Quick Drive: 2014 Nissan NV200 Taxi

[William Maley]

As the group of journalists were finishing up lunch and listening to closing statements of a presentation, the thoughts of many turned to what they would like to get their hands on next. Would it be the Jaguar F-Type? Maybe the Corvette Stingray? How about the SRT Viper? Yours truly had this same thought as well, but it wasn't towards to any of those vehicles mentioned. Instead, what I had my eye on was a yellow vehicle with NYC taxi graphics. Yep, I had my sights set on the Nissan NV200 Taxi.

Trying to figure why I would want to drive a taxi cab of all things when there is a multitude of other vehicles that many would say are much more desirable could take years to figure out, so lets skip that and talk about the vehicle itself.

The NV200 Taxi is a fully functional taxi cab with such items as the bright yellow paint, lights on the roof, the divider between the front and back, and other details. Sitting in the back is alright with loads of head and legroom. There's also enough space for a wheelchair fit back here (the NV200 has an integrated ramp to allow one to enter). As for the driver, controls are logically laid out and the front seat is pretty comfortable.

Power comes from a 2.0L four-cylinder with 131 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque, mated to a CVT. On city roads, the engine is more than plenty to get up to such speeds as 25 to 35 MPH. On the country roads of Elkhart Lake, the engine really had to pushed to get up to speed (55 MPH) and the CVT didn't really help matters as the drone would come in.

Ride quality is really good. The NV200 Taxi's suspension setup soaks up bumps and ruts to make the trip feel somewhat relaxed. The same cannot be said when you take it into corner as the NV200 Taxi has the handling characteristics of a plat of Jello. If your taxi driver decides to a turn a little too quickly in the NV200 Taxi, hold on to dear life.

Whether or not the NV200 Taxi becomes commonplace on New York streets remains to be seen. But Nissan has interesting option for those taxi operators who want something a bit versatile.

Disclaimer: Nissan Provided the NV200 Taxi for the MAMA Spring Rally

Year: 2014

Make: Nissan

Model: NV200 Taxi

Trim: N/A

Engine: 2.0L Four-Cylinder

Driveline: Front-Wheel Drive, CVT

Horsepower @ RPM: 131 @ 5,200

Torque @ RPM: 139 @ 4,800

Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 23/26/24

Curb Weight: N/A

Location of Manufacture: Civac, Mexico

Base Price: $29,700

As Tested Price: $30,560 (Includes $860.00 Destination Charge)

Options: N/A

William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

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[David]

Question as I have always wondered. Is the inside capable of being washing out? Take a hose and hose out the inside or did Nissan take into account an easy way to clean the inside to keep it fresh smelling and clean?

Today it is a game of chance that you get a taxi that is clean and smells nice and does not have stains on the seats, etc. I was wondering if they had addressed ease of cleaning the inside of this taxi especially since it can have wheel chairs which can bring in all kinds of dirt and crud.

[William Maley]

Question as I have always wondered. Is the inside capable of being washing out? Take a hose and hose out the inside or did Nissan take into account an easy way to clean the inside to keep it fresh smelling and clean?

Today it is a game of chance that you get a taxi that is clean and smells nice and does not have stains on the seats, etc. I was wondering if they had addressed ease of cleaning the inside of this taxi especially since it can have wheel chairs which can bring in all kinds of dirt and crud.

I believe so.

[riviera74]

I like the idea that this Nissan provided. Now all NYC needs is some competition to lower prices and ultimately replace all of those old and obsolete Crown Victorias that now populate the NYC taxi fleet.

Is it just me, or are those wheels/tires look way too small for that vehicle?

[David]

I like the idea that this Nissan provided. Now all NYC needs is some competition to lower prices and ultimately replace all of those old and obsolete Crown Victorias that now populate the NYC taxi fleet.

Is it just me, or are those wheels/tires look way too small for that vehicle?

Agree, those donut wheels could be part of the extra squishy ride you get above 25 mph. They could go with a bigger rim and less side wall and have a better ride on top of increasing the size. I am sure the size had something to do with meeting a certain MPG.

[William Maley]

I like the idea that this Nissan provided. Now all NYC needs is some competition to lower prices and ultimately replace all of those old and obsolete Crown Victorias that now populate the NYC taxi fleet.

Is it just me, or are those wheels/tires look way too small for that vehicle?

More of the picture I think. Seen in person, I think the wheel and tires work.