Bajaj Auto is set to launch the RE60 in India on September 25, 2015. The RE60 quadricycle is powered by a rear-mounted, water-cooled, 216cc single-cylinder DTSi petrol engine mated to a four-speed manual gearbox, and is good for a top speed of 70kph. As per Bajaj's claim, the R60 is said to deliver fuel efficiency of 35 kpl. The company will also offer CNG and LPG versions.

Measuring 2.75m in length, and 1.3m in width, the RE60 weighs a nifty 400kg with a turning radius of 3.5m. Bajaj's quadricycle will be available in a 2+2 or 1+3 seating layout, and offer 44 litres of boot space.

Revealed first at the Indian Auto Expo 2012, the RE60 was originally slated for launch last October. But a slew of PILs filed against the vehicle resulted in a delay. The Government of India has now classified the RE60 as a subset of the Light Commercial Vehicle segment, called the ‘quadricycle’.

In India, Bajaj expects the RE60 to be a safer alternative to the auto rickshaw, and is also considering exporting the vehicle to overseas markets.

Hari Menon