Cruising between the boutique shop-front windows of Port Melbourne, a smartly-dressed blonde lady stops, then props and waves as I approach. The "do I know you?" moment quickly passes when I catch a reminding, reflective glimpse of what I am driving. The lady in question isn't waving; she's hailing for a ride.
The car in question is the Geely TX4 'London Taxi', which is currently undergoing evaluation to be added to Victoria's taxi supply. And as far as first impressions go – from public hailers to fellow 'cabbies' – it looks set to be a success.
Having been granted a 100-strong trial in the Western Australian market in 2013, London Taxi Co. Australia CEO Evan Simeon is confident we will see the iconic taxis in-service on Victorian roads by the end of 2014.
A veteran of the low volume import industry, Simeon has been responsible for bringing in vehicles such as Hummer and smart to this country, before manufacturers took over distribution. The image of the 'Black Cab', however, has long been close to his heart.
"From the 1990s I've always thought it would be great to bring the London Taxi to Australia," explains Simeon. "With production opening in China [Chinese company Geely assembles the cabs seen in Australia] the cost savings made the trial possible."
Simeon cites the TX4's bespoke taxi purpose as its key advantage.
"In Australia we have planes, trains and buses designed for those specific purposes, but we've never had a bespoke taxi. Compared to a converted family sedan the London Taxi is more 'fit for-purpose'."
A glance at the specification sheet confirms this.
Capable of carrying five fare-paying passengers (at which point the intention is to charge clients a 'Maxi-Taxi' tariff) in a secure rear compartment, the TX4 offers easy, low-floor access, and also includes an additional intermediate step attachment to make access even easier. There's even a fold-out ramp for wheelchairs, and the kerb-side passenger seat is capable of swinging out to literally greet passengers at the door.
The driver is separated from passengers by a clear, shatterproof Perspex sheet, and the space normally taken up by a front passenger seat is instead converted into a competitive, albeit unlockable, 437-litre luggage compartment.
Communication is handled via intercom, and passengers have control access to operate side windows, heating and air-conditioning. To maximise the experience in a connected world, free 4G wireless internet is provided in-cabin.
A multitude of interior and exterior video cameras adds further to the safety element, while the driver can separately lock either compartment, ensuring no more fare dodging.
The Western Australian trial, which has covered in excess of 3.7 million test kilometres, has been encouraging for Simeon, with strong public and driver feedback.
"We've surveyed over 60,000 passengers," he explains. "Over 90 per cent said they would use a London Taxi again, and 75 per cent said they would rather wait longer for a London Taxi than use a converted sedan."
Testing in the harsh WA climate also allowed the Australian contingent to specify various upgrades to meet local conditions.
"We already had the 'hot climate' specification, but the trial has allowed us to make further upgrades to the cooling system. The air-conditioning has been tested in 37 degrees ambient, with the engine holding redline and cabin temperatures retained at four degrees in the rear and six in the front."
Other upgrades include a shift to alloy (rather than steel) wheels for lower unsprung mass and improved ride, as well as a more compliant suspension tune and improved braking system.
The current evaluation vehicle is of a soon-to-be-superseded specification, although Simeon states that should the trail be successful, all Australian TX4s will benefit from model upgrades which include a Euro V compliant engine, electronic brake-force distribution, stability control and hydraulic brake assist to go with the current vehicle's anti-lock brakes and traction control.
There will also be further refinements, with USB ports available to passengers and an ISOFIX child restraint system.
Overall service life is expected to be 10 years, compared to the 6.5 year maximum stipulated by the Victorian Taxi Services Commission.
Currently compliant with Euro IV, the sole driveline specification confirmed for our market is the 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel unit, built by VM Motori. It is coupled to a heavy-duty five-speed automatic transmission.
Power is set at 75kW, but more importantly the unit generates 240Nm of torque. With a dry weight of 1975kg, it needs the pulling power.
Fuel consumption is 8.8L/100km, according to European (NEDC) testing. That's on the high side for a diesel, especially in the face of increasing hybrid taxi use in this country.
As a passenger, there's more space and a superior ride to that of an equivalent yellow Commodore, Camry or Falcon. The TX4 has a supple ride and the ability to control the cabin temperature – not to mention the connectivity – is most welcome. Less comforting is the noise intrusion from the ageing diesel engine.
Sliding behind the wheel you immediately feel upright, the taxi giving a good all-round view of road hazards and potential fares alike.
The brakes, said by Simeon to be 'designed for progressive feel' feel non-powered, such is the amount of pedal effort required to effect a stop. It is progressive, though…
The gearshift is similarly heavy duty, clunking into drive with a thud, but once underway the torquey nature of the diesel motor makes the TX4 surprisingly adept in traffic, and its 7.5-metre turning circle is almost comically capable.
Delivery of the Single Uniform Type Inspection vehicle (to the updated specification) is expected next month and, all going well, Simeon expects to see the realisation of a dream – London Black Cabs on Melbourne streets – by the end of 2014.
What we liked: | Not so much: |
>> High levels of passenger amenity | >> Thirsty old-tech diesel engine |
>> Incredible turning circle | >> Brake response and feel |
>> Feeling of security for driver and occupants | >> Clunky gearbox |