World's cheapest car: Bajaj RE60
Indian three-wheeler/scooter specialist unveils its ultra-frugal inner-city commuter and could undercut the Tata Nano to claim 'world's cheapest car' crownStep aside, Tata Nano… fellow Indian manufacturer Bajaj has just unveiled its puny RE60, which appears set to claim the title of the world's cheapest car.
The newcomer – which is the creation of a company that's the world's largest producer of three-wheelers, as well as vast quantities of scooters and motorbikes – is also touted as being a benchmark-setter in terms of fuel economy, with consumption as low as 2.9L/100km and CO2 emissions of 60g/km.
Propulsion for the sub-400kg flyweight comes from a 200cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected petrol engine that drives the rear wheels, enabling it to reach a dizzying top whack of 70km/h.
The RE60 measures just 2752mm from bumper to bumper and 1312mm across the bows, but it stands a lanky 1650mm tall, giving it a distinctly tippy-toe stance.
Seating can be configured in 2+2 or 1+3 formats.
The vehicle's waif-like kerb weight is partly the result of a light monocoque metal-polymer hybrid structure.
The Indian firm's MD, Rajiv Bajaj, said: "At Bajaj Auto, we believe the people of this planet deserve much better, much faster. We, therefore, decided to focus our efforts on developing vehicles powered by engines using available natural resources and infrastructure.
"We are very excited with the outcome of our efforts and, in the RE60, we believe we have an excellent solution for the mobility challenges arising from the rapid urbanisation of India. In the RE60 we have an immediate solution to pollution that doesn't need new infrastructure, huge subsidies or time."
"We are presenting an optimised solution for intra-city passenger transport. This vehicle has been designed for intra-city use, keeping in mind the intra-city duty cycles and safety requirements," said Bajaj.
Bajaj Auto's president for commercial vehicles, RC Maheshwari, added: "The RE60 presents a small, simple solution to combat pollution and inflation. It retains a small footprint – nearly the same as our Autorickshaw, is highly manoeuvrable and can keep pace with the moving traffic.
"At the same its limited top speed makes it intrinsically safer for pedestrians, cyclists and two-wheeler riders. Front and rear seat belts, doors and hard top are its other features."
According to reports, Bajaj predicts the RE60's frugality and tight turning circle will make it popular with Indian taxi fleets that currently use auto-rickshaws.
Pricing is yet to be announced, but it's believed the super-spartan RE60 will undercut the entry-level Tata Nano, which is slightly bigger (and more opulent!).
Indian reports suggest the RE60 may be exported to a handful of markets, but only those that already buy Bajaj's auto rickshaws.
Fast Facts -- Bajaj RE60
Length 2752 mm
Width 1312 mm
Height 1650 mm
Seating capacity 2+2 or 1+3
Maximum Speed 70km/h
Turning circle radius 3.5 meters
CO2 emissions 60gms/km
Fuel economy (highway) 2.9L/100km
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
