Ciaran NeillThe Hyundai i40 As a taxi
Updated: Jan 22
As a taxi driver in Aberystwyth, I've been using my Hyundai i40 for the past six years and have driven it for a total of 150,000 miles. While it's not perfect, it's been a reliable and comfortable choice for me.
One of the things I really like about the i40 is its fuel efficiency on long runs. It might use a bit more fuel in town, especially when I'm driving up Penglais hill, but on the open road it's great. It's also a spacious and comfortable car, which is important when you're driving for long periods of time. Plus, it looks stylish both inside and out, which is always a bonus for a taxi.
However, there are a few downsides to the i40. Being a saloon, it has a narrow trunk opening and limited luggage space, which can be a bit of a pain when I have to transport larger items or a lot of luggage. The headlights are also not the best and I often have to use the front foglights in addition to the main headlights to get enough visibility on the road. I've also had a few issues with sensors and other small components, but these have been minor and haven't caused any major problems.
Despite these issues, I've been happy with my Hyundai i40 as a taxi. It's fuel efficient, spacious, and stylish, and it has a smooth automatic transmission and a comfortable ride. I try to keep up with regular maintenance and have found the i40 to be reasonably priced in this regard - I service it every 8,000 miles.
Overall, it's been a dependable and appealing choice for me as a taxi driver.
Pros:
Fuel efficient on long runs.
Spacious and comfortable interior.
Stylish design.
Smooth automatic transmission.
Comfortable ride.
Cons:
Uses more fuel in town.
Limited luggage space and narrow trunk opening.
Poor headlights.
Occasional issues with sensors and other small components.
Automatic transmission can be slow to respond at times.
Whats next?
When it comes to choosing a new taxi, there are many factors to consider, including fuel efficiency, comfort, and reliability. These are some of the pros and cons of the BMW 520d, Volvo V90, and Mercedes E220d, three vehicles that I am currently considering:
BMW 520d
Pros:
Fuel efficient
Smooth ride
Spacious and well-appointed interior
Cons:
May be pricier than other options
Volvo V90 D4
Pros:
Fuel efficient
Reliable
Spacious interior
Comfortable ride
Sleek design
Cons:
May not have as much horsepower as other options
Mercedes E220d
Pros:
Luxurious
High-end features
Smooth ride
Good fuel efficiency
Cons:
Expensive to maintain and insure
When it comes to choosing the right taxi, there are many factors to consider. These three vehicles offer a range of pros and cons.
