Bajaj Qute (RE60 Small Car)

Overview

Small cars feels more like a futuristic view of the automobile industry, with most of the manufacturers planning or testing some sort of a tiny hybrid vehicle which plays an environment friendly role in the upcoming societies. Nano, as we all know can be called as the leader of the revolution, making most of the people of India think once of buying it for their and the environment's benefit. Small cars are not just less polluting but they are also space savers and pocket friendly.

As per the current scene in the market, the situation is not on their side and they are facing a lot of problems due to lack of technology and some serious safety issues. Bajaj has finally launched the RE60 Quadricycle for export purpose and the official name is QUTE. Yes, Bajaj Qute is not available in India for now as the company awaits the Supreme Court verdict on the RE60 (Qute). For now, it will be manufactured in India and will be exported to 16 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe.

Design & Style

The car or more typically saying, the quadricycle comes with a tall boy design. The car looks more like an animated toy character when seen in pictures whereas the test mule spotted was looking perfect according to its class of work. Small wheels with nearly square arches are seen when viewed from the sides and the front has a small bonnet with the Qute badging on it. The bumper on the car will be available in black and body colored option, out of which the black one makes the car look more like a real life element.

Engine & Gearbox

Bajaj Qute is powered by a water-cooled DTSi, 4-valve, triple spark petrol engine, which develops maximum power of 13 BHP @ 5500 rpm and maximum torque of 19.6 NM @ 4000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 5-speed transmission. The company claimed mileage figure of Qute is 36 kmpl and top speed of the quadricycle is 70 kmph.Dimensions & Weight Overall length of Bajaj Qute is 2752 mm, width is 1312 mm, height is 1652 mm and the kerb weight of the car is said to be 400 kg. For easy manoeuvrability the turning radius of the quadricycle is 3.5 metres.

Seating Capacity

The seating capacity of Bajaj Qute is 4 with seating layout of 1 + 3 (driver + 3 passengers). It is a very good, economical and safe alternative to auto-rickshaws and Qute will be officially launched in India after permission is given by the Supreme Court.

Safety & Comfort

The braking is controlled by drum brakes on all the wheels whereas the suspension has not yet been disclosed by the manufacturers. The braking power would not be excellent as cost cutting will affect its overall ride quality. The noise cancellation and other comfort terms would only be known after its launch in India and its safety is the only reason for its delay of launch from the described time. It had a poor roof structure, making it unsafe for everyday use and government has asked the manufacturer to resolve the flaw and again apply for the manufacturing license.

Infographic

Official Press Release

New Delhi, September 25, 2015:

The Qute is powered by an all new water-cooled DTSi, 4-valve engine that has an impressive fuel efficiency of 36 kmpl and a max speed of 70km per hour. It is easy to drive, compact, lightweight and has an extremely low carbon emission of 66 gm/km. Qute has been designed in response to evolving requirements of low cost, last mile public transport across the world by optimizing size, weight, cost and speed.

Qute is the first Indian made Quadricycle to meet the stringent European Quadricycle norms and get the European WVTA (Whole Vehicle Type Approval) certification awarded by RDW Netherlands. Today, Bajaj Auto is all set to export Qute to over 16 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe.

Mr. Rakesh Sharma, President, International Business, Bajaj Auto said, “Over the years, the Bajaj RE has become a part of the social fabric in many countries. Apart from being an effective last mile transportation solution it also provides employment to millions. With Qute, we are now raising the bar and ushering in a new solution of transportation that is cleaner, safer and more comfortable. Our partners across Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe are excited about the growth opportunities that Qute can bring for us.”

Mr Abraham Joseph, CTO, Bajaj Auto said, “We have applied all our two-wheeler expertise of light weight vehicle engineering & super-efficient powertrain technology based on DTS-i, to create the Qute. We use high strength steel body along with impact resistant plastic closures to achieve this. The small displacement high performance 4 Valve engine uses closed loop fuel injection & triple spark ignition. Coupled with the 5 speed gear box, it gives outstanding fuel efficiency & emission performance. The engine is water cooled for long life.”