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FOCUS ON THE NEW METRO SERIES 111 The new series III purpose built Metro Cab has now been in use for the last few months, so Taxi Trade Today decided it was time to check it out and see what drivers thought about it. Where better to ask than Edinburgh, where cobbled, rutted, uneven roads test suspension to the limit and the hilly terrain puts engine and gearbox through their paces. OUIETER. CLEANER ENGINE Before we test drive the new Series III let's see what's new. The engine is quieter and cleaner ( Gordon Brown please note ). A new manual gearbox is introduced from November's production and there are revisions to the power steering system. In recognition that a taxi is constantly being started and stopped ( i.e. crawling along a rank on a sunny Tuesday morning ) the starter motor and alternator have both been uprated. Getting into the vehicle for the first time, you immediately notice how roomy the driver's cab is and the excellent all-round visibility. Rear view is even better with a new centre partition, larger convex internal mirror and even bigger external door mirrors. DRIVER COMFORT Accessories which make the professional taxi driver's life a lot more comfortable include improved interior lighting, driver's door isolator, larger heating system and an excellent discrete intercom system ( yes you really can hear what your passengers are saying and nod at the right times ). The idea of the lockable floor safe is great and gives the driver peace of mind but what really appealed was that the designers have realised that taxi drivers use mobile phones and have provided a place to store a phone with a power socket next to it. No more power leads dangling out of the cigar lighter . There are loads more accessories in the drivers cab but enough, lets look at the passenger compartment, after all it's the passengers who pay the wages. LUXURY FOR PASSENGER Passengers will enjoy travelling in the new Series III. It is really comfortable with improved rear seat styling and deep cushions. The interior looks luxurious with chocolate block flooring and a sculptured and padded two piece roof lining. Passengers also benefit from electrically operated rear windows and at night time there are illuminated door mounted light, heater and intercom switches. DRIVER'S VIEWS Taking the Series III for a test drive was a pleasure, but to imd out how good it really is we asked Edinburgh cabbie, Chips Rafferty, who has been running his Series III for a few months, what he had to say. "As a professional driver I need a reliable vehicle which is comfortable to drive and that's what I've got with the Series III," says Chips. " So what's it like going up The Mound with 5 rugby players in the back?" " No problem, it's higher geared and much more powerful". "How about wheelchair accessibility?" "It's great, with the wider door opening and the 60/40 split seat, there's plenty of room for the wheelchair and the helper. It's really well designed with more leg room and very easy to use". "Do the public like it ?" "Yes , I've had a lot of comments from passengers about how comfortable it is". "Are you happy with it?" " I'm absolutely delighted with the performance of it. It's really comfortable to drive". Chip's views seemed to reflect the opinions of the other drivers we asked. In conclusion we can recommend the Series III. It certainly impressed us at Taxi Trade Today. |
