Bajaj Qute quadricycle may launch in India later this year

The Bajaj Qute quadricycle that was first unveiled in September 2015 and its launch has been delayed in the country for two years now due to the opposition on its safety standards. Now, after passing several regulatory hurdles, Bajaj Qute, is all set for an India launch later this year.

The four-seater passenger vehicle weighing 400 kg, is priced at USD 2000 (about Rs 1.28 lakh) and aims to offer a safer and more comfortable alternative to auto rickshaws out there on the Indian roads at present.

The Bajaj Qute has a strong and lightweight body owing to a hybrid design made with high strength steel and plastic closures that are impact resistant.

The Indian automobile company wanted to launch the Qute in India first, but due to several PILs filed across states by auto rickshaw union leaders, drivers and even lawyers, the company failed to convince the government about the safety of the new launch.

Also Read: Rajiv Bajaj gets candid on Qute: Competition stooped to levels we never anticipated

The quadricycle features a 217 cc DTS-i single-cylinder liquid cooled fuel injected engine which is capable of 13.5 PS power at 5,500 rpm and runs on both petrol and CNG.

The motor is equipped with 20 BHP and can clock a maximum torque of 13.5 Nm. On the fuel front, the Bajaj Qute delivers a mileage of 35 kmpl and can reach a top speed of around 70 kmph.

Besides meeting the safety standards, the Bajaj Qute also meets Euro III emission standards and Indian Quadricycle emission standards. The quadricycle emits 66 gms CO2.

As per a statement by Rajiv Bajaj, managing director of Bajaj Auto, the only reason why Qute could not be launched in India earlier was because of negative tactics used by the competition.

As reported by Moneycontrol earlier, a capacity of 25,000 per year has been created for the Qute in Aurangad and about a third of that goes for export.

Qute has already been well-received across continents such as Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa.