London Banter - View Single Post

Mike Hughes · December 3rd 08, 12:11 AM posted to uk.transport.london

In message ,
writes
"Mike Hughes" wrote in message
...

The new Mercedes is not priced significantly lower than the TX4. It is a
new vehicle which has yet to have some serious mileages so there is not
yet any data of the longer term, higher mileage statistics for this
vehicle.

Is there no other data that they can compare it to? Do the Vitos have a
track record within Germany?

The Vito itself has a track record as a van and people carrier but the
rear steering is new and there can be no record as such (but see my
comments about an older Vito used as a taxi in Brighton

A friend of mine had a Merc Vito fitted as a taxi in Brighton about 6
years ago. It was not the present model and did not have the electrically
operated doors, steering, etc so it is not possible to make a direct
comparison.

Can the driver operate the doors for passengers, as in Japan?

Yes they can and I have ti say that is a good feature.

The Mercedes can make U-turns better, one driver told me. IIRC, it is
because the rear wheels can also turn to a degree.

But you have to stop to engage the rear steering and be travelling at less
than 5 mph for it to work - not so useful when you want to get out of the
way quickly to avoid traffic coming towards you in some instances.

Fair play.

--
Mike Hughes
A Taxi driver licensed for London and Brighton
at home in Tarring, West Sussex, England
Interested in American trains real and model?
Look here http://mikehughes627.fotopic.net/