With the launch of all-new Qute, Bajaj is trying to open up a new segment in the market, the quadricycle. So what is a quadricycle? You can call a quadricycle the hybrid of an auto-rickshaw and a small hatchback. The quadricycle Qute has 4 wheels, no air-con, car-like stance, very little power, rear mounted engine, steering wheel, and you get the picture as to what Bajaj is trying to introduce here. Simply put, Qute is an upmarket auto that is cheaper than a small hatchback.
With Qute, Bajaj is trying to cash-in on the urgent need of a vehicle that is nimble and agile enough to tackle the city traffic, while at the same time it is also cheap, efficient and provides the basics of a 4-wheeler vehicle. Therefore, the company wishes to bring quadricycle as an option in the segment currently filled with auto rickshaw, buses, cabs and two wheelers. Bajaj has also specifically stated that Qute is not a car and competes with no other car in the market.
Exteriors: Being the first vehicle in the segment, Qute is unlike any other vehicle you have seen on road before. Staring from the front, there is no grille present, instead there is an air-duct and flaking it are two headlamps, with Bajaj Qute badging at front center. Below the headlamps are big black bumpers. Four wheels on the Qute does distinguishes it from the auto-rickshaws on the road.
Coming to sides there is a shoulder line running all across the side body which lends the Qute its toned look. At rear one finds the rear windshield finished in black while the massive black bumper is present here as well. Bajaj ha said that all major parts of Qute’s body like the A, B, C Pillars, roof, front and rear are made from high strength steel.
Interiors: There were no great hopes from the Qute’s interiors and Bajaj did not positively surprise anyone. Qute’s interiors are finished in all-black and have the seating for 4 people. He bench seats can only be tilted and there is no other adjustment option. Big windows and glasses do give a sense of openness. However, the absence of roll-up windows is felt here. Especially since Qute comes with no AC, roll-up windows were warranted. The dashboard is pretty simple too with the speedo and gear shifter both being mounted on the dash. An MP3 player with USB and Aux connectivity is standard on Qute.
Space is plentiful on the quadricycle, rear mounted engine means front bonnet has been offered as a storage space. Apart from this, one finds two glove boxes in the dashboard and cubby holes between front seas. Bajaj Qute’s boot space is 33 liters and the rear seat can be folded to expand this, however, the boot is accessible only through rear seats.
Performance: There are no surprises here, the Qute comes nowhere close to a car in terms of performance. The rear mounted 216.6cc engine is good enough for 13 and 18.9 Nm, but this is not enough to pack a punch. Do not misread here, the engine along with the 5 speed manual sequential gearbox will get you places, but just not quickly because the top speed of the car is just 70 kmph. This is not so okay for highway but step into traffic and Qute is there to obey your command, it zips and passes through traffic with ease, squeezing into small places where small cars dare not go.
This being a commuter vehicle, mileage is a major concern here. Qute is available in both petrol and CNG options. While the petrol clocks in 35 Kmpl the CNG variant registers 45 Kmpl. So as far as mileage is concerned the Qute scores full marks here.
Driving Dynamics: Coming to the driving part, the driver has a commanding position of the road, however at times the driver seat feels too high and may not suit well to taller drivers. The first two gears are short and engine feels strained at higher RPMs. One thing that needs to be made clear here is that Qute is no car and the sound of the engine running can be heard at all times in the cabin. As already mentioned the Qute filly zippy and agile in traffic. However, the presence of an auto gearbox here would have been truly revolutionary as the clutch feels a bit too stiff for urban driving.
Verdict: Aimed mainly at the auto-drivers looking for an upgrade or cab drivers owning a car. Bajaj seems to have played its cards right here. Although there are some minor shortcomings, the average customer would not nit-pick over it and the Indian company has pulled a fast one here. As of now the adoption of the quadricycle concept remains to be seen, and the onus to get it famous among the masses would to a large extent lie on the company.
Good features, a very utilitarian package, good mileage, car-like stance, body strength, a decent performing engine, and a maintenance of Rs. 1/km (as per Bajaj). The Bajaj Qute surely does pose a serious challenge to auto-rickshaws at Rs. 2.63 lakh for petrol and Rs. 2.83 lakh for CNG variant.
