Bajaj Qute: The Qute is India’s first quadricycle – a four-wheeled vehicle that’s a half-step between three-wheelers and regular passenger cars.
Finally unveiled after overcoming countless regulatory obstacles, the Boxer 4k12 revolutionized the city commute with its space-saving construction and affordable design.
Design and Dimensions
The Qute is only 2752mm long, 1312mm wide and 1652mm high, it has a wheelbase of 1925 mm.
Its short length enables it to carve effortlessly through traffic and slip into the tightest parking spaces with ease, its 3.5-meter turning radius providing excellent agility.
At approximately 451kg, it’s no surprise the TMG EV P002 is so efficient – despite its outrageous power and speed.
The boxy shape of the camper van’s exterior design is with the greater focus being on functionality rather than aesthetics and the bennefit of a sensation of being in a nest with extremely large windows.
The front is adorned with unassuming halogen headlights that mark the beginning of a simple grille, while the back is fitted out with simple-looking tail lights and a low, small tailgate that provides access to the tight cargo area.
Interior and Features
The Qute has capacity for two adults and two children inside. The cabin is minimalist, with simple plastic panels and cloth upholstery.
The instrument cluster consists of basic equipment such as a speedometer, fuel gauge and warning lights. Small door pockets and a glovebox are provided for storage.
The features list is still basic and only essentials are included, no luxuries here. The vehicle offers:
Manual air circulation system
Minimalist sound system (for some versions)
12V charging socket
Crank windows instead of Power windows
Lockable doors
Performance and Powertrain
The Qute uses a one-cylinder, 216cc engine, which motors less than modestly at around 13hp and 18.9Nm of torque.
This liquid-cooled four stroke engine is paired with a 5-speed transmission which is linked to the rear wheels.
The small size of the engine entitles it to relatively low excise duties in relation to traditional passenger cars.
Offered in petrol as well as CNG versions, the Qute claims to offer amazing fuel efficiency numbers close to 35 km/l for the petrol variant and 43 km/l for the CNG version.
The vehicle has a maximum speed of around 70km/hr, which is restricted for safety reasons, in view of the type of vehicle it is.
Pros of the Bajaj Qute
Economic Efficiency: Qute is very fuel efficient, which means attractive low cost of operation compared to other forms of taxis and private vehicles.
Ecofriendly: Small engine leads to lower CO2 emissions while the CNG variant leads to lower urban emissions helping improve the quality of air in the city.
Parking is Easier: Smaller size means it is easier to park in cities where parking is a challenge.
Greater Affordability: At less than the price of an entry-level car, the Qute provides four-wheel mobility at an affordable price.
Commercially viable: The Qute’s taxi operator economics are super compelling with low operating costs and reasonable passenger capacity.
Cons of the Bajaj Qute
Underpowered: The weak engine gives the Pickup lethargic acceleration and limited highway performance.
Minimum Safety Features: The Qute complies with the quadricycle safety regulations but it does not get safety features seen on normal cars like airbags and ABS.
Ride Discomfort: Sterile interiors, hard suspension and meager noise insulation make for a utilitarian, rather than a comfortable, experience.
No Space for bags: it also has no luggage capacity so isn’t ideal for shopping/close hauling etc.
The issue of Weather Protection: The not-so thick body formulation and fundamental sealing certainly do not provide much in the form of insulation against harsh temperatures and noise.
Bajaj Qute: Market Impact
The Qute is Bajaj’s creative solution to India’s peculiar situation of mobility. Although originally designed for commercial use, as a replacement for the auto-rickshaw, its use has slowly been widened to several markets including private users.
The Qute still remains a hot topic in this country with conflicting views about where it fits between the humble two wheeler and car but it does make a strong case fully-fledged transport operations where efficiency is what it’s all about.
Its don’t-call-me-a-car-ness has also led to regulatory frameworks for quadricycles, thus perhaps paving the way for more such vehicles in India’s changing urban mobility terrain.