Qute clears more safety tests than some existing cars: Bajaj Auto

Bajaj Auto's Qute quadricycle has been ready for quite some time now but is yet to hit the roads due to legal hurdles. That perhaps has led Bajaj Auto to share the Qute story with the public and seek their support. It has launched two websites exclusively on the Qute. One of them is like any other product website, with a focus on the Qute's green and safety quotients. The other website is designed mainly to garner support. “This great idea is still trapped”, reads the copy on the opening page. It also says, “India, let's #FreeTheQute.”

The websites are Bajaj Auto's ways to create awareness and educated people about the product, which has faced opposition from both within and outside the industry. The company counters the argument that the Qute is not a safe vehicle by saying that the “Qute has undergone multiple safety tests – some of which are not even cleared by 'vehicles that are currently running on Indian roads’ – and has come out with flying colours! Furthermore, its restricted speed and weight make it the safest vehicle for people in and around,” on the website.

The company further states on the website, “For four long years, Qute has been battling this (incorrect perceptions and opposition) alone. Even after it has proven itself over and over again on international roads where it has not just been accepted but welcomed with open arms. Isn't this the time to support Qute and set it free on Indian roads?” 

Even as the Qute awaits the green signal from the courts, the 'support counter' on its website has started ticking. At the time of publishing this report, the Qute has found 1,589 supporters.

The 400kg Qute can carry 4 passengers with luggage, up a 27deg gradient. It is powered by a 217cc 217cc, four-valve, liquid-cooled, closed loop, fuel-injected four-stroke engine is mated to a 5- speed sequential gearbox. This engine develops 13.5 PS at 5500rpm and 19.6 Nm torque at 4000rpm. Top speed is limited to 70kph. The Qute has a turning circle radius of 3.5 metres.

The Qute, according to the company, is lightweight and strong due to its hybrid construction employing a high strength steel body and impact-resistant plastic closures. The Qute meets Euro 3 emission regulations as well as the proposed Indian Quadri emission norms, with a fuel efficiency of 36kpl and 66gms of CO₂.

It is to be noted that the Qute, which was officially unveiled on September 25, 2015, has gone on sale overseas. According to data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), 116 Qutes have been exported till December 2015.