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

Bajaj Qute is a four-wheeler, yet not a car. It comes under a whole new category — the quadricycle. Quadricycles are European categories of four-wheeled microcars defined by limitations in terms of weight, power and speed. Bajaj Qute is a new-age vehicle that carries the attributes of a three-wheeler as well as those of a car. It weighs under 450 kg, that is, 37% lighter than the smallest car in the market. Being light in weight also makes it an energy efficient vehicle. It is the greenest 4-wheeler with carbon emission as low as 66 g/km.

Like a car, it is spacious and has an enclosed body structure, giving the driver and passengers a comfortable and safe ride. Also, it has adequate space for luggage and runs at optimum restricted city speed, which provides safety for all.

Bajaj Qute, initially called the RE60, meets the European Standards and Guidelines of Quadricycle for quality and design. Its high-end technology equips it to run at a restricted speed of 70 km/h, while utilizing fuel as little as 1 liter for 36 km.

History

Bajaj Auto first unveiled the Bajaj Qute as the RE60 on 3 January 2012, at the 2012 Auto Expo in Delhi. Bajaj Auto is known for two wheelers and three-wheeled auto-rickshaws, and is India’s second-largest two-wheeled vehicle maker and is a world leader in three-wheeled vehicles. 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 36 km/L (99 mpg_-imp; 82 mpg_-US) and low carbon dioxide emissions.

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.^[1]

#FreeTheQute campaign

Since its inception, the Qute or the idea of it has been opposed by some in the automotive Industry. Qute sees a lot of opposition from competitors because of many reasons like fear of losing business. Other controversies revolving around Qute includes the questionable safety of the vehicle, and also the concern of auto drivers losing their jobs. These are in line with the vested interests of the competitors as these concerns are unfounded. Currently Bajaj is waiting for the Honorable Supreme Court's approval to launch the Bajaj Qute in the Indian market. In an attempt to garner support to release Qute in the Indian market, Bajaj has launched a campaign called #FreeTheQute. For now, Bajaj Qute is exported to European markets and the company expects to export around 10,000 units this fiscal year.

Concept

The Qute is an idea that relieves cities of pollution, danger & congestion that big, heavy & fast cars inflict on it. With a patented fuel injected Digital Tri-spark ignition engine that delivers CO₂ emissions of 66 g/km & a mileage of 36km/L, the Qute is possibly the greenest & leanest 4-wheeler anywhere in the world, and perhaps the safest too. Its restricted weight & speed of under 450 kg & 70 km/h respectively, is no threat to pedestrians, cyclists & 2-wheeler riders who represent the vast majority of casualties on Indian roads. “Bajaj Qute, the world’s first affordable quadricycle was thus designed specifically for intra-city travel that’s always green, never mean.”

Design

Bajaj Qute is designed to be compact, with a small turning circle radius of 3.5 m so that it can easily maneuver through dense traffic. It is equipped with strong suspension, ergonomic seats, & ample leg room & adequate luggage space, which contributes in making the passengers’ ride comfortable.

Feature

Technical specifications

Qute sits on a water-cooled Digital Tri-Spark ignition 4-valve engine and a closed loop fuel injection system. This helps it in delivering high performance in power and control.

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

● Front : 5 gears • Reverse : 1 gear

Safety

To ensure that Qute is safe for passengers as much as it is convenient to drive around, a lot of consideration is put on its safety aspect. Its body is made of high strength steel and its monocoque construction gives Qute its structural integrity and sophisticated design. Besides meeting all the mandated safety requirements, Qute has undergone extensive testing and validation under widely varying operating and usage conditions. Qute comes with the following features which help in providing passenger safety:

• Safety belts for driver and all passengers
• Powerful brakes
• Doors with latches
• Fully enclosed body with hard roof
• Anti-roll bar for excellent stability during various dynamic manoeuvres

Bajaj Qute received 1 star Euro NCAP rating.^[2]

Future Plan

With its user and commuter friendly features, Qute has proven itself to be a truly versatile city vehicle being used as tourist vehicles, passenger carriers and school transport vehicles in many international markets. Qute has now established itself in 16 countries, which include Turkey, Sri Lanka, Russia, Indonesia, Egypt, Fiji, Somalia and several others. Bajaj now has plans to launch the Qute in India for specific use as an urban city commute, intended for public transport purposes.

References

External links

• Official page
• Campaign page