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.
Bajaj Qute | |
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![]() Bajaj Qute | |
Overview | |
Manufacturer | Bajaj Auto |
Also called | Bajaj RE60 |
Production | 2013-present |
Designer | Bajaj Auto |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Quadricycle |
Body style | 4-door hatchback |
Layout | Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 217 cc SOHC MPI petrol single (BS IV) |
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) |
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]
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]
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).[vague] 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]
The Qute in its standard European configuration received 1 star in the Euro NCAP Quadricycle Ratings in 2016.[12]
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 romantic comedy film The Lost City, where it is used by the main characters before being destroyed.[16]
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