Taxi drivers like them comfortable: how to choose a taxi car

When choosing a taxi car, a driver looks above all at five things: low fuel consumption in the city, reliability over long hours and many kilometres, space for four passengers, a large boot and an environmental label that lets them drive without restrictions. On top of that, the model has to be approved by the City Council for taxi service. That is why, when you order a taxi in Madrid, you see the same types of car again and again: saloons and MPVs, more and more of them hybrid and electric.

For decades, diesel was king among taxis because of its low fuel consumption on the open road. Environmental restrictions in big cities and the almost always urban use of taxis changed the picture. Today hybrids make up the majority of many fleets: in city traffic, with constant starting and braking, they recover energy and reduce consumption, and their environmental label spares them restrictions. We explain it in the trend towards hybrid cars.

Electric cars are gaining ground with a very low cost per kilometre and zero local emissions, although the driver has to plan recharging around their shift and the model's range. We go through the pros and cons in electric taxis.

For whoever is sitting in the back, the choice of car comes down to some very specific details:

• Legroom and comfortable seats on long journeys, such as those to the airport.
• A boot that swallows the luggage without suitcases having to go on the seat. If you travel with a lot, read how to choose the right taxi for your luggage.
• Quiet and smooth: hybrids and electric cars are especially quiet at low speeds.
• Effective air conditioning and heating in summer and winter.
• Easy to get in and out of, which matters for elderly people or those with reduced mobility.

When the group is large or there is a lot of luggage, the solution is a different type of vehicle: a 7-seater taxi, recommended for five or more passengers.

A taxi driver cannot use just any car. Municipal regulations set the conditions the vehicle must meet to provide the service (dimensions, seats, technical and environmental features, equipment such as the meter and the roof light) and its external appearance. In Madrid, all taxis are white with a red stripe on the front doors, as we explain in the colour of Madrid's taxis. These conditions are updated over time, especially the environmental ones, so it is worth checking them before buying.

Whatever the model, what does not change is the service: you can book an airport taxi at a fixed price by area, €33 from inside the M-30, and give your number of passengers and suitcases so we can assign you the right vehicle.