After the showcase of the Bajaj RE60, pitched as the 21st century auto rickshaw riding on four wheels, many thought the good old tuk-tuk was on the brink of extinction.
It was seen as a logical evolution, the four wheeler by virtue of its design is safer and more stable than a three wheeler. Bajaj has promised a real world fuel efficiency of over 35 kmpl from the RE60′s 200cc twin-spark engine, almost double of what the three-wheeler can manage. The comfort, space and convenience factors are better, and the launch of the superior RE60 would sound the death knell for the trike.
But seeing these recent spyshots of a what is believed to be the Bajaj rickshaw facelift coming in from Pune, one believes the three-wheeler could stage a miraculous escape and tell the whole world about it!
Bajaj is testing a facelift for the autorickshaw, the one spied here is the everyday model’s larger cousin. Bajaj has a variety of variants including 2S petrol, 4S petrol, GDI and diesel and the mule spied could be any one of them.
Like its rivals from Piaggio and TVS, the vehicle sports twin headlights and a sculpted front wheel cover. Bajaj will not invest on a model that it sees no future in. It seems like the era of the Bajaj three-wheeler has not yet come to an end!
Indian autorickshaws have nearly been the same since they were first made. Although very practical for personal and commercial use, they have always been criticized for pollution and safety. Auto drivers are the most reckless drivers on our roads. Seatbelts, doors, ABS, etc etc are unthinkable on this humble auto. Drivers can’t be taught to drive or behave. One thing that can change is pollution. I really wish that these vehicles are no more made to run on petrol/kerosene. Govt. should ensure good supply of CNG and let all autos across India run on CNG. Govt. should subsidize the cost of CNG and CNG engines. Environment is more valuable than economy.
Wheel base seems longer.
The roof is more straight and slopes at right angle, which indicates more headroom.
Width seems to be increased too.
Look at how the wheels are placed inside the wheel well. Looks like a low rider now
I do not see anything new! And are we ever going to get doors for safety on these rickshaws ??
The reason you do not see anything new is because there is a lot of camouflage