All-New Bajaj Chetak Scooter to be Launched in India this Year

Bajaj Chetak 2017 Launch photos-2

2017 Bajaj Chetak is expected to rival against the Vespa range; could embody its legendary comfort and storage capabilities

Bajaj Auto is a highly recognisable home-grown two-wheeler manufacturer that has consecutively endured phenomenal success in the domestic market for a long time. When other companies look to go more conventional, Bajaj with its expertise in understanding the local marketplace has been aggressive all along.

For instance, the Pune-based brand introduced an affordable sporty series in the form of Pulsar and revolutionised the industry before entering KTM and laid down a new path for the premium breed of motorcycles. Last year, the Bajaj V15 cruiser, steeped in war history, graced showrooms while the long-awaited flagship 400 cc Dominar that hit showrooms by mid-December sent shockwaves to everyone with its aggressive price range.

However, there is a big void Bajaj has yet to address. Despite almost all mainstream two-wheeler makers have their presence in the scooter space, Bajaj has been tight lipped over its plans for any potential re-entry. Considering the massive leap in scooter segment of late, with Honda Activa becoming the best-selling two-wheeler for many month, the sales growth cannot be undermined.

As the segment is expanding, so are the categories within it. In a similar fashion to motorcycle buyers’ attraction towards premium products, the scooter segment has seen the introduction of Aprilia SR 150 premium scooter that walks along the success story of the established Vespa range. Linking the surge in premium scooter segment, Bajaj could be fancying its chances by re-entering an icon.

Bajaj Chetak 2017 Launch photos

In an exclusive report, we divulged earlier that the remarkable Chetak is set to make a comeback to compete against the SR 150 and Vespa. According to our reliable sources, a launch is on the cards during the course of this year. A whole new generation of the Chetak is likely to embody all the attributes it is renowned for like ultra comfy ride and ample storage space.

The speculations of Chetak’s new-gen variant are not something new but we have managed to get its potential image that makes the claims legit. Here’s everything you need to know about the forthcoming iteration of the much-loved Bajaj Chetak:

2017 Bajaj Chetak India Launch

The ‘90s kids reading this article might get goose bumps because Chetak can be associated with their lifestyle during their schooling days and like the V15 the Chetak’s vintage TV advertisement does refuse to fade away.

The upcoming premium Chetak is expected to be all different and heavily modernised. The 2017 Bajaj Chetak is likely to be launched during late 2017 considering that the company has applied for patent and the development should be on full-swing.

2017 Bajaj Chetak Expected Price

Bajaj is synonymous with performance and sporty visuals in affordable price range and the premium Chetak scooter won’t stand in contrast to it. Against main rivals Aprilia SR150 and the Vespa range, we would expect a highly aggressive pricing in the region between Rs. 60,000 and Rs. 65,000.

2017 Bajaj Chetak Engine, Performance and Mileage

Bajaj could play it safe in terms of performance and offer the new generation Chetak with a 125 cc engine that could be tuned to return a high mileage of around 50 kmpl. Or as unpredictable as they often get, a multi-spark plug incorporated engine with 150 cc displacement capacity might be utilised. Whatever the displacement maybe, the power figure is unlikely to jump beyond 12 bhp. Our safer bet is that it could be powered by a four-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled DTS-i engine displacing 125 cc and producing in between 9 and 11 bhp.

2017 Bajaj Chetak Exterior Styling

Bajaj is trying to turn back the clock with the new avatar of Chetak. As you can see from the leaked images, the upcoming premium scooter is going to boast a retro styling with upright handle bar for relaxed city as well as long rides – a distinguished quality the legendary Chetak is known for.

It could feature a slightly uppish rear end with wider foot pegs for the comfort of pillion rider. The space beneath the rider should be good enough to carry desirable items as well while the seat itself is believed to be crafted and stitched from upmarket materials for enhanced premium quality and of course comfortable commuting.

Bajaj Chetak 2017 vs Vespa 125
All new Bajaj’s premium scooter to rival Vespa range

2017 Bajaj Chetak Instrument Panel and Features

The new generation Chetak’s rivals serve different purposes while being slotted in the premium segment. The Vespa range, with conventional cycle parts, appeals for buyers and mostly female riders whose desire for having had the heads turned in traffic is high.

On the other side, the Aprilia SR 150 squarely aims at young customers wanting to enjoy a sporty performance with an edgy visual appeal. The 2017 Bajaj Chetak might bridge the gap between these two type of customers with an all-digital console, USB charging port, modern brakes and suspension, a lightweight chassis alongside better convenience factors.

2017 Bajaj Chetak Key Rivals

The new-gen Bajaj Chetak will compete against the likes of Aprilia SR150 and Piaggio Vespa range in the premium scooter segment.

2017 Bajaj Chetak India Images