Dorchester’s oldest taxi firm, A-Line, has recently expanded its fleet with two hybrid Toyota Auris Touring from Cab Direct. Here company co-owner, Charlotte White, explains why.
Charlotte says: “My husband Steve and I took over the company from my late father-in-law eight years ago. Since then we’ve doubled in size and we now have a fantastic team of 25 self-employed drivers who serve the town and the surrounding areas.
“The demand in Dorchester is for a diverse fleet of four to eight-seat, high end, vehicles. At A-Line we all pride ourselves on offering the best service around – that’s where the Auris Touring comes in. The spec on the car is fantastic and, in terms of economy, it doesn’t get much better than a hybrid.”
Comfort & Space
The hybrid Auris Touring comes with two different trim levels: Icon and Excel. The Icon comes with an impressive level of standard specification including alloy wheels, climate control, USB connectivity and front electric windows. Opt for the range-topping Excel model, as Charlotte did, and you’ll also benefit from part-leather seats, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, lumbar support and more.
Charlotte says: “Toyota has a great reputation for build quality and that’s immediately obvious with the Auris. The drive is fantastic and the comfort levels are first-rate for both drivers and passengers alike.
“Plus, unlike some older hybrids, with the Auris Touring you don’t lose out on boot space because of the electric battery so there’s plenty of room for luggage in the back.”
Dorchester’s First Hybrid Hackneys
Charlotte continues in her praise: “The main reason we chose the hybrid Auris Touring was economy. Toyota’s latest estate provides a green alternative to other vehicles currently on the market. Ours are the first hybrid hackney carriages in our licensing authority which has been a real talking point with our customers.”
With Auris, Toyota’s engine switches seamlessly between petrol and electric power for fuel-efficient driving and performance. Returning up to 76.3 mpg on the combined cycle and with no road tax to pay, the hybrid Auris is set to prove popular amongst the cab trade. What’s more taxi sales specialist, Cab Direct, has negotiated some superb taxi trade exclusive savings with Toyota.
Combine the discounted purchase price with Toyota’s hybrid efficiency and the new Auris Touring offers unbeatable value for money.
Taxi Trade Exclusive Savings
Charlotte says: “The vehicles have caused quite a stir amongst the drivers at A-Line. Everyone has been really impressed by the economy on offer. I think a good number of the drivers are now looking at hybrids when they come to renew their current vehicles.
“In terms of where to buy, I’m always more than happy to recommend Cab Direct. We’ve had great service from them over the years and the savings they offer to taxi operators clinch the deal every time.”