Bajaj Auto India Limited has launched its first low-cost, four-wheeled city vehicle ahead of the Auto Expo in New Delhi. Called the RE60, the vehicle is based on a very small platform and can seat a maximum of 4 adults. The new vehicle is targeted to compete with thee-wheeler segment and the Tata Nano in the Indian market.
The eco-friendly vehicle emits about 60 grams per kilometer, which explains the use of the number 60 in its name ‘RE60.’ The vehicle will be manufactured at Bajaj’s three-wheeler plant in Aurangabad and the production-ready model will be launched in few months. It will be available in two versions, commercial and deluxe.
At first glance, it is compact, but the interior is surprisingly roomy, much like the Tata Nano. The interiors are also Spartan – the dash has the instrument cluster in the centre with stowage boxes on either side. However, there is a lot of storage space in the cabin. The seats look quite basic and the rear bench is flat and an evolution of the rickshaw bench. The commercial-vehicle version of the RE60 shown at the launch even had an auto rickshaw meter fitted to the dash.
The windows don’t roll down, but instead are split in the middle and flip down. Further evidence of the car’s low-cost positioning is the absence of front headrests, the lack of roof lining and the exclusion of inertia reels on the seatbelts.
Powering the RE60 is a new water-cooled DTSi4 200cc engine that can hit a limited speed of 70km per hour while returning a mileage of about 35 kmpl in real world condition. The engine is mounted at the rear and produces 20PS of max power. Apart from petrol, RE60 will also be available in the LPG and CNG variants. No diesel or electric options will be available.
The RE60 features 2+2 or 1+3 seating layout options, a 44-litre boot and a top speed of 70kph. Its 2.75m length, 1.3m width, 1.6m height and 3.5m turning circle radius should make it very manoeuvrable in city traffic. The vehicle just weighs 400kg.
The RE60 is meant for running inside cities and not meant for highway cruising. Compact form factor and low tuning radius make it apt for congested city traffic of Indian cities. The company has not revealed the prices yet, but the buzz in the industry suggests that the price tag could range between Rs 1.25 lakh and Rs 2 lakh to compete with the Tata Nano.
Also see – Spied – Bajaj’s ultra low cost car RE60
