The classic yellow taxi is one of the most recognisable icons of New York City - but the roads of New York are going to start changing from today with the introduction of the 'Taxi of Tomorrow'.

The Nissan NV200 is now the standard taxi cab model for the city, and existing drivers will be required to buy when they retire their current vehicles.

Exceptions will be made, however, when drivers choose between a short list of hybrid or wheelchair accessible vehicle. However, the so-called 'Taxi of Tomorrow' is expected to eventually make up 80% of the 14,000-strong New York taxi fleet.

The Nissan vehicle is more reminiscent of a minibus than the iconic 'yellow cab', and comes with a number of more modern features for passengers and drivers. They include USB ports, independently controlled air conditioning, an intercom link between passengers and driver, reading lights and - of course - extra leg room.

The NV200 also boasts improved safety features, such as sliding doors and airbags for all passengers.

A 'low annoyance horn', meanwhile, could see a reduction in some of the city's infamous noise pollution. 

The New York Times reports that there are currently around 750 of the new taxis on the road, but that's expected to increase by between 2,000 and 3,000 every year.

City authorities have already defeated faced legal challenges to the decision to force drivers to buy the new car, although cabbies in the Big Apple continue to face a serious challenge from the incredibly popular Uber app and service. They will surely be hoping the NV200 will help the New York yellow cab survive in the 21st century, even if it's not going to be quite the same as the famed taxi of yesterday.