Notwithstanding the CEO’s public denouncement (on several occasions) of IC-engined automatic scooters, Bajaj Auto is in advanced stages of developing one. Likely to be branded under Urbanite banner (it is also possible that Bajaj may opt to revive one of its iconic old scooter nameplates), the new scooter is also expected to spawn an electric variant not so far down the line.
Bajaj Urbanite petrol powered version is expected to be introduced in the coming months will be equipped with electronic fuel injection system and will be compliant with the upcoming BS-VI emission regulations right from the start. The engine displacement is expected to be in the 125 cc segment.
The scooter will be catering to the premium end of the segments. The spy shots show that it is equipped with front disc brake. The braking system could be augmented by a single-channel ABS, to deliver better braking performance.
The scooter adopts a retro-classic design which is popular in the premium end of the segment. The Vespa range, Yamaha Fascino, Honda Grazia appear to be the intended rivals. The Urbanite, as the name suggests, will have city dwellers as its primary target audiences. Going by the current trend, we expect the new Bajaj scooter to equipped with connectivity features, USB charging, LED headlamp, digital instrument cluster, etc.
While the IC-engined scooter will help Bajaj get up to speed in the segment. It will take on the leader Honda Activa. But, the real focus would be on the electric variant which will be pitted against the popular Ather 540. Bajaj is looking to become one of the early players of the electric scooter segment and this means, the product could be market ready as early as next year.
The Bajaj Urbanite electric scooter would be configured in such a way to take advantage of the Indian’s government’s attractive FAME-II subsidy scheme. An electric motor with a power output in the vicinity of 10 hp, a lithium-ion battery pack with a range of around 100 km, smartphone integration, and a top-speed of around 80 kmph would make for a tempting proposition.
The electric two wheeler segment is primed to get exciting in a very shortly.
