What Are The Types Of Taxi Cars In The UK?

Before booking a minicab, passengers often wonder: what are the types of taxi cars that could be designated for their journey? From business travel taxi car options to quick errand commutes, the vehicle type directly affects comfort, cost and overall travel experience.

In this blog, you will find an explanation and breakdown of the different types of taxis available across the UK. Understanding these categories helps you be more aware of the options and identify which UK taxi car would be most suitable for your trip.

Common Taxi Fleet Vehicle Options In The UK

Within each minicab fleet, every vehicle type is suited to different journey needs. The basic categorization of types of taxis is: 

• Saloon cars: Standard option for up to 4 passengers
• Estate cars: Extra luggage space for airport transfers with 4 passengers
• MPVs: Ideal for families or groups of 5 to 7 passengers
• Minibuses: Designed for larger groups of 
• Electric/Hybrid taxis: Environmentally friendly travel

Standard Taxi Car Types Guide: An In Depth Look

Minicab fleets in the UK include a variety of taxi models for different passenger requirements. From budget friendly options to specialised transport, each type serves a clear purpose.

Saloon Cars

Saloon cars are the most widely used taxis due to their affordability and availability. They are ideal for short city trips and everyday travel. These vehicles strike a balance between comfort and cost, making them a practical choice for most passengers.

Estate Cars

Estate taxi cars offer the same level of comfort as a Saloon; however, they have significantly more boot space. They prove to be particularly ideal for airport journeys and travellers carrying heavy luggage. 

Executive Cars

Executive cars are the perfect option for journeys that call for a little more class and elegance. These are commonly used for business transfers and high profile guest arrivals.

MPVs

Short for ‘Multi-purpose Vehicles’, the MPVs are designed to be especially useful for group travel. These cars can carry up to 7 passengers and are commonly used for family trips. The flexible seating allows more room for either passengers or luggage when needed.

Minibuses & People Carriers

Minibuses are perfect for larger groups, as they can transport between 8 and 16 passengers. They are often used for events, airport transfers, and long distance group travel. 

Benefits Offered By The Different Types of Taxis

Benefits	Saloon Cars	Estate Cars	Executive	MPVs	People Carriers
Comfort	Balanced trip quality for everyday travel	Extra rear space improves passenger comfort on longer journeys	Premium seating with enhanced ride quality and refined interiors	Spacious cabin with adjustable seating. Offers a relaxing environment	Wide & highly comfortable interiors designed for extended group travel
Privacy	Enclosed space suited for individual or small group travel	More personal space due to the extended vehicle size	Greater discretion with quieter cabins and chauffeur style experience	A level of personalisation that is ideal for families who want a shared space	Ideal for private group bookings where groups prefer to travel without splitting
Luggage capacity	Adequate boot space for light travel	Large boot ideal for suitcases and bulky items	Moderate luggage space, prioritising passenger comfort over storage	Flexible storage with foldable seats	High capacity storage for group luggage
Cost efficiency	Lower fares for short and routine trips	Cost effective for luggage heavy travel without upgrading vehicle class	Higher cost justified by enhanced service quality and comfort	Shared cost between family or a group makes it an affordable option	Reduces need for multiple vehicles, lowering overall group cost

Taxi Models That Fall Under Each Type

From group travel taxi car types to high end executive commutes, there are a variety of models that fulfil the requirements of each type. When booking a journey with local taxi services in the UK, these are the models that may be designated for your travel, based on trip specifications: 

Saloon & Estate Taxis

• Auris (Toyota)
• Avensis (Toyota)
• Prius (Toyota)
• Insignia (Vauxhall)

MPV Taxis

• Galaxy (Ford)
• Sharan (Volkswagen)
• Transporter (Volkswagen)
• PV5 (Kia)

Executive Taxis

• BMW 5 Series
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• Audi A4
• Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Minibuses/People Carriers

• Dacia Jogger
• Ford Tourneo Custom
• Volkswagen Multivan
• Volkswagen ID. Buzz

Luxury vs Standard Taxi Cars

Feature	Standard Taxi Cars	Luxury Taxi Cars
Common types	Saloon, Estate, MPV	Executive, Premium MPVs
Commonly used for	Daily travel	Business trips, VIP transfers, events
Interior features	Basic and practical	Premium materials and high tech
Availability	Easily available	Often require pre booking

Conclusion

Whether it’s corporate taxi transportation or a commute for everyday travel, there is a certain type of taxi that is suitable for every need. Be it cost, comfort or luggage capacity, each category of vehicle serves a distinct purpose within UK minicab services. 

Knowing the different types will help you to identify whether the minicab designated for your travel meets the journey requirements or not. You may also request a specific vehicle while booking, depending on your needs and preferences. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What cars do taxis use in the UK?

Taxi services in the UK offer a range of vehicles depending on passenger needs. Common options include saloon cars, estate cars, MPVs, people carriers, and executive vehicles.

2. What is the difference between a saloon and an estate taxi?

Saloon taxis are standard vehicles with a separate boot, suitable for light travel. Estate taxis, on the other hand, have an extended rear storage area, making them more suitable for passengers carrying larger or multiple suitcases.

3. Which taxi car type is best for airport transfers?

Estate cars and MPVs are the best choices for airport transfers. They provide additional luggage space and greater comfort for longer journeys. This makes them ideal for travellers with suitcases or those travelling in groups.

4. How many passengers can different taxi types accommodate?

Passenger capacity varies by vehicle type. Saloon and estate cars usually carry up to 4 passengers, while MPVs can accommodate 5 to 7 passengers and people carriers or minibuses are designed for larger groups of 8 or more

5. Are executive taxis more comfortable than standard taxis?

When it comes to comfort features of taxi cars, executive taxis are generally more comfortable than standard options. They feature premium interiors, more legroom, and a smoother trip quality, making them well suited for business travel and high end journeys.

6. What taxi type is best for business travel?

Executive cars are the preferred choice for business travel. They offer a professional appearance, enhanced comfort and a quieter environment that is ideal for meetings, airport transfers, or corporate use.

7. How many types of taxis are there?

From family taxi vehicle options to premium taxi cars, there are various types that can be designated for your journey. Family options include MPVs & people carriers, while premium trips call for Executive vehicles. For day-to-day errands, Saloon cars prove to be ideal.