Bajaj Qute
| Bajaj Qute | |
|---|---|
 Bajaj Qute logo | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Bajaj Auto |
| Also called | RE60 |
| Model years | 2013 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Quadricycle |
| Body style | monocoque |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 216.6 cc |
| Transmission | 5 forward gear + 1 Reverse gear |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 1925 mm |
| Length | 2752 mm |
| Width | 1312 mm |
| Height | 1650 mm |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | none |
| Successor | none |
The Bajaj Qute was launched in 2012 by Bajaj Auto, one of India’s largest automotive manufacturers. The Qute comes under the Quadricycle category, which is a whole new category in India. Quadricycles are common in Europe typically described as four-wheeler micro-cars defined by limitations in terms of weight, power and speed. The Qute meets this standard by weighing under 450 kg, which is about 37% lighter than the smallest car in the Indian market. Bajaj claims that being light in weight also makes it an energy efficient vehicle. Its carbon emission at 66g/km is also lower compared to other cars in the market.
Initially called the RE60, the Qute has a spacious cabin and adequate space for luggage. In terms of boot space, it has 44 litres of space in the rear, 95 litres in the centre and 60 litres in front. Its 216.6cc engine churns out 13.2PS of power but its speed is restricted at 70 km/hr. with an average fuel economy of 36 km/L (99 mpg-imp; 82 mpg-US).
History
Bajaj Auto first unveiled the RE60 on 3 January 2012, at an Auto Expo in Delhi. Bajaj made its debut in the four-wheel market with the Qute - at its unveiling, the Qute was India’s first Quadricycle.
Bajaj is targeting auto-rickshaw drivers by offering them a four-wheeler, which is as economical to run as a three-wheeler, while being safer and more comfortable.
Concept
Being India’s 1st quadricycle, the Qute is about 3/4th the size of a small car making it better suited to deal with traffic congestion in the city. Bajaj claims its patented fuel injected Digital Tri-spark ignition engine delivers a mileage of 36 km/L with 66 g/km of CO2 emissions. Designed specifically for intra-city travel, Bajaj claims the Qute is the world’s first affordable quadricycle.
Design
Bajaj Qute is designed to be compact, with a small turning circle radius of 3.5 m. A small turning radius helps effortlessly weaving through traffic congestion.
Feature
| Exterior features | Interior features |
|---|---|
| Large halogen lamps providing better visibility | Flat floor, for leg room, easy ingress/egress |
| Twelve inch tires with alloy/ steel wheel option for better grip on the road | Ample seating space |
| Doors for safety and weather protection | Brakes: 180 Dia drum brakes |
| Wiper with washing system | Dash mounted gear shifter: Better reach and space |
| Large windscreen for safety and visibility | Steering: low turning circle radius of 3.5m |
| Suspension: Telescopic hydraulic shock absorber and softer entry bump stoppers for comfortable ride | Grab handles for co-driver and passenger and 60/40 split for rear seat |
| Seat belts for driver and passengers |
Technical specifications
The Qute is powered by a water-cooled Digital Tri-Spark ignition 4-valve engine and a closed loop fuel injection system helping it pack a power-to-weight-ratio of 40 kg/hp.
Engine:
• Engine: 216.6cc CNG and LPG variants available
• Peak Power: 13.2 PS • Max Speed: 70 km/h
Capacity
• Passenger: 1D + 3
• Storage: Front: 60 Liters • Center: 95 Liters • Rear: 44 Liters
Dimensions
• Length: 2752 mm • Width: 1312 mm
• Height: 1652 mm • Wheel Base: 1925 mm
•Wheel Track: 1143 mm • Turning Circle Radius: 3.5 m
Transmission
Sequential gear shift like motorcycles
• Forward: 5 gears • Reverse: 1 gear
Safety
Bajaj claims its body is made of high strength steel and its monocoque construction gives the Qute its structural integrity and sophisticated design. The Qute has undergone extensive autonomous testing and validation under widely varying operating and usage conditions. The Qute has the following safety features:
- Safety belts for driver and all passengers
- 180mm drum brakes
- Doors with latches
- Fully enclosed body with hard roof
- Anti-roll bar for excellent stability during various dynamic maneuvers
Note: The Bajaj Qute rated only 1 star in the Euro NCAP. Bajaj however argues that equipping and testing the Qute with premium segment technology like Electronic Stability Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assistance etc. it would directly affect manufacturing costs and defeat their purpose of providing a low cost quadricycle. Rajiv Bajaj, the CEO at Bajaj Auto mentioned in his response to the critics, stated that quadricycles which were rated 1 star by Euro NCAP, were on sale in Europe while activist opposed the sale of the Qute in India on the grounds of biased safety standards.
The yardstick for Euro NCAP rating for cars and quadricycles alike is as follows-
- 5 stars safety: Overall good performance in crash protection. Well equipped with robust crash avoidance technology
- 4 stars safety: Overall good performance in crash protection; additional crash avoidance technology may be present
- 3 stars safety: Average to good occupant protection but lacking crash avoidance technology
- 2 stars safety: Nominal crash protection but lacking crash avoidance technology
- 1 star safety: Marginal crash protection
Future Plan
The Qute is versatile as a city vehicle, being used as a passenger carrier and school transport vehicle in many international markets. Qute has now established itself in 16 countries including Russia, South-Africa, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Turkey, Egypt, Fiji, Peru, Thailand and several others. Bajaj is currently garnering the people’s support under a campaign called “Free the Qute”(#FreeTheQute), which if successful in helping Bajaj overcome the legal disputes surrounding the Qute concerning safety, then Bajaj has plans to launch the Qute in India for public transport purpose.