Bajaj Qute

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.

For the 1985 Renault Formula One racing car, see Renault RE60.

Bajaj Qute
Overview
ManufacturerBajaj Auto
Also calledBajaj RE60
Production2013–present
DesignerBajaj Auto
Body and chassis
ClassQuadricycle
Body style4-door hatchback
LayoutRear-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine217 cc SOHC MPI petrol single (BS IV)
Transmission5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase1,952 mm (76.9 in)
Length2,752 mm (108.3 in)
Width1,312 mm (51.7 in)
Height1,652 mm (65.0 in)
Curb weight400 kg (880 lb)

On 22 May 2013, the Government of India 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 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 217-cc single cylinder engine with a capability to generate power output of 20 hp (15 kW). The four wheeler has a metal-polymer monocoque body due to which it weighs 400 kilograms (880 lb). Turning radius of the first four wheeler of Bajaj is 3.5 metres (11 ft). Top speed is limited to 70 kilometres per hour (43 mph).[11]

Safety

The Qute in its standard European configuration received 1 star in the Euro NCAP Quadricycle Ratings in 2016.[12]

Plan
A Bajaj Qute being used as an auto-rickshaw at Andheri, Mumbai.

Bajaj Auto plans to roll out 5,000 units/month of its much-delayed four-seater "quadricycle" Qute from its Aurangabad Plant[13] and it is to be priced between ₹1.25 lakh and ₹2.5 lakh.[1] The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has decided to allow operation of quadricycles as passenger vehicles, besides commercial use. They have allowed 16-year-olds to drive only quadricycles.[14]

In 2019, Qute finally got all approvals for Indian roads after six years of legal fights and regulatory impediments. The governments of 22 states have approved it and already plying on the roads of six of those states: Kerala, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Maharashtra.[15]

A Bajaj Qute appears in the 2022 American romantic comedy film The Lost City, where it is used by the main characters before being destroyed.[16]

See also

Tata Nano (2008) – A remarkably small and cheap actual 4-door car, developed and offered by giant India steel conglomerate Tata

References
  1. Sinha, Suveen K. (29 September 2013). "The Quadricycle Diaries". Business Today. The India Today Group. Archived from the original on 15 June 2018.
  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. Archived from the original on 13 July 2014. Retrieved 19 July 2014.
  5. "How green is my low-cost car? India revs up debate". ENN. 19 June 2008. Retrieved 24 November 2010.
  6. "Bajaj small car may cost Rs 1.1 lakh - News - Zigwheels". Timesofindia.zigwheels.com. Archived from the original on 30 May 2010. Retrieved 24 November 2010.
  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. Devi, Kanchana (3 January 2012). "RE60: Bajaj Auto unveils Tata Nano rival". TruthDrive. Archived from the original on 21 January 2012. Retrieved 5 January 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  10. "A Foothold Market -- In Rickshaws". Forbes.com. Retrieved 13 January 2011.
  11. "Upcoming Bajaj RE60 Car in India, Expected Launch Dates, Price". cartrade.com. 12 October 2015. Archived from the original on 3 October 2015. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
  12. "Test Results : Bajaj Qute Petrol, 4 seat heavy quadricycle" (PDF). Cdn.euroncap.com. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  13. "Bajaj Auto plans to roll out 5,000 units of RE-60". The Economic Times. economictimes.com. Retrieved 14 April 2013.
  14. "Quadricycles can now be used as passenger vehicles". Quora.com.
  15. "Bajaj Qute hits Indian roads after a six-year battle". Financialexpress. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  16. Thomas, Rob (23 March 2022). "Sandra Bullock can't quite find romcom magic in 'The Lost City'". captimes.com. The Cap Times. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
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