Hyundai Sonata Taxi launched, priced from £24.8k

Hyundai Motor Company launched the Sonata Taxi on Wednesday (3 March), a model exclusively for taxis. It features a taxi-specific LPG engine, transmission, and tyres for increased durability, an enlarged second row space, and various infotainment and convenience features.

In consideration of the harsh driving environment of a taxi, Hyundai has applied the Smartstream LPG 2.0 engine, a taxi-specific six-speed automatic transmission, and tyres that have undergone durability tests that are about twice as strong as those for regular cars, and are about 20% more durable than regular tyres. The wheelbase has been increased by 70 mm compared to the existing Sonata New Rise Taxi to provide a more comfortable riding experience for second-row passengers.

The safety specification has been significantly enhanced and the latest infotainment and comfort features have been incorporated. It comes standard with a nine-airbag system, including driver's knee, first and second row side and rollover curtain airbags, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as Lane Keeping Assist (LFA), Lane Departure Assist (LKA) and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA). It is equipped with ccNC, the next-generation infotainment system, and features over-the-air software updates (OTA) to keep functions linked to the car's key electronic controls up to date for a more convenient travelling experience.

The Sonata Taxi is available in a single trim, with Hyundai SmartSense, which includes Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (Intersection Blind Spot/Cross Traffic Alert), Blind Spot Collision Warning (Driving), and Rear Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and two first-row ventilated seats. Exterior colours are available in Ice White, Curated Silver Metallic and Phantom Black.

The Sonata Taxi's sales price starts at KRW 24.8 million for corporate and individual (general taxpayer) taxis and KRW 22.54 million for private taxis (simplified taxpayer, tax exemption), and is available only to platform transport operators and commercial taxi operators. It is manufactured in China by Beijing Hyundai Motor Company, and all purchase procedures such as contract, shipment process, and after-sales service are the same as those for domestically produced cars.

In collaboration with the taxi supply industry, we are introducing the Smart Taxi Light, which integrates the existing taxi light and the empty car light. Unlike conventional taxi lights that are mounted in the centre of the roof, it is mounted on the roof moulding above the passenger B-pillar to minimise the damage to the residual value of the car caused by a hole in the centre of the roof. The front and rear LED display windows improve visibility, and a projector mounted on the side of the indicator projects a stop signal on the ground so that bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians approaching from the rear can recognise when a passenger is getting off.

The smart taxi lights will be developed, manufactured and sold by existing taxi light companies, with Hyundai providing the design free of charge in order to create a win-win situation with existing companies. "The Sonata Taxi is equipped with a taxi-specific powertrain and has specialised product features such as an expanded second-row living space," said a Hyundai Motor official. "We look forward to your interest in the Sonata Taxi, which is differentiated as a taxi-specific model."

Meanwhile, Hyundai will hold special delivery ceremonies for the first batch of Sonata Taxi customers in each region, and will also conduct various marketing activities such as coffee tea delivery events to commemorate the launch of Sonata Taxi at major taxi driver gathering points across the country.

Article roadtesting editorial (kyuyongk98@gmail.com)
Photo Hyundai Motor Company