IT was love at first sight for Mr Muhammad Haniff, 44.

In his 10 years driving a taxi, he had never seen a golden beauty quite like this one.

The object of his affection?

The SMRT SPACE multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).

Mr Haniff said: "When I first saw it at a traffic junction last year, my first thought was that it was a very nice cab. Then, I told myself that I must drive it someday."

The father of four visited an SMRT Taxis roadshow in April and signed up as a taxi-hirer after realising that the company's family-friendly policies fitted him to a tee.

First launched in October last year, the luxurious SMRT SPACE is the largest and only MPV taxi in the market, and can easily seat seven adult passengers. Currently, there are close to 100 SMRT SPACE taxis on the road.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Manager of Driver Sales for SMRT Taxis, Edna Tan said: "SMRT SPACE has special features like a built-in DVD and LCD TV system, an intercom for easy communication within the car, and even tinted windows for privacy. It is a very different kind of taxi."

Ms Tan said: "The flag-down rate of SMRT SPACE is $2.80 - the same as the Mercedes cab. This is limousine service at economical rates."

Mr Jeremy Yap, 49, has been driving the SMRT SPACE for six months and has encountered passengers who "fear" the SMRT SPACE taxi.

He said: "Once people see our vehicles, they quickly put down their hands because they're afraid that it will be too expensive."

Mr Haniff said: "We stop and explain to them that the SMRT SPACE charges according to the standard meter rate. Then they'll jump into the taxi quickly."

It is also more economical and convenient as large groups do not have to split into two vehicles.

Said Ms Tan: "The SMRT SPACE is ideal for families, groups of tourists, even golf enthusiasts, as their golf bags can easily fit into the luggage space."

Even children can't seem to keep their hands off the SMRT SPACE.

Said Mr Yap: "At the zoo, the first thing that kids do when they see my taxi is to run and board it even before their mothers can stop them.

"I'll just put on Mr Bean CDs to entertain them throughout the journey." SMRT SPACE hirers reap benefits too.

Madam Susan Lim, 60, said: "I drove a standard taxi for five to six years. SMRT SPACE uses auto-gear and power-steering, so even for someone of my size it's very easy to manoeuvre."

Furthermore, because of the frequency of repeat trips from loyal customers, the SMRT SPACE hirer's revenue increases as well.

Said Mr Haniff: "My income has increased by 10 to 20 per cent since I started driving the SMRT SPACE. This is really working smart, not just working hard."

AFFORDABLE RENTAL

To top it off, the rental for the SMRT SPACE is an affordable $108 a day.

In addition, SMRT Taxis offers loyalty rebates of up to $1,825*, 24rent-free days and up to $1080 diesel rebate per year for SMRT SPACE hirers.

*Taxi driving experience & length of service - Before GST

Call the SMRT Taxis' hotline 6555 8888 to book a taxi.