Being a cab driver in New York means dealing with congested roadways and constant demand. At the recent auto show in that city, Kia unveiled a vehicle designed specifically for that turbulent atmosphere. The PV5 WAV design features a classic yellow and black paint job, wheelchair markings on the sides, and a boxy shape that compresses a lot of space into a small footprint.
The first thing people notice when they see it is its size, or at least its length. This van measures just under 185 inches, which is around seven inches shorter than the Toyota Siennas that are so ubiquitous on city taxi routes; nonetheless, despite its size, the van feels roomier on the interior because to vertically oriented panels and a cab-forward arrangement. The driver’s seat is excellent and high up, providing a good view of the road ahead and to the sides. That’s a huge advantage when you’re attempting to avoid potholes and squeeze through tiny city blocks.
- TOY CAR FOR KIDS – Kids can hop in for exciting city adventures with the LEGO City Taxi (60487) building toy for kids ages 5 years old and up
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX – Includes everything kids need to build a yellow electric taxi cab, complete with printed stickers and cab driver and tourist minifigures for pretend play
- PRETEND PLAY POSSIBILITIES – Kids can open the trunk to store luggage, lift the hood to access the toy electric motor and remove the roof to seat the driver and tourist minifigures
Kia had BraunAbility redesign the back of the vehicle to make it more wheelchair-friendly. When the liftgate is raised, a ramp folds out flat, allowing a motorized wheelchair to enter without the need for anyone to exit first. There are four tie-down points in the floor to keep the chair secure once inside, as well as passenger restraints that click into place. The step height is low enough for anyone to easily jump on, and everything meets the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements without breaking a sweat.
Under the hood, there is a single front-mounted electric motor producing 161 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The battery pack is available in two sizes: 43 and 71 kilowatt-hours, and in some areas, similar models can travel up to 214 miles on a single charge. City traffic is actually a godsend for this type of electric drive, since it provides rapid torque off the line and requires little maintenance when compared to older gas or hybrid fleets. That means fleet operators can fairly well forecast their costs, and drivers may relax in a quiet cabin during long shifts.
This van’s mobility is a real winner in a city like New York, with its small wheelbase and upright attitude providing a narrow turning circle that outperforms many modern taxis. It also has enough clearance for steep driveways, so you won’t have to worry about scraping the ramp or bumper. Inside, the extra width behind the front seats provides ample space for a chair and two or three more passengers without feeling crowded.
