Electric Version of the iconic Bajaj Chetak to be among new Launches this Diwali
With the most significant annual Indian festival just around the corner, the market is pulling up its socks and preparing to woo potential customers by the million, with new launches and attractive discounts on existing products.
The biggest among product sectors, that of automobiles, is farthest ahead in the hustle to make bucks, and all the manufacturers are looking at the Diwali season to present new offerings.
Bajaj Chetak hybrid and Electric
In the two-wheeler segment, Bajaj auto is set to bring back one of its most iconic models in an avatar fit for the future. The company is reintroducing the Chetak as an all-new and improved scooter after having pulled out of the segment years ago owing to the failure in keeping up with market evolution.
The Chetak will be re-introduced in two variants – a hybrid version having a regular internal combustion four-stroke engine with electrical assistance, and a completely electric version powered by rear wheel motor. The company plans to make a strong comeback statement with the reincarnation of its once-popular scooter brand. Competitors like TVS, Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, Piaggio, and Hero are all dominant both in the motorcycle and scooter segment and the Chetak V2.0 as we’d like to call it already has several fierce battles laid out in front of it even before its launch. Despite successful models like the family of Pulsars, Discover, CT100, Platina, and others, Bajaj could not make up for the Chetak’s absence from the steady growth of the scooter segment in our country. The Chetak holds a special place in the hearts of many Indians, and that love for the scooter is what the company hopes to bank on.
Powertrain and Design
The Hybrid variant will be positioned as an entry-level premium scooter, making use of a 125 cc single-cylinder engine and challenge the likes of Piaggio’s Vespa 125, TVS Ntorq and Jupiter elegance, Honda Grazia, Activa and Eterno, and the Suzuki Burgman Street and Access 125.
The electric variant will be Bajaj’s first battery-powered two-wheeler and is currently in the pipeline. Specifications will be released upon the launch of the scooter, and one can expect the electric variant to come with a competitive number sheet in terms of battery range and top speed.
Called the Chetak Chic Electric, the model is inspired from the original Chetak to keep the design identity intact but will come with more futuristic surfaces and features that will be entirely in compliance with modern electric two-wheelers. The long and comfortable seat and the tall windscreen are accompanied by an all-digital speedometer console, Bluetooth connectivity and navigation, 12V DC charging, and a USB slot. The two variants – petrol and electric – can be expected to hit showrooms sometime in the middle of this month and will most probably come with a unique launch feature due to the festival of Diwali.
Jawa Classic 300 Anniversary edition
In addition to Bajaj, Jawa Motorcycles/Classic Legends has also geared up for festivities and the opportunities they bring with a new product launch. The ninety-year-old motorcycle company has already introduced an anniversary edition of its Classic 300 in India. Dressed in the iconic dual-toned theme of dark red and cream, the bike pays homage to the original 1929 Jawa 500 OHV motorcycle. It also sports a 90th-anniversary edition decal on the fuel tank and has its seat draped in black as opposed to the original brown. It is already up for delivery with a specific list of terms and conditions, of which one demands that those booking the anniversary edition either be the existing owners of a Jawa or make a booking on one of their other models. There will be a lucky draw to select the ones fortunate enough to ride home on the special edition. The motorcycle will be available at dealerships from the 15th of October, and we’re pretty sure that though the buying rights are limited, test rides won’t be denied to any enthusiast looking for one.
Powertrain and Safety
The Classic 300 is powered by a 293 cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine producing 26bhp and 28 Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed transmission. Telescopic forks on the front and dual shock absorbers on the rear ensure a stable and comfortable ride. It will also come equipped with dual-channel ABS to ensure safety and stability during rapid braking.
Other Launches
Three new models of the Jawa will be introduced owing to the company’s first anniversary after their re-introduction in the Indian market. Among them will be the Perak Bobber – a highly anticipated motorcycle amongst the riding enthusiasts and old school worshippers in the country. The new motorcycles are also expected to compete with the Royal Enfield 650 segment siblings – the Interceptor and the 650 GT. Further details would be released on the day of their anniversary celebrations sometime in November.
