Bajaj Qute

Bajaj Qute
Bajaj Qute
Overview
Manufacturer Bajaj Auto
Also called Bajaj RE60
Production 2013-present
Body and chassis
Class Quadricycle
Body style 4-door hatchback
Layout Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine 0.217 L I2 SOHC MPI petrol
Transmission 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 1,952 mm (76.9 in)
Length 2,752 mm (108.3 in)
Width 1,312 mm (51.7 in)
Height 1,652 mm (65.0 in)
Curb weight 400 kg (880 lb)

The Bajaj Qute, earlier called Bajaj RE60, is a Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive, four-passenger quadricycle[1][2] built by the Indian company Bajaj Auto and is aimed primarily at the Indian domestic market. The car was the first four-wheeler manufactured by Bajaj Auto, which was unveiled on 3 January 2012.[3] In India, the Qute is not legally classified as a car and therefore cannot be sold to individuals.

On 22 May 2013, The Central Government legally classified it as a quadricycle.[1] It is unable to reach speeds of 90 km/h and is therefore only allowed to be used for commercial purposes to replace auto rickshaws.[4]

History

In 2010, Bajaj Auto announced the cooperation with Renault and Nissan Motor to develop of a US$2,500 car, aiming at a fuel-efficiency of 30 kilometres per litre (85 mpg‑imp; 71 mpg‑US) (3.3 L/100 km), or twice an average small car, and carbon dioxide emissions of 100 g/km.[5][6][7]

Bajaj Auto first unveiled the Bajaj Qute as the RE60 on 3 January 2012, at the 2012 Auto Expo in Delhi.[8] Bajaj Auto was best known for scooters and three-wheel auto-rickshaws, and is India's second-largest two-wheeled vehicle maker and is a world leader in three-wheeled vehicles. The Qute is Bajaj's first foray into the four-wheel market. At its unveiling, the company announced that the car had high fuel efficiency of 35 km/l (99 mpg‑imp; 82 mpg‑US) and low carbon dioxide emissions.[9]

With a fare meter included in the base model's dashboard, the firm is targeting auto-rickshaw drivers by offering a four wheeler as economical to run as a three-wheeler, but safer and more comfortable.[10]

Technical specifications

The Qute is powered by a 200 cc single cylinder engine with a capability to generate power output of around 20 bhp. The four wheeler has a metal-polymer monocoque body due to which it weighs 400 kg. Turning radius of the first four wheeler of Bajaj is 3.5m.[11]

Plan

Bajaj Auto plans to rollout 5000 units/month of its much-delayed four-seater "quadricycle" Qute from its Aurangabad Plant[12] and it is to be priced between Rs 1.25 lakh and Rs 2.5 lakh.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "How Rajiv Bajaj created a quadricycle and why nobody likes him for it - Business Today". Businesstoday.intoday.in. 2013-09-29. Retrieved 2014-07-19.
  2. ↑ "RE 60: Bajaj Auto unveils first four-wheeler; plans to target over 5 mn 3-wheelers". The Economic Times. 4 January 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2012.
  3. ↑ "Bajaj RE60: Target audience of rickshaw drivers offer their review". NDTV. 4 January 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2012.
  4. ↑ "Indian government releases draft notification on Quadricycles; Advantage Bajaj RE 60 - Indian Cars Bikes". Indiancarsbikes.in. Retrieved 2014-07-19.
  5. ↑ "How green is my low-cost car? India revs up debate". ENN. 2008-06-19. Retrieved 2010-11-24.
  6. ↑ "Bajaj small car may cost Rs 1.1 lakh - News - Zigwheels". Timesofindia.zigwheels.com. Retrieved 2010-11-24.
  7. ↑ "'RE60 developed in 4 years'". The Times of India. 4 January 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2012.
  8. ↑ "2012 Auto Expo - Bajaj RE60 unveiled". 3 January 2012. Moneycontrol.com. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
  9. ↑ "RE60: Bajaj Auto unveils Tata Nano rival". 3 January 2012. truthdive.com. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
  10. ↑ "A Foothold Market -- In Rickshaws". Forbes.com. Retrieved 2011-01-13.
  11. ↑ Staff (2015-10-12). "Upcoming Bajaj RE60 Car in India, Expected Launch Dates, Price". cartrade.com.
  12. ↑ "Bajaj Auto plans to roll out 5,000 units of RE-60". economictimes.com. Retrieved 2013-04-14.
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