The London taxi is recognisable throughout the world and its distinctive combination of interior space, tight turning circle and robust build have provided maker LTI with a near monopoly for years.

However, competition has increased in recent years and LTI is not the only game in town any more. There are now two mainstream van manufacturers offering London taxi models based on their production vans — both with an eye on the lucrative global urban taxi market.

German contender

Mercedes-Benz Vito London Taxi

First on the UK market was Mercedes-Benz, which introduced the Vito Taxi in London in 2008.

The current model is a rear-steer, six-seater variant of the popular Vito van, which comes complete with independent air conditioning for the driver and passengers, Parktronic sensors, flush-fitting electric steps and electrically opening and closing doors.

The passenger and driver space is kept clear of luggage thanks to a large boot and a further, large, versatile space next to the driver, freeing up a substantial one-metre area for stowage. The luggage sits in the rear crumple zone, leaving the passenger safety cell clear for maximum comfort.

Powering the Vito Taxi is a 116 hp, 2,148cc four-cylinder diesel engine. Equipped with a five-speed automatic gearbox, it is Euro 5 compliant, delivers combined fuel consumption of 8.1 (L/100km) or 34.9 mpg and CO₂ emissions of 213 g/km.

Mercedes claims that it now has 40% of the UK metropolitan taxi market — but how will the Vito fare against the new competition?

Japanese may do better

Nissan NV200 London Taxi

The latest entrant to the London taxi market is the Nissan NV200 London Taxi. It has a strong reputation, having already been chosen as New York’s ‘Taxi of Tomorrow’ and offers a number of benefits over the Vito Taxi, thanks to its modern engine and drivetrain.

The NV200 London Taxi will offer significantly reduced CO₂ outputs compared to current taxi models – the NV200 London Taxi’s Euro V engine only emits up to 138g/km of CO₂, compared with 209g/km from the ‘greenest’ TX4 model.

An all-electric e-NV200 concept is also set to undergo trials in the Capital.

Save fuel

Nissan’s NV200 also promises a big improvement in fuel consumption over current models.

Nissan has maintained the traditional London Taxi interior layout, with the front passenger seat removed to make room for luggage

The model’s frugal 1.5 dCi 89 HP EuroV, 6-speed manual drivetrain achieves 53.3mpg on a combined cycle meaning an almost 50% fuel saving over the most efficient TX4, with its combined cycle figure of 35.3mpg. In terms of emissions,

However, Nissan doesn’t seem to specify what the fuel consumption figures will be with an automatic gearbox, which is the norm for London taxis. If a modern automated manual transmission is fitted, then fuel consumption should be broadly unaffected — but the cost is likely to rise. If a more traditional automatic gearbox is fitted, then fuel consumption is likely to rise.

Nissan has a sterling reputation amongst London taxi drivers — it’s old 2.7-litre diesel engine was for many years the standard powerplant in London Taxis and was used in both the Fairway FX4 model and its successor, the TX1.

If Nissan’s new engine can deliver the kind of reliability, performance and fuel consumption it promises, then it is likely to be a winner.