Powering London: The Mercedes Vito Taxi Engine

London's iconic taxi landscape has long been synonymous with the classic black cab, a symbol recognised globally. However, the automotive world is constantly evolving, and with it, the options available to London's dedicated cabbies. In January 2017, Mercedes-Benz officially launched its latest iteration of the London Vito Taxi, presenting a compelling, modern alternative to the traditional vehicle. Based on the 2015-onwards Vito van, this new model was designed from the ground up to meet the stringent demands of London's Public Carriage Office (PCO) regulations, while offering enhanced comfort, efficiency, and reliability for both drivers and passengers alike. This article delves deep into the specifications and features of the new Vito Taxi, exploring what truly powers this urban workhorse and how it aims to redefine the London taxi experience.

The Powerhouse: Understanding the Mercedes Vito Taxi's Engine

At the heart of the 2017 Mercedes Vito London Taxi lies a meticulously engineered powertrain designed for efficiency, performance, and compliance with modern environmental standards. The vehicle is specifically powered by the 114CDI engine. This robust diesel unit is not merely about raw power; it's about delivering a balanced performance crucial for the stop-start nature of city driving in London.

Producing a healthy 136 horsepower (hp), the 114CDI engine ensures that the Vito Taxi has ample power for quick acceleration when needed, for example, pulling away from traffic lights or navigating busy junctions, without being overly powerful or inefficient. This power output is perfectly calibrated for urban environments, providing a responsive and smooth driving experience for the cabbie, while ensuring a comfortable ride for passengers.

Crucially, this engine adheres to the stringent Euro 6 emissions regulations. For a vehicle operating extensively within London, compliance with Euro 6 is paramount. These regulations are designed to significantly reduce harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter, contributing to cleaner air quality in congested urban centres. For London taxi drivers, meeting Euro 6 standards is not just about environmental responsibility; it also ensures compliance with low emission zones, future-proofing their vehicle against evolving city regulations and potential charges that non-compliant vehicles might incur.

Beyond its power and environmental credentials, the 114CDI engine in the Vito Taxi is engineered for efficiency. Mercedes-Benz has equipped it with a fuel-saving stop-start system as standard. This technology automatically switches off the engine when the vehicle is stationary, such as at traffic lights or in queues, and seamlessly restarts it when the driver is ready to move. This seemingly small feature contributes significantly to reducing fuel consumption and emissions during typical city driving conditions, where idling can account for a substantial portion of a vehicle's operational time.

Complementing the engine is a smooth and responsive seven-speed automatic gearbox. This transmission ensures effortless driving, reducing driver fatigue during long shifts. The automatic gearbox intelligently selects the optimal gear, further contributing to fuel efficiency and a refined driving experience, which is a significant upgrade for many drivers accustomed to less sophisticated setups.

Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz has designed the Vito Taxi with operational efficiency in mind, boasting impressive service intervals of up to 24,000 miles. This extended period between services means less downtime for the vehicle and lower running costs for operators, allowing cabbies to maximise their time on the road earning fares.

Mastering London's Streets: The Essential Rear-Wheel Steering

One of the most distinctive and critical features of any London taxi is its ability to meet the legendary 25-foot turning circle mandate set by the Public Carriage Office. This requirement, unique to London, allows taxis to perform a U-turn in the narrow confines of Savile Row, and is a testament to the city's unique infrastructure. For a vehicle of the Vito's size, achieving this tight turning circle is no small feat, and it is made possible through an advanced rear-wheel steering system.

Mercedes-Benz's commitment to perfecting this system was evident in the significant period of testing that preceded the Vito Taxi's official launch. Cabbies first saw the new model in mid-2016, but it only went on sale in January 2017. This delay, as explained by Mercedes-Benz Vans UK managing director Steve Bridge, was deliberate. After a 'significant period of testing,' the company wanted to ensure the new model performed exactly as it should. This dedication was particularly crucial given that previous generations of Vito Taxis had a well-documented history of troublesome behaviour with their rear-wheel steering systems.

To overcome these challenges and deliver a robust solution, Mercedes-Benz collaborated with its engineering partner, Penso, on the development of the new model's rear-wheel steering. This partnership ensured that the system was meticulously designed and tested to be reliable and effective, providing cabbies with confidence in their vehicle's manoeuvrability and durability.

The integration of rear-wheel steering is not just a technical marvel; it's a practical necessity that allows the Vito to operate efficiently within London's congested streets. Without it, the vehicle would simply not meet the PCO regulations. This system, combined with the fact that the new Vito Taxi is exclusively available in the Compact body-length, ensures that it remains agile and capable of navigating the city's tight corners and busy thoroughfares with ease, just like its traditional counterparts.

Unrivalled Passenger Comfort and Accessibility

The modern taxi experience is about more than just getting from A to B; it's about comfort, safety, and accessibility for all passengers. The Mercedes Vito London Taxi sets a high standard in this regard, designed to accommodate a diverse range of needs and preferences.

With space for six passengers plus the driver, the Vito Taxi offers ample room, making it an ideal choice for larger groups, families, or individuals with luggage. This generous capacity is a significant advantage in a city where group travel is common.

Accessibility has been a core focus in the design of the new Vito Taxi. It comes equipped with electric sliding doors on each side, a feature that significantly enhances ease of entry and exit. These doors operate smoothly and effortlessly, a boon for passengers with limited mobility or those carrying bags. Complementing the electric doors are electric steps, which deploy automatically, providing a lower, more convenient platform for stepping into or out of the vehicle. This attention to detail ensures that the Vito Taxi is genuinely wheelchair accessible, meeting the essential requirements for inclusivity in public transport.

Comfort inside the cabin is also prioritised. Air-conditioning is fitted as standard for both the driver and passengers, ensuring a pleasant environment regardless of the weather outside. This feature is particularly valuable during London's hot summers or cold winters, contributing to a more enjoyable journey for everyone on board.

While some operators might initially view these advanced features, such as electric doors, as potential points of failure, Mercedes-Benz has addressed these concerns with a comprehensive warranty package, instilling confidence in the vehicle's long-term reliability.

Designed for the Driver: Reliability and Practicality

For professional cabbies, a taxi is not just a vehicle; it's their livelihood. Understanding this, Mercedes-Benz has equipped the new Vito London Taxi with features that prioritise driver convenience, vehicle reliability, and operational efficiency.

One of the most reassuring aspects for drivers considering the new Vito Taxi is the robust warranty coverage. The new cab is covered by a three-year unlimited mileage warranty. This comprehensive warranty provides peace of mind, knowing that major components and systems are protected, regardless of how many miles the vehicle clocks up during its service life. This is a significant benefit for a vehicle that is expected to cover vast distances annually. Furthermore, the warranty includes free emergency roadside assistance, ensuring that drivers are never left stranded and can quickly get back on the road in the event of an unforeseen issue.

Beyond the warranty, the Vito Taxi is designed for practicality. Electric folding mirrors are fitted as standard, a useful feature for navigating narrow streets or parking in tight spots, protecting the mirrors from damage. The aforementioned seven-speed automatic gearbox and the fuel-saving stop-start system contribute to a less fatiguing driving experience, allowing cabbies to focus on the road and their passengers rather than manual gear changes or unnecessary idling.

The impressive service intervals of up to 24,000 miles mean less time in the workshop and more time earning fares. This contributes to lower overall running costs and maximises the vehicle's uptime, which is crucial for a business-critical asset like a taxi.

The combination of advanced features, robust engineering, and comprehensive support package makes the Mercedes Vito London Taxi a compelling option for drivers seeking a reliable, comfortable, and efficient vehicle for their demanding profession.

Investing in the Future: Pricing and Ownership Options

Acquiring a new taxi is a significant investment for any cabbie. Mercedes-Benz has made the 2017 Vito London Taxi accessible through various purchasing and leasing options, catering to different financial preferences.

The full on-the-road price for the Mercedes Vito Taxi London is £47,000. While this represents a substantial outlay, Mercedes-Benz also offers flexible finance solutions to make ownership more manageable.

One of the headline offers at the time of its launch was a lease deal available from just £168 per week with zero deposit. This particular offer was a 48-month Mercedes Agility deal, which works out to just over £727 per month. This finance option typically includes an annual mileage limit, set at 30,000 miles for this specific deal, and a final balloon payment or the option to return the vehicle at the end of the term. It's important to note that this pricing was correct at the time of writing and was subject to status, with the offer period initially running until 31 March 2017. Prospective buyers should always confirm current pricing and terms with the supplier.

For those interested in purchasing or leasing the new Mercedes Vito Taxi, the exclusive Mercedes-Benz supplier is S&B Commercials, located at Welham Green in Hertfordshire. This dedicated point of contact ensures that cabbies receive expert advice and support throughout the acquisition process.

The Vito's Legacy and London's Evolving Taxi Landscape

The introduction of the new Mercedes Vito London Taxi is not an isolated event but rather a continuation of Mercedes-Benz's presence in the capital's taxi market. The previous London model, introduced in 2008, proved to be a significant success, with more than 3,000 examples sold. This established track record provides a strong foundation for the new model, and Mercedes-Benz is expecting similar levels of success, indicating their confidence in the Vito Taxi's appeal and capabilities.

The London taxi market is an evolving one, with increasing demands for cleaner vehicles, enhanced accessibility, and modern comforts. The Mercedes Vito Taxi represents a significant step forward in meeting these demands, offering a blend of traditional PCO compliance with contemporary automotive technology and design. It stands as a testament to how iconic urban transport can adapt and innovate while retaining its core purpose of serving the public.

Mercedes Vito Taxi vs. Traditional London Cab: A Feature Comparison

To better understand where the Mercedes Vito London Taxi stands in the market, it's useful to compare some of its key features against the general characteristics of a traditional London black cab, such as the TX4 or earlier models. While specific engine details for older cabs vary, this table highlights the general differences and advancements.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Mercedes Vito London Taxi

Q: What is the specific engine model in the 2017 Mercedes Vito London Taxi?

A: The 2017 Mercedes Vito London Taxi is powered by the 114CDI engine, which is a diesel unit producing 136 horsepower.

Q: How does the rear-wheel steering benefit London taxi drivers?

A: The rear-wheel steering system is crucial for the Vito Taxi to meet London's strict 25-foot turning circle requirement. This enables the vehicle to perform tight U-turns and navigate congested city streets with exceptional agility, a fundamental necessity for London's cabbies.

Q: Is the Mercedes Vito Taxi wheelchair accessible?

A: Yes, the Mercedes Vito London Taxi is designed with comprehensive wheelchair access. It features electric sliding doors and electric steps to facilitate easy entry and exit for all passengers, including those using wheelchairs.

Q: What kind of warranty comes with the new Vito Taxi?

A: The new Vito Taxi is covered by a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, which also includes free emergency roadside assistance. This offers significant peace of mind for operators given the high mileage often accumulated by taxis.

Q: How does the new Vito Taxi compare to older models or traditional black cabs in terms of emissions?

A: The 2017 Mercedes Vito London Taxi's 114CDI engine meets the stringent Euro 6 emissions regulations. This makes it significantly cleaner than many older traditional black cabs or previous taxi models, contributing to improved air quality in London and ensuring compliance with urban low emission zones.

Q: Where can I purchase or lease a Mercedes Vito London Taxi?

A: At the time of its launch, the new Mercedes Vito London Taxi was exclusively available for purchase or lease through S&B Commercials, located at Welham Green in Hertfordshire. It is advisable to contact them for the most current availability and financing options.

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