Singapore's leading taxi operator ComfortDelGro will add 700 new Hyundai taxis to its fleet in the new year.

It signed an agreement signed with Hyundai Motor Company, and local distributor Komoco Motors earlier this week.

The model that will soon be adorned with the Comfort Cab's familiar, bright blue colour scheme, is the NF Sonata 2.0 CRDi, which will come with automatic transmission.

"This is a milestone for us and for ComfortDelGro," said Mr Teo Hock Seng, the managing director of Komoco Motors, "It represents the first time that Hyundai taxis will be plying the streets of Singapore."

The technology built into the Sonata promises a quieter and more environmentally- friendly ride, because of a cleaner engine coupled with a better suspension system.

Two Sonata taxis underwent a month-long trial in April, and after logging nearly 90,000 kilometers in the past eight months, both recorded no hitches at all.

Following the delivery of the initial fleet, ComfortDelGro Corporation will have the option for another 1,000 units.