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Jonathan Westwood

Chief Compliance Officer

Jonathan Westwood | Author

Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Eduardo Rodrigues | Author

Claudia Tuñón

Claudia Tuñón | Author

Isobel Coughlan

Isobel Coughlan | Author

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Joseph Law | Author

Alastair Shephard

Alastair Shephard | Author

When you need your car to earn your living, deciding which make and model to pick is critical, unreliability and poor fuel economy will decimate your profits. Further to this, poor space in the rear or boot can make your passengers’ experience worse, leading to poor ratings. 

In this blog, we take a look at the 9 best cars for use as a Taxi or Uber, including some specialised ones for differing needs, such as 7-seaters and luxury vehicles.

Toyota Prius 2.0 Petrol Hybrid - £37,315

Favoured by Uber and Lyft drivers, the Prius offers great economy, space and reliability, all vital to a successful taxi business. Toyota’s Synergy Drive system is one of the simplest and most ingenious drivetrains ever used in a car. It is responsible for much of the Prius’ economy and reliability.

Alongside its great drivetrain, the Prius has some other useful features, such as a large boot for passenger’s luggage plus a comfy and spacious interior. 

 is available from £37,315 with its 2.0 petrol and plug-in hybrid battery system offering 223 horsepower and over 50 miles of electric-only range.

With its dependable drivetrain, great economy and ample passenger space, a new or second-hand Prius would be our pick for a taxi.

Best Estate and Saloon Cars to use as a Taxi

For longer journeys, such as airport runs, a diesel may be the best option for any aspiring rideshare entrepreneurs. 

 has always been a favourite of taxi drivers due to its great reliability and spacious interior.

The hatch-saloon offers great accessibility to the load area, but we’d generally recommend the estate for that bit more luggage space. The efficient diesel engine can achieve up to 65 MPG, great for keeping fuel costs low.

 is a similar package to the Octavia, even sharing the same platform, the VW comes available with more kit and luxury, ideal if you're aiming for the Lux market, 

The Passat is only available with the VAG group’s 1.5 TSI Petrol engine, although this still achieves a great MPG of 52. The DSG gearbox offers a smooth and ultra-efficient gear change.

7-seater taxis are very common in the UK, they can carry 6 passengers, or 4 with loads of luggage space, and they don’t usually take up much more room than an estate Here are 3 of the best 7-seater cars on the market.

 has been a mainstay in the 7-seater market, offering dependable, practical people-carrying ability. 

The new Touran, being a Volkswagen, comes available with all manner of tech, including adaptive cruise control and Apple car play. 

One of the standout features is the folding seats, which allows all 5 seats rear of the driver to fold perfectly flat. This means you can carry larger items such as passengers' wheelchairs or bikes without issue.

As a good compromise between a commercial vehicle and an MPV, the 

offers great people-carrying capacity with its van-derived flat floor, allowing all the rear seats to be completely removed if needed.

If fuel economy or Company Car Tax is a concern, the Tourneo Connect is available as a PHEV with up to 68 miles of range on electric power alone. A benefit of the Tourneo being a blend of car and van, is that the driving position and infotainment system is modern and refined.

 is based on a Citroen Van platform. Again, we see that as a plus though, it has a flat load bay when the seats are removed, and can carry 7 people (including the driver) in comfort. 

At a starting price of £22,250, the Berlingo is a much more cost-effective solution than the Ford, too. The base trim comes with active lane-keeping assist, safety braking and cruise control, a great selection of features for the price. 

If your main market is the high-end clientele, looking to make an impression with their arrival, you’ll need a high-end vehicle. These are some of the most popular luxury-segment vehicles to use as a taxi.

Mercedes is synonymous with both luxury and private hire taxi companies across the world, whether that's a dependable 90’s 190e in Spain or a stylish 

 in Mayfair. The latter can be bought today in 2024 for around £64,500, which is unsurprisingly the most expensive car on our list so far. 

That cost is understandable though, with great infotainment, safety and passenger comfort features. Heated seats and LED headlights are standard, as is the impressive level of build quality. Many engine options are available including a plug-in hybrid.

Another giant in the luxury saloon segment, 

 has been on the scene for years, since 1972 in fact. The recipe has stayed roughly the same but with more luxury and features. The M-Sport base model comes with a 2.0-litre petrol engine and an automatic gearbox.

Equipped with LED headlights, BMW’s unique curved infotainment screen and driving assist, you do get a lot for your money. If more power or more economy is needed, there are a range of engine options including a 3.0-litre turbo petrol or a plug-in hybrid.

Ever since their first car in the late 90s, Lexus has cemented themselves as one of 

luxury brands. The Lexus ES is their mid-size saloon, offering ample passenger space but most of all excellent build quality and style.

Being a sister company to Toyota, you can be sure of the longevity and reliability, plus the hybrid system, like the Prius’, is super economical and very robust. Prices start at £43,595 which we think is great value when you consider the two German saloons above. 

Yes, so long as it’s licensed with your local council, this needs to be the same council that issued the taxi or PHV driver's licence, and meets the 

What does my car need to be used as a Taxi?

There are a few conditions that your car needs to comply with in order to be issued a private hire vehicle licence by your council. These checks will include:

Many councils also require the car to be Euro 6 compliant, and under 10 years old. 

Does my car need a taximeter to be used as a taxi?

Not always, alongside roof signs, colour schemes and a taximeter are determined by your licensing authority, aka the council area you wish to operate from. 

Check your local council website for more information.

Outside of the traditional black cabs now made by London EV Company Limited, the Toyota Prus is the most commonly used taxi vehicle.

The reasons for this are the same as ours for making it our top pick; it delivers great economy and has a very reliable drivetrain. 

If you’re expensing the cost of a car through a business, either as a limited company or self-employed, and you also use it for personal usage, you are technically in receipt of a 

, and as such will owe tax on that amount. 

If you only drive your taxi for work purposes, there is no company car tax due. 

We recently talked about company car tax in-depth and what cars to choose to avoid it.

Split the Cost of Repairing Your Taxi With Bumper 

If you have a big bill on the horizon, say a new clutch or cambelt is needed, being able to spread the cost of this over a few months can really help your cash flow. This is possible with Bumper, and at zero-percent interest. 

Best 9 Cars To Use As A Taxi

Congratulations to Brayleys Nissan Manchester, the latest site on the Bumper network to be named Dealership of the Month. 

Since joining the Bumper network in 2021, Brayleys have used Bumper’s PayLater to split the cost of their customers’ service and repair work. 

The team at Nissan Manchester also use PayLater via CitNOW, allowing customers to select their service work and flexible instalments within their eVHC and giving valuable time back to service advisors.

Chris Booth, Business Development Consultant for Bumper, is the site’s account manager. 

He said, “Congratulations to Brayleys Nissan Manchester. We've seen a big increase in conversion and customer retention with sites taking a proactive approach to offering Bumper, and Brayleys is no exception. 

“The team on site have put PayLater firmly into their everyday aftersales process and have now seen this reflected in their VHC stats and customer feedback.” 

A big well done to Tom, Billy-Jo, Jessica, and the whole team at Nissan Manchester on your win! 

Brayleys Nissan Manchester crowned Dealership of the Month 

Bumper has expanded its operations with the appointment of three new senior positions to support its ambitious growth plans in the UK and Europe. 

Alfie Sansom joins as finance director overseeing financial operations, credit and treasury management, tax structuring and capital allocation. He was previously head of finance at Conducktor and has worked at senior levels at PwC, Grant Thornton and Sky.

Jonathan Westwood has been appointed as Bumper’s head of legal and compliance. A general counsel with experience of international commercial contracts with Siemens and Experian, he joins from the Mortgage Advice Bureau where he was head of legal. He will spearhead Bumper’s risk, legal and compliance function 

as the company progresses towards regulated status.

Shreenidhi Subramanian joins as Bumper’s senior product manager. She has a background in fintech and will help scale and grow the business’ product portfolio.

Bumper is ranked at 281 in the FT1000 list of the fastest-growing companies in Europe and is the 49

 fastest-growing UK business across all sectors.

Headcount has grown significantly over recent years with 71 staff across t

he UK, Ireland, Spain, Germany and Netherlands and a further 16 in Turkey at the company’s dedicated 

Commenting on the appointments James Jackson, Bumper’s co-founder and CEO said: “We’re delighted to welcome Alfie, Jonathan and Shreenidhi to the team; all three bring a wealth of specialist and leadership experience to the business and we wish them every success in their new roles.

“As Bumper enters the next stage of its growth, which will see the number of repairs we help dealers to facilitate double this year to 500,000, we have created these new senior positions to support our expansion.”

Bumper announces new additions to management team as it accelerates growth plans

Bumper anuncia nuevas incorporaciones al equipo directivo

Bumper and Keyloop have launched the next phase of their integration by adding all payment types and automatic payment reconciliation for dealers. 

Bumper’s suite of digital payment solutions is included in the enhanced integration. Pay by link, payments made on the customers’ device via SMS or email; Pay by bank, an account-to-account open banking payment method; PayLater, interest-free monthly payments; and PayPads, the all-in-one point-of-sale device bringing together all payment types in a familiar mobile terminal. 

Increased payment flexibility at the checkout improves customer satisfaction and retention. A survey of Bumper customers found 90% would return to the same dealership because Bumper was offered as a payment option and 89% said they felt less stressed. 

This new solution is a major leap forward for retailers with reconciled payments within the Keyloop platform. Designed specifically for Keyloop’s dealer management systems, automated payment reconciliation saves all areas of the business time, from the advisors in the workshop to accounts teams in the back office. 

Payments automatically reconciled across all systems mean advisors no longer need to switch between platforms, minimising the risk of miskeyed information and improving efficiency. Currently available in the UK, further payment enhancements will be rolled out across Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands in the coming months. 

Bumper Co-Founder and CCO, Jack Allman, said, "This integration marks a major milestone in our mission to simplify and enhance the payment process for automotive retailers. We're excited to bring these advanced capabilities to Keyloop's network, driving greater efficiency and customer satisfaction." 

Sebastien Fabri, Partner Director at Keyloop said, “The new enhancement to the Bumper-Keyloop integration marks a significant step towards full digitalisation of payments and reconciliation in the automotive space. Consumers today demand flexible options at the checkout and Bumper affords them this opportunity. Whether that’s Buy Now Pay Later, paying remotely via link, open banking, or instore on the PayPad, this integration is an essential tool for any customer-centric dealer.” 

For more information on how the Bumper Keyloop integration can transform your dealership contact 

Bumper and Keyloop launch major enhancement to DMS payment integration 

Millennials are the most likely car owners to use buy now, pay later (BNPL) services to cover their car repair, servicing and MoT bills.

The Millennial demographic typically covers people born between 1981-1996.

Research by Bumper, the automotive fintech payment specialist, has identified 43 as the average age of customers using BNPL, with these owners choosing to spread their costs rather than pay upfront or use credit cards.

This overall average was consistent across franchised dealers but dipped to 38 for independent workshops.

However, older Generation X owners (born between 1965-1980) are likely to use BNPL for more expensive bills. The study found 47 was the average age of buyers using deferred payments for bills costing £2,000-£4,000; 

The UK and Ireland have the youngest average users in Europe (43), followed by Spain (45), Germany (46) and the Netherlands (47). 

“When it comes to settling workshop bills, budget-conscious millennials have identified the benefits of spreading their outgoings with BNPL, rather than racking up credit card debt,” said James Jackson, CEO and co-founder of Bumper. 

“Car owners born in the early 1980s will typically be at a life stage where they have monthly mortgage or rent payments and have a young family; so choosing to spread their motoring costs, interest-free over several months, makes perfect sense. 

“Our research also shows BNPL is not restricted to Millennials as older Gen X owners are

likely to use it to cover more expensive bills,” he said. 

This year Bumper forecasts it will help car owners to fund over £460m worth of car repairs. 

Millennials most likely age group to spread car repair costs with buy now, pay later (BNPL)

Millennials: La Generación que Prefiere Reparar su Coche con "Compra Ahora, Paga Después" (BNPL)

Millennials streuen die Kosten für Autoreparaturen am ehesten mit "buy now, pay later" (BNPL)

If you’ve got a growing family a 7 seater is the natural choice after an estate or hatchback. Those 2 extra seats can be a real game-changer. Even if you only need to carry 5 people, the larger boot size will definitely come in handy. 

We’ve made a list of the 9 best 7-seater cars currently available, with varying budgets in mind.

If you’re looking at buying a new car, or are interested in a PCP or lease deal, these are the best people carriers on the market.

As the cheapest 7-seaters on sale today, 

 should be on the radar of a lot of buyers, from those looking for a cheap-as-chips people carrier to anyone simply wanting utilitarian carrying with a few luxuries thrown in on the top-spec models. 

Available with either a 1.2 turbocharged petrol engine or a petrol hybrid, all the Joggers on offer give good fuel economy. The hybrid might tick a box for those looking for a company car with 

For some greater refinement, tech and reliability, without the frills of some of the German marques, the 

 is a great option. As a very stylish medium-sized SUV, there’s plenty of room to transport kids, adults and pets alike. 

Available with both petrol and diesel engines, we’d recommend either the 1.5 TSI petrol for great fuel economy or the 2.0 TDI for a bit more pulling power and long-range capability. The styling of the Tarraco is in keeping with the rest of the Seat range; understated but handsome. 

Despite its shape being more akin to a traditional 7-seater than the others so far, the 

 still has a raised driving position and slightly higher than normal ground clearance. The interior space is pretty substantial, with one of the biggest boots in 7-seat mode in the class.

Outer styling is typical of Peugeot at the moment; more chic and less quirky like the French cars of old, but in some ways this is a good thing. The 5008 has something for everyone in the powertrain department, with full EV, hybrid and plug-in hybrid all available. 

Branching into the luxury EV segment in a big way, the 

 is the Korean brand's largest EV and SUV to date. With the second and third row of seats folded flat, the EV9 boasts nearly 3,000 litres of cargo space, that’s nearly as much as a Transit Connect van!

Alongside the monster dimensions comes a formidable powertrain, even the lowest spec model, starting at just over £65,000 comes with a 200hp RWD motor configuration, achieving a respectable 7 seconds. 

 is perfect. Its clean lines and modern light clusters give it a very chic look, which carries on to the interior. It’s available in the base with all-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive performance, bringing the 0-60mph time down to 4.9s.

A large battery promises over 360 miles of range, putting it in competition with some of the best EVs around, despite the EX90’s considerable weight and size. The third row of seating is perfect for kids but can comfortably accommodate adults too.

 is a fully electric MPV with 7 seats and a generous boot. It is the perfect choice for those not needing the luxury of an SUV, but needing 7 seats and an electric powertrain. 

EV range sits around 200 miles, which is not as good as some listed, but at nearly 1/3rd the cost, we think it still represents good value. This is especially true as the Combo Life also makes use of Rapid Charging technology, giving 80% charge in 38 minutes. 

The Ford Galaxy was one of the first people carriers to hit the market in the UK, enabling thousands of families to carry their kids and luggage in comfort, the C-Max and S-Max are basically smaller versions, following the same principle as the Galaxy does. 

 with the frugal 1.5 TDCi and less than 45,000 miles on the clock. This example comes with air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity and cruise control, a great package to carry all the family. 

Another staple of the school-run traffic, 

 has been around in one form or another since 1999, offering spacious people carrying capacity on a modest budget. For under 9 grand, you can get a low-mileage 2017 model, with full service history. 

It comes well specced too, with apple car play and cruise control. The 1.4 turbo petrol in this example offers reasonable performance with very good fuel economy, low road tax and ULEZ compliance to boot. 

 offers some unique features that can’t be found in UK models. Imported from Japan this MPV/people carrier offers 7 plush seats with captains chairs and loads of tech. 

Other features include a panoramic sunroof, DVD players for the rear passengers and 4-zone air conditioning. With a decent-sized boot too, it's the perfect road trip or family holiday wagon. 

Modern 7-seater cars are made to the same stringent standards as saloons and estates, so usually achieve 5-star NCAP ratings. To check any model of the car you’re thinking about buying, the 

Are 7-Seater Cars More Expensive to Insure

No, there is no general consensus on whether 7-seater cars are more expensive to insure. Some drivers find that people carriers cost more than comparable hatchbacks, but others claim they are cheaper than the 5-seater equivalents. 

We would advise you to get some insurance quotes before buying to double-check.

As they tend to use the same powertrains as their smaller counterparts, 7-seater cars offer the same reliability as any other. That said some specific models may have known faults, but the number of seats isn't usually the inherent cause. 

Whether you have a top-of-the-line luxury SUV or a basic utilitarian MPV, Bumper can help spread the cost of repair payments with zero-interest financing. Choose from any one of our 

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

9 Best 7 Seater Cars in the UK

A company car can be a great benefit to any employment package, but depending on the car, engine and even trim level, the incurred tax can take away some of the benefits. 

To compare both tax benefits and vehicle features, we’ve put together this guide offering up best cars on the market to choose from a company car scheme in the UK. 

Company Car tax, formally known as Benefit-in-Kind, is a tax on benefits received as part of a remuneration package from an employer, such as a company car. 

BiK rates vary depending on the employee's salary, the car's CO2 emissions and its electric-only range. They are updated yearly to adjust for changes in CO2 emissions ranges and electric vehicle technology. 

Currently, the rate is set at 2% for vehicles producing 0g/Km of CO2, AKA Electric Vehicles. Hybrids with more than 130 miles of electric-only range are charged the same. The rate increases as the cars’ electric-only range decreases.

The current rate for the lowest emitting non-electric vehicles is 15%. The highest band cars that emit more than 170 g of CO2 per Km, have a BiK rate of 37%.

Whilst the benefit-in-kind rate is important, the value of the car - known as its P11D value - and your tax band are also used to calculate the tax due on a company car. The P11D is simply the manufacturer's list price including VAT when the car was first registered.

To work out the company car tax you’ll be paying, use the following formula:

If reducing your tax bill is your main priority, these cars should be on your shortlist, they all have incredibly low company car tax rates.

BYD has taken the UK by storm in the last year or two, going from a complete unknown to one of the fastest-growing brands on sale. They offer a range of cheap EVs, but the most economical to 

With a 45kWh battery and one motor acceleration and top speed aren’t the best on the market at 8.0 seconds to 60 and 99 mph, but its near 200-mile range is impressive. Some might not be a fan of the off-the-wall styling, but it certainly sets it apart on the road. 

 packs a decent amount of battery capacity and power, with a range of well over 200 miles, and 200hp on tap. This makes it a good bit faster than other cars such as the BYD.

The frontal styling is a little too angular for us, but the inside is a lot more toned down, with the classic MG badge on the centre of the multi-function steering wheel, and a large dash-mounted screen for infotainment. 

Because it's an EV and has a low starting price, the MG4 is one of the cheapest company cars on sale today.

Best Saloon Cars With Low Company Car Tax

 is one of the most popular EVs in the UK, with their practical, stylish seating for 5 adults and plenty of boot space. The high-performance and long-range versions offer something a little more powerful or versatile, too. 

Being fully electric, the benefit in kind is the lowest bracket at 2%.

Looking for an EV but don’t need the neck-jolting acceleration that some offer? 

 might be perfect. It maintains the chic styling of KIA’s new design philosophy, with a spacious interior and practical boot. 

Interior wise the EV6 combines modern screen tech with ‘old fashioned’ control layouts, maintaining some physical buttons for crucial features, something we love! As with the Tesla, the BiK rate is the lowest bracket.

Audi A3 40 Sportback TFSIe - £36,345 - 6% BiK

The well-known Audi hatchback is also available in a sleeker saloon body style, giving the compact passenger space with the 3-box design of the traditional saloon. In TFSI e guise the hybrid powertrain warrants the 

, not too far from some fully electric cars.

Being a German luxury marque the interior quality is top-notch, with high-quality plastics and soft touch materials throughout. 

 on the market, if you need to carry 6 passengers on battery power alone, it is the one and only option. We suspect plenty of people will choose it not only out of necessity though, with its stylish interior and bodywork, and 400-mile range.

Because it’s an EV, the BiK rate is the lowest possible; 2%. This means the company car tax can be very low indeed.

 it sports a pretty generous boot, with space enough for 4 adults, and certainly enough for 2 adults and 2 kids.

Regardless of the power or battery option selected the BiK rate is the lowest 2%. A shorter commute would be preferential when the iX1 only has a listed range of 322 miles. 

 is ideal, with a ludicrous 630bhp available in the top, dual-motor model. Thanks to the electric powertrain, the BiK rate and as such company car tax is relatively low, with monthly tax figures starting at £24 per month.

The interior is just as stylish and well put together as the outside, in typical Porsche fashion. The Macan also supports the fastest charging architecture on the market, having compatibility with 800V networks. This can take the large battery from 10-80% charge in under 30 minutes.

Mercedes C-Class C300e - £51,970 - 8% BiK

Hailed by many as the peak executive saloon, the 

 is the first choice for many for a luxury company car, the C300e takes that to new levels, with a very low BiK rate, thanks to its generous electric-only range.

Interior-wise there is everything you’d expect, with plush leather and wood trim. Air suspension keeps the ride taught but comfy, and the electric assist pushes you to 60mph in a very respectable 6.1 seconds.

Cupra Formentor 1.4 e-Hybrid - £45,500 - 12% BiK

Since splitting the brand from SEAT, the Cupra name has produced some great-looking cars, first and foremost being the Formentor. We think the 

 strikes just the right balance of angular and sweeping. 

The 1.4 e-Hybrid powertrain delivers great fuel efficiency and a good EV-only range of 38 miles. This classifies it for the 12% BiK rate, not the best on this list, but still cheap, considering the shackles of an EV are virtually non-existent with the onboard petrol engine.

Another classic executive saloon, the 3 series has been the gold standard for company cars for years. 

 having a PHEV powertrain in addition to the smooth 4-cylinder petrol engine, company car tax can be reduced significantly.

Exterior styling is very 3-series, which is definitely a good thing, not yet succumbing to the marmite styling of the new X5 and similar. Power is great too, with 287bhp from the combined power of ICE and electric, and a reasonable EV-only range of around 60 miles. 

So we’ve taken a look at how company car tax works, and picked out some of the best makes and models to look into. However, if none of the cars we’ve discussed here take your fancy, there are dozens of other makes, models and body styles to choose from, many available on company car schemes.

If your employer doesn’t offer a company car scheme, or none of these options are appealing, a 

 or lease could be worth investigating. From 

 we’ve got loads of info available on our 

With Bumper, you can split the cost of vehicle repairs, service, parts and MOT work into interest-free monthly instalments. Choose from 1000s of trusted garages and dealerships across the country.

11 Best Company Cars For Tax Efficiency

The 1990s could be seen as a decade of immense change. The collapse of the Soviet Union began a new era of relative peace, the start of the internet changed how we communicate with each other forever, and new waves of musical genres such as Britpop started blasting from our Walkmens.

But politics and entertainment weren't the only things to have a complete overhaul. Big changes to our cars saw huge improvements in design, safety and comfort. From the modern safety features of the Ford Fiesta to the stylish design of the Vauxhall Corsa, the 1990s were truly a remarkable time for our vehicles.

To celebrate this unique decaude in our vehicular history we've rounded up a list of the most popular top-selling cars of the 1990s.

What are the top-selling cars of the 1990s?

Replacing the Renault 5 in 1990, the Renault Clio was known for its small size and excellent fuel efficiency. Despite being one of the smaller cars on this list, the 90s Clio's interior was considered to be incredibly spacious and this model was popular due to its reliability and affordability.

The VW Polo II, known as the Typ 86C received a huge overhaul in the 1990s. This second generation was known for its boxy shape, steep rear window and a range of engine options. Some drivers praised the Polo II for its solid and practical design but the model was said to be plagued by mechanical issues. 

Known for its handling and fuel efficiency, drivers praised the 1990s Volkswagen Golf, known as the Mk2, as an icon of automotive excellence. This hatchback came in a variety of trim levels, including the sporty GTI and R models.

First introduced in the UK in 1993, the Vauxhall Corsa has been described as stylish, spacious and comfortable. Replacing the Vauxhall Nova, The Corsa was popular with young people for its stylish design and with older drivers for its comfortable ride.