Motoring: London Transport International TX1

PRICE pounds 27,000 APPROXIMATELY

GOING PLACES

2.7 litre Nissan diesel engine, with improved performance, fuel consumption and emission control; better in auto version than manual.

STAYING ALIVE/HANGING OUT

Extra stiffening to bodyshell over previous cab, improved roadholding and stability; much better visibility; full seatbelt provision on all seats including fold-out babyseat; same brake-operated door-locking mechanism as in existing cabs.

CREATURE COMFORTS

More comfortable front cabin, good driving position adjustment; more comfortable and supportive rear-seats with armrest doubling as baby-seat with harness; integral-ramp wheelchair access, bright yellow interior handles and seat edges for the partially-sighted, induction-loop system for the hearing-impaired; wider doors, better supported swivelling seat with backrest, more headroom; softer ride.

TURKEY QUOTIENT

Noisy engine needs improvement; shape a matter of taste.

STAR QUALITY

Comfort, user-friendliness.

AND ON MY RIGHT

Last month Metrocab launched a new model with interior and engine improvements.