[CARDEEP]

Pics of wonderfully executed Bajaj's U-Car project showcased at the Auto-Expo 2014 (courtesy ACI):

[Soumyajit9]

Lovely looking car with features.
Just wish that Bajaj would have not tried to act smart and placed the rear wheels at their appropriate place !!

[da_lowrider]

Originally Posted by Soumyajit9

Lovely looking car with features.
Just wish that Bajaj would have not tried to act smart and placed the rear wheels at their appropriate place !!

They had to I guess, looking closely, I think, this is conceptually a reverse trike, in the tadpole format i.e. two wheels upfront and one at the back, that's why the two wheels at the back are so close to each other - much like the Dodge Tomahawk - and the back of the vehicle tapers like a boat.

What I would like to know is why the two wheels instead of just the one? Is it aesthetics, or does it help handling, or is it just to meet quadricycle norms?

[1100D]

Do the rear wheel arrangement have the ability to turn/swivel? Otherwise, would it not have been better to place the rear wheel further apart for more stability.

[da_lowrider]

Originally Posted by 1100D

Do the rear wheel arrangement have the ability to turn/swivel? Otherwise, would it not have been better to place the rear wheel further apart for more stability.

Don't think so, it should only be the front wheels that turn, the reason for a layout like this would most likely be to save on weight - I guess and thus utilize a smaller low powered engine - purely speculation on my part.

[1100D]

Originally Posted by da_lowrider

Don't think so, it should only be the front wheels that turn, the reason for a layout like this would most likely be to save on weight - I guess and thus utilize a smaller low powered engine - purely speculation on my part.

I meant rear wheels swivel (when required) in addition to turning front wheels. Probably to make it turn on its own vertical axis.

[da_lowrider]

Originally Posted by 1100D

I meant rear wheels swivel (when required) in addition to turning front wheels. Probably to make it turn on its own vertical axis.

Sorry my bad, I doubt that will be the case though, because to build a system like that, wherein the rear wheel swivels when required, including putting in place all the fail safes - to ensure that the wheel doesn't swivel due to any part failing at at a relatively high speed - would push up the price of the car I think, and that would defeat the purpose of a low cost quadricycle.

[blacksport]

I am surprised to read the reactions in this thread. Agreed, it looks good as a machine. But would any BHPian ever want to buy/drive anything like this? What purpose is it supposed to serve? It looks like a rick sporting a beautiful cloak on top.

The Nano, although small, is at least a proper car.

[Maky]

Originally Posted by blacksport

I am surprised to read the reactions in this thread. Agreed, it looks good as a machine. But would any BHPian ever want to buy/drive anything like this? What purpose is it supposed to serve? It looks like a rick sporting a beautiful cloak on top.

The Nano, Although small, Is at least a proper car.

I would buy this If:
- Decent NVH.
- It was as expensive as a Nano i.e. 1.5-2L'ish. Perhaps 2.5L
- Offers the Scissor doors on the Production model.
- Final production model looks the way it does, upto 95%, in the concept.

I find this vehicle wildly appealing and very practical if the dimensions are small as pictured above. Making it very easy to manoeuvre, especially in the city I live in where even a small car is not small any more. The scissor doors will help parking in tight spots as well.

A simple mode of transport that gets me from A to B without having to resort to public travel & proving some level of comfort. Do make Mr. Bajaj! ^ _ ^

[RIC.BURNS]

Now that is one good concept, Tata should hire Rajiv to help with building their brand, not some Bolt and Nut(i forgot what the other is called). Is it a functional concept? Does anyone know?

Originally Posted by blacksport

But would any BHPian ever want to buy/drive anything like this?

Instead of a tallboy if it comes as a low slung TRex/Morgan 3wheeler, would you not buy one? I bet a lot of us would. If it makes sense to buy Reva for some high price being electric, this will make sense too. Being Bajaj it would definitely be priced much cheaper. my two cents.

[gopa99]

I too fully agree to Maky's post, if the price tag fits the bill, what a perfect car to drive in bangalore.
My knees and neck would finally get to relax driving one like this. Slated to be automatic transmission and with a 300 odd motor, wow what surprise can i expect on the kilometer to a liter??? I hope it is atleast above 30!
Bring it on Bajaj! And I was expecting this super small wonder from Tata's stable, glad somebody is thinking this.

[Venkytalks]

I would really buy this car. I currently use an old Santro plus Ertiga combo - Santro mainly because I dont find a scooter to be safe enough. When the santro comes up for replacement, would love to buy the U car instead - mainly as a run about in Delhi within the campus and for short distances and parking near shops.

Scooters are a little more dangerous for small bumps and scratches on our legs - also it is very hot in the summer and cold in winter - rains also a problem - a bike/scooter like vehicle with AC and with better safety would be preferred any day. Even a single seater would be fine - just rip out the 2 small seats of the U car and install a plush single seat instead.

I would be happy to pay 1.5 to 2 L for these two features (AC, safety), provided the finished product is as small and as easy to park. A 2500 mm or less length is essential for some kinds of squeezing - so is a narrow body of 1200 mm or less - even 1000 mm - Nano is really too big and too wide for easy squeezing. Its no different from my santro for parking - so why buy a cheaper one with no advantage?

Bajaj has got it just right. And much better looking than the ugly Nano

Anyone know the exact dimensions?

[blacksport]

Originally Posted by Venkytalks

I would be happy to pay 1.5 to 2 L for these two features (AC, safety), provided the finished product is as small and as easy to park.

Whom are we kidding here? Forget safety, this one would not even get a power steering or AC. It would be another rick with some bling. Bajaj's current flagship is already easy to park and is incredibly fuel efficient too. The only difference between the current flagship and the new one is that the new one will have a 2+1 wheel configuration while the current one has a 1+2.

[jalva]

I would buy it for the design, auto gearbox and compact dimensions. I may not drive this to my office but wife could make good use of it for local shopping, dropping kids to school etc.

Add decent pricing and no glaring misses from Bajaj, and they have a customer.

The design looks like a tadpole trike to me with a fourth wheel added just to cater to those who wont be seen riding 3 wheels.

[CkmGowda]

Any news or updates on this?

It's great opportunity that Indian car makers should tap..

http://www.motorbeam.com/2015/09/car...-personal-use/