Call Sign February 2002 - Page 23 - THE LTI TXII HITS THE ROAD

In the grounds of a stately home-cum-hotel, eight new taxis were lined up in readiness for the test drives they were about to experience from the taxi press - including Call Sign - who had assembled there following months of rumours...
   Looking quickly at the new model - now officially known as the TXII - it has retained its predecessor's external appearance and safety features. There will be three TXII models - Gold, Silver and Bronze and importantly, as a first for LTI, it will be fitted with a Turbo engine. Both manual and automatic transmissions are available and some new colours will be added to the current range.
   The TXII will supersede the present TX1 with a huge amount of redevelopment and investment going into the venture. This has taken into account the new European requirements - including the new Euro III emission regulations.
In order to experience both the manual and the automatic versions of the TXII, the assembled guests were asked to pair-off and to drive both models on a planned route around the countryside. Call Sign's partner was Colin Evans of HALT and even though we got completely lost, that couldn't detract from the comfortable performance of the vehicle with its new engine.
   We found little overall difference between the Ford MT 75 manual box and the four-speed auto, but naturally felt more positive and comfortable with the automatic because we are existing auto-men.
   The overall ride as a passenger and the driveability when at the controls were both very good, combined with it being sharp and very smooth running. Thanks to the Turbo, our TXII felt as if it was 'taking-off' with lots of power, something that will be of immense help and assistance.
   The driver's legroom has been slightly increased and is ample. The gear stick area (manual and automatic) was neat and tidy containing a cup holder (at last) as

THE LTI TXII HITS THE ROAD

At last it's the TXII show!

Under the bonnet of the new TXII

well as a useful clip section for notes etc whilst the current integrated ramp protruding from the nearside is again repeated.
The dashboard facia is well designed, laid out and driver-friendly. Improved suspension helps give an extremely comfortable ride - something that was well tested when encountering the countryside bumps along our route! All-round viewing is also good...
   A noticeable new feature was the optional electric swivel seat - known as the 'E-LAP' - which is fitted in the rear nearside of the passenger compartment and which will be a boon for disabled passengers. It not only swivels outwards and inwards, but with a TV-like remote control unit on a length of cable fitted into the driver's luggage compartment, it also rises up and down as required. This could be a valuable and time-saving assist to Taxicard passengers.
   An anti-theft system is incorporated within the engine that makes the stealing of the vehicle without the key, almost impossible.
   Another LTI first is the availability of an optional front seat for private use; so now your wife can go to work with you - so long as the PCO pass her! With just three bolts

to remove, the seat can be quickly taken off and stored. This, together with improved lighting in both the front and back of the taxi, helps make this TXII look like a real winner.

The New Engine
The new engine for the TXII is a direct injection turbo-charged and intercooled diesel 2.4 cc Ford DuraTorq engine which, although smaller than the current 2.7 Nissan engines that have been in place for the past 12 years, allows over 20% more torque with around 10% more power.
   It accepts the emission controls changed by the government more readily, is as quiet as the TX1 and is manufactured at Ford's Dagenham plant. For those more technically minded than me, I've been told that the power is 90 PS at 4000 rpm with 200 Nm of torque at 1800rpm.
   This engine has been extensively used for the past two years on the Ford Mondeo car and Transit van and has been acclaimed as a winner. When Call Sign asked an LTI company executive for his view on the new engine, he called it "more dedicated than ever" and said that he expected it to be "more durable and reliable." The LTI Management Team consider the TXII to be their best product yet. If our limited experience on the new cab proves to be the norm over a longer period, then the TXII will be acclaimed as an excellent follow-up to the TX1.
   No price was released at the time, although it was expected to be around Ł1000 more than the current model.

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