THE saying goes that dynamite comes in small packages, but is this really the case for the Bajaj Qute?
In terms of media attention, it most certainly is, as the tiny run-around took South African Twitter by storm following a hoax claiming the vehicle would cost only R4 500 once-off, or R150/month.
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Locals were quick to compare the car’s cost to taxi fares and how it could end up being cheaper, but alas, this was to no avail as the Qute comes in at R65 000 when discounted and R75 000 at normal price.
This is a rather hefty sum of money, especially considering the fact that the Qute is not actually a car, but rather a compact quadricycle.
The Qute’s 217cc, one cylinder, four-stroke engine propels it all the way to an eye-watering top speed of 70km/h.
Once all four seats are filled, it may be difficult to reach that speed going downhill with the wind behind you.
Another ironic fact about the Qute is that it is built in India, but is not considered to be road legal there, so the vehicle is purely for foreign markets.
The Qute could make an excellent ride-sharing vehicle, ferrying drunk twenty-somethings from pub to club when the pandemic is finally over.
It is extremely light on fuel owing to its minute frame and engine.
It achieves a claimed 2.85l/100km which is hovering around motorbike territory.
All in all, if you’re looking for a car around the price range of the Qute, you’re better off looking at the used car market as you’ll end up getting far more bang for your buck.
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