New York 2008: Why yes, the Ford Transit Connect could be used as a taxi
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The flashiness of the Ford Transit Connect's debut from Chicago is long gone. Here in New York, Ford is expanding the idea of what these spacious vehicles can do with a Transit Connect Taxi concept, which we learned about yesterday. We went to check this version of the Transit Connect out for ourselves and liked the wide open feeling one gets from the clear roof. Cruising down Broadway in one of these certainly seems like an entirely enjoyable ride (at 40 cents a 1/5 mile) and with 90 percent fewer emissions than most of the cabs that drive the Manhattan roads. While 19 mpg may not seem great for people who drive hybrid sedans, it's better than the 14-15 mpg Crown Vic cabs. Speaking of hybrids, we'll suggest once again that a gas-electric system in one of these should be a no-brainer.
For more, including the official announcement from Ford, click here.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Wildgoosechase73 4:18PM (3/20/2008)
I can see it now, the Crown Vic is discontinued due to CAFE, and taxis are replaced by trucks. Good for the truck CAFE figure though, especially if they put together a hybrid version.
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44 mpg by 2010 3:07AM (3/21/2008)
To bad they have not implemented the standard diesel in the US version and cleaned up the NOx.
In Europe the diesel (only available engines in the UK) is rated about 25 mpg(US) cold city, 30 mpg(US) combined, and 35 mpg(US) highway!
Not mpressed yet!
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RJ 1:57PM (3/21/2008)
Since this is America, diesels are obviously slow, smelly, hard to start, and pour black smoke like a steam train...
Seriously, modern engines have such low Nox and SOx that it is no longer a concern. I'd MUCH rather have the lower CO2 of the diesel than a percent or 2 increase in NOx or CO.
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MikeW 10:27PM (3/23/2008)
Can't Ford just stick a 6 speed auto into the Crown Vic?
I am sick of reading that the mayor of this or that city wants to raise fares because of rising gas costs.
Get better mileage!
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