Toyota has built up a reputation for delivering exactly what the public wants time and time again. The Avensis is the stalwart of the Toyota family, delivering a well-priced vehicle that exceeds expectations when it comes to styling, performance and economy. Throw in Cab Direct’s taxi trade exclusive deal, offering savings of over £3,900 on the entry level model and £6,000 on the range topper and it’s easy to see why it has become a firm favourite within the taxi industry.
Here we speak to Laura Bruce of Bruce Taxis in Falkirk, Stirlingshire. In 2016, Laura added a whopping 17 new Toyota Avensis to the firm’s ever expanding fleet. We caught up with her to see how the newest additions are faring on the road.
“The Avensis compares really favourably to the other cars we have; we’ve been really impressed with it.”
Booming Business for Bruce Taxis
Laura, company director, says: “Our company has been operating since April 1983. It was founded by my dad, Alex Bruce, and although I worked for the business through my school years, I only became a Director in 2007.
“My sister, Emma, became a Director when my Dad passed away in 2013 and together we’ve built up a fleet of over 130 vehicles and drivers. The Avensis compares really favourably to the other cars we have; we’ve been really impressed with it.”
Toyota Avensis – Reducing the Running Costs
Adding to an impressive fuel return of up to 67.3mpg on the combined cycle, Laura says that their upkeep costs have never been lower.
She explains: “From a maintenance point of view, the costs are far reduced. We maintain all our own vehicles in house with two full time mechanics so we’re able to monitor the labour and parts costs very accurately.
“The Avensis definitely requires much less mechanical work than others we have.”
“The Avensis definitely requires much less mechanical work than others we have. Wishbone bushes, clutches and EGR valves are always being replaced with other makes on our fleet. The Avensis also doesn’t have a timing belt which represents a huge saving over the life span of a taxi.”
Comfort Drive
With Bluetooth®, air conditioning, cruise control and a leather steering wheel and gear knob all as standard on the entry level Active model, you’ll enjoy the luxurious feel of the well thought out driver’s area. Upgrade to the Business Edition model – second in line – and you’ll also benefit from 17” alloy wheels, satellite navigation, DAB radio and a rear view parking camera; all at a tidy price too.
Laura continues: “The Avensis is a very comfortable vehicle and all of our drivers who have been moved over to it have been very pleased with it.
“The feedback from our customers has been great too, so many have commented on how much nicer they are to travel in than some of the other makes on our fleet.”
Spacious boots are a must for taxi drivers and the Avensis doesn’t disappoint there either. All in all it makes an excellent choice for those looking to deliver a more sophisticated and refined service to their customers. And with the savings available at Cab Direct, Avensis is set to continue the taxi industry’s love affair with all things Toyota.
Click here for more information on the Toyota Avensis, call Cab Direct on the number at the top of the page or email info@cabdirect.com.