road.
Cover for the Nissan's drive train consists of a threeyear/100 000km warranty and a three-year/100 000km corrosion warranty.
A service plan is available as an optional extra.
Comparing the Quantum and the Impendulo on paper is really a case of six of the one and half-a-dozen of the other, so Autodealer would like to hear from the drivers who spent their days pushing these vehicles to their limits.