The Renault Triber is a unique car that offers the best of both worlds-the comfort of an MPV and the compactness of a hatchback.
Taxi Business
There is an enormous scope for those interested in cab services in India. Cars are undoubtedly the prime element of this business; thus, choosing the right vehicle is an absolute must to ensure a high return on investment.
However, given the vast array of cars present in the Indian market, which vehicle should you choose to use for your taxi business?
Keep reading this guide to learn the best vehicles available for the taxi business in India based on their price, key specifications, and more.
8 Cars That You Can Use as a Taxi in India
Here is a list of the best cars that you can consider buying to start your taxi business in India:
1. Tata Tiago
To date, one of Tata Motors’ best-selling car models in India, the Tata Tiago, offers remarkably low ownership costs. Taxi businesses easily choose this car as few would question the car’s efficiency and reliability. Its seats are so comfortable that long drives remain relaxing, avoiding any nerve-wracking experience.
Key Specifications:
- Price: Starts from ₹4.99 Lakhs
- Car Type: Compact hatchback
- Engine Displacement: 1199 cc
- Maximum Power: 41bhp@6000rpm
- Peak Torque: 95Nm@3500 rpm
- Mileage: 19 Kmpl Kmpl (for petrol), 28.06 Km/Kg (for CNG)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 35 litres
- Transmission: Manual and Automatic
- Seating Capacity: 5
2. Maruti Celerio
A popular choice for those just entering the taxi business, the Celerio offers many advanced and useful features. Its attractive characteristics include remote keyless entry, push-start/s engine, and the SmartPlay Studio System. All of these provide great value for money, particularly when you aim to buy an entry-level hatchback in India.
Key Specifications:
- Price: Starts from ₹4.99 Lakhs
- Car Type: Hatchback
- Engine Displacement: 998 cc
- Maximum Power: 71bhp@5500rpm
- Peak Torque: 89Nm @3500 rpm
- Mileage:97 Kmpl - 34.43 Kmpl (for petrol), 34.43 Km/Kg (for CNG)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 32 litres
- Transmission: Manual and Automatic
- Seating Capacity: 5
3. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
In the Indian market, if you are searching for a car that offers great features at an affordable price, the Grand i10 Nios will surely come to mind. Riders like this car most for its smooth driving experience and comfortable cabin. Additionally, its exterior boasts a stylish and impactful design.
Key Specifications:
- Price: Starts from ₹92 Lakhs
- Car Type: Hatchback
- Engine Displacement: 1197 cc
- Maximum Power: 82bhp@6000rpm
- Peak Torque: 2Nm @4000 rpm
- Mileage:7 Kmpl - 26.2 Kmpl (for petrol), 19.4 Kmpl - 26.2 Kmpl (for diesel), 27 Km/Kg (for CNG)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 37 litres
- Transmission: Manual and Automatic
- Seating Capacity: 5
4. Renault Triber
The Renault Triber is a unique car that offers the best of both worlds—the comfort of an MPV and the compactness of a hatchback. Many automobile experts highly praise Triber’s modular seating arrangement, which easily addresses all its passengers’ needs.
One of its standout features is its exceptional safety rating, including practical features like dual front airbags, rear parking sensors, and ABS with EBD.
Key Specifications:
- Price: Starts from ₹99 Lakhs
- Car Type: Subcompact MPV
- Engine Displacement: 999 cc
- Maximum Power: 01bhp@6250rpm
- Peak Torque: 96Nm@3500rpm
- Mileage:2 Kmpl (for petrol)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 40 litres
- Transmission: Manual and Automatic
- Seating Capacity: 7
5. Tata Tigor
If you want to offer your customers relaxing and enjoyable taxi rides, then Tata Tigor can be your go-to choice. It has a -tier four-speaker Harman sound system and an aesthetically appealing dual-tone interior. Moreover, the boot space is over 419 litres, more than expected for this price range.
Key Specifications:
- Price: Starts from ₹5.99 Lakhs
- Car Type: Sedan
- Engine Displacement: 1199 cc
- Maximum Power: 41bhp@6000rpm
- Peak Torque: 95Nm@3500rpm
- Mileage:6 Kmpl (for petrol), 28.06 Km/Kg (for CNG)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 35 litres
- Transmission: Manual and Automatic
- Seating Capacity: 5
6. Hyundai Aura
With a spacious interior and powerful engine, the Hyundai Aura is ideal for heavy-duty usage. It offers a stylish, modern look with a painted black grille and -notch LED headlights. Most importantly, the car boasts impressive ground clearance, making it ideal for operating on different types of roads.
Key Specifications:
- Price: Starts from ₹48 Lakhs
- Car Type: Sedan
- Engine Displacement: 1197 cc
- Maximum Power: 68bhp@6000rpm
- Peak Torque: 2Nm@4000rpm
- Mileage: 17 Kmpl - 28.1 Kmpl (for petrol), 22 Km/Kg (for CNG)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 37 litres
- Transmission: Manual and Automatic
- Seating Capacity: 5
7. Maruti Dzire
It is the most common choice for taxi business operators in India. This car is a favourite because of its low maintenance costs, excellent fuel efficiency and compact size. It also features ample boot space, making the model ideal for long-distance passengers carrying a lot of luggage.
Key Specifications:
- Price: Starts from ₹56 Lakhs
- Car Type: Compact Sedan
- Engine Displacement: 1197 cc
- Maximum Power: 50bhp@6000rpm
- Peak Torque: 113Nm@4400rpm
- Mileage:26 Kmpl (for petrol), 31.12 Km/Kg (for CNG)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 37 litres
- Transmission: Manual and Automatic
- Seating Capacity: 5
8. Honda Amaze
The Honda Amaze is especially appealing to taxi operators in India who prioritise a premium experience. This model is often used for intercity travel, as it combines a fuel-efficient engine, spacious and comfortable seats, and exceptionally responsive handling. It also has impressive crash test ratings.
Key Specifications:
- Price: Starts from ₹7.19 Lakhs
- Car Type: Sedan
- Engine Displacement: 1199 cc
- Maximum Power: 50bhp@6000rpm
- Peak Torque: 110Nm@4800rpm
- Mileage:3 Kmpl - 18.6 Kmpl (for petrol)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 35 litres
- Transmission: Manual and Automatic
- Seating Capacity: 5
Important Things to Consider Before Starting a Cab Business
Starting a cab business in India requires careful planning. Here are some key considerations:
l Comprehensive Taxi Insurance
You must consider protecting your cab from theft, accidents, and damages. By purchasing commercial taxi insurance online, you can protect your business from potential financial risks by providing vehicle, driver, and passenger coverage.
l Third-Party Commercial Vehicle Coverage
Third-party commercial vehicle coverage offers financial coverage for damages caused by your taxi to third-party individuals, property, and vehicles. Having such a policy is the minimum legal requirement in India.
l Licensing and Permits
You have to ensure your vehicles have the necessary State Transport Office-authorised permits. Also, you must legally register the vehicles as proof of ownership. Finally, all your drivers should have a valid driving licence.
Now that you know the car models in India that can be used for the taxi business, you are ready to select one that best suits your requirements. In this regard, it is advisable that when you fix a budget to buy a car, you also consider the associated expenses like vehicle registration charges, permit fees, insurance costs, etc.
By doing so, you can cover the car's cost and its related expenses without straining your finances.
