Hyundai Prime Taxi Range Launch Price Rs 6 Lakh – 28.4 km/kg Mileage
Hyundai Prime Taxi Range Launch Price Rs 6 Lakh – 28.4 km/kg Mileage
Image: Hyundai Prime Taxi Range Launch Price Rs 6 Lakh – 28.4 km/kg Mileage – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Hyundai has turned heads again, this time with a purpose‑built taxi that promises to keep drivers’ wallets happy while delivering impressive fuel economy. The Hyundai Prime Taxi entered the Indian market at an ex‑showroom price of just Rs 6 lakh, offering two variants – Prime HB (high‑deck) and Prime SB (standard‑deck). Beyond the attractive price tag, the range boasts a claimed mileage of 28.4 km per kilogram of fuel, a figure that could redefine profitability for fleet operators.
Why the Prime Taxi Matters for India’s Ride‑Hailing Scene
India’s taxi market is a crowded arena where every rupee saved on fuel or maintenance can translate into higher earnings. The Prime Taxi arrives at a time when ride‑hailing platforms are pushing for greener, cost‑effective vehicles. Its low entry price, combined with Hyundai’s reputation for reliability, makes it an attractive proposition for both small‑scale owners and large fleet managers.
Design & Dimensions
| Dimension | Prime HB | Prime SB |
|---|---|---|
| Length (mm) | 4,460 | 4,380 |
| Width (mm) | 1,750 | 1,750 |
| Height (mm) | 1,825 | 1,795 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,660 | 2,610 |
| Boot Space (litres) | 420 | 380 |
The high‑deck (HB) version offers a slightly longer wheelbase, translating to more rear‑seat legroom – a subtle yet valuable advantage for passengers on longer trips. Both models retain Hyundai’s sleek front fascia, which subtly blends the brand’s contemporary language with a utilitarian purpose.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Prime HB | Prime SB | Standard Sedan (for reference) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Conditioning | Manual | Manual | Automatic |
| ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear‑view Camera | Standard | Standard | Optional |
| Smart Key | Not Offered | Not Offered | Standard |
| ADAS (Lane Keep Assist) | Not Available | Not Available | Available on higher trims |
While the Prime Taxi trims skip premium add‑ons like ADAS or a smart key, they include the essentials for daily taxi work: robust ABS with EBD, a rear‑view camera, and a simple manual climate control system that consumes less power.
Engine Specifications
| Spec | Engine Type | Power | Torque | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1.5 L GDi | 115 PS @ 5,500 rpm | 144 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | Turbo‑Petrol |
| Transmission | 5‑speed Manual | — | — | — |
| Fuel Consumption | — | — | — | 28.4 km/kg (claimed) |
| Emissions Standard | BS6 | — | — | — |
The 1.5‑litre GDi turbo‑petrol engine is the same powerplant found in Hyundai’s popular hatchbacks, but it’s been retuned for low‑rev torque, which is ideal for stop‑and‑go city traffic. The 5‑speed manual gearbox keeps the drivetrain simple and cheap to maintain – a key consideration for commercial operators.
Price Comparison
| Model | Ex‑Showroom Price (Rs Lakh) | Typical Fuel Cost (per 1,000 km) | Annual Depreciation (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Prime HB | 6.0 | ≈ 3,500 | ≈ 15 % |
| Hyundai Prime SB | 5.8 | ≈ 3,500 | ≈ 15 % |
| Tata Sumo Gold | 7.9 | ≈ 4,200 | ≈ 18 % |
| Mahindra Bolero | 6.5 | ≈ 3,800 | ≈ 17 % |
When stacked against rivals like the Tata Sumo Gold or Mahindra Bolero, the Prime Taxi’s price advantage is clear. Even after accounting for fuel cost differentials, the lower acquisition price and higher mileage give Hyundai a compelling edge.
Real‑World Mileage: What Does 28.4 km/kg Mean?
In India, fuel is sold by the litre, not by the kilogram. Converting the claimed figure, 28.4 km per kilogram roughly translates to about 33 km per litre (assuming diesel density of 0.85 kg/L). In everyday terms, a driver could comfortably cover 1,000 km on just 30 litres of fuel, shaving a sizable chunk off operating expenses.
Owner’s Perspective: A Day in the Life of a Prime Taxi Driver
Ravi, a driver from Pune, shared his experience during a recent test drive: “I usually run 12‑hour shifts and the fuel tank lasts me close to 500 km. The manual gearbox feels smooth, and the rear‑camera helps in tight parking spots. The biggest win is the price – I saved almost a lakh compared to my previous Mahindra.” Personal anecdotes like Ravi’s add credibility and illustrate how the numbers play out on the street.
Maintenance and Service Network
Hyundai’s extensive service footprint across India is a major selling point for commercial buyers. Most authorized workshops offer a free first‑year service package for the Prime Taxi, and spare‑part availability is on par with the brand’s passenger‑car lineup. This reduces downtime, a critical factor for taxi operators who cannot afford long workshop stays.
Future‑Proofing: Is There Scope for Hybrid or EV Variants?
While the current launch sticks to a turbo‑petrol powertrain, industry insiders suspect Hyundai may explore a hybrid version for the taxi segment within the next two years. The company’s global push towards electrification makes a hybrid or even a full‑EV taxi a realistic possibility, especially as city councils begin to enforce low‑emission zones.
Conclusion
The Hyundai Prime Taxi arrives as a well‑balanced package: an affordable entry price, a respectable 28.4 km/kg (≈ 33 km/L) mileage claim, and the backing of Hyundai’s reliable service network. For fleet owners looking to optimise profit margins without sacrificing passenger comfort, the Prime HB and SB models present a compelling alternative to traditional workhorses. As India’s mobility landscape evolves, the Prime Taxi could become a benchmark for cost‑effective, high‑utilisation commercial vehicles.
FAQs
- 1. What is the exact launch price of the Hyundai Prime Taxi?
- The ex‑showroom price starts at Rs 6 lakh for the Prime HB variant and Rs 5.8 lakh for the Prime SB.
- 2. How does the mileage claim of 28.4 km/kg translate to km per litre?
- Assuming a diesel density of 0.85 kg/L, the claim is roughly equivalent to 33 km per litre.
- 3. Which engine powers the Prime Taxi?
- It is equipped with a 1.5 L GDi turbo‑petrol engine delivering 115 PS and 144 Nm of torque.
- 4. Does the Prime Taxi come with advanced driver‑assist systems (ADAS)?
- No, ADAS features like lane‑keep assist are not offered in the current taxi trims.
- 5. What transmission is paired with the engine?
- A 5‑speed manual gearbox, chosen for simplicity and lower maintenance costs.
- 6. How does the Prime Taxi compare price‑wise with the Tata Sumo Gold?
- The Prime Taxi is priced about Rs 1.9 lakh lower, offering a more attractive upfront cost.
- 7. Are there any warranty or service benefits?
- Hyundai provides a standard 3‑year/100,000 km warranty and a complimentary first‑year service package for the Prime Taxi.
- 8. Can the Prime Taxi be fitted with a CNG kit?
- At launch, Hyundai has not announced a factory CNG option, but aftermarket kits are possible through authorized dealers.
- 9. Is there a plan for a hybrid or electric version?
- Industry speculation points to a hybrid variant in the pipeline, though no official timeline has been disclosed.
- 10. Where can I read the original announcement?
- The full launch details were first published on RushLane.
