The Rise of the Bajaj Qute in South Africa

If you’ve spent any time in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg or the bustling streets of Cape Town lately, you’ve likely seen them: tiny, boxy, often bright-yellow vehicles buzzing through traffic like motorised insects.

Sean Nurse

13 Jan 2026 · 15:15Buying a Car1 min read

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The Bajaj Qute has become one of the most polarising sights on South African roads. To some, it’s toy car that doesn't belong on public roads; to others, it’s a brilliant solution to the country’s deepening cost-of-living crisis.

Related: Bajaj Qute (2021) - Can you buy a car for R150 per month?

What is it exactly?

Technically, the Qute is a quadricycle, not a car. This distinction is vital. In South Africa, it is NRCS-approved and road-legal; however, because it falls under a different weight and engine category than a passenger car, it is exempt from the expensive safety requirements (such as airbags and ABS) that would otherwise drive its price up.

The 2026 Snapshot

As of early 2026, the Bajaj Qute remains the cheapest "new" four-wheeled transport in the country.

Feature	Specification
Retail price (2026)	Approx. R104 899
Engine	216cc, single-cylinder
Power	9.9kW/19.6Nm
Weight	449kg
Fuel tank size	8.0 litres
Fuel Efficiency	Approx. 2.8L/100km
Top Speed	70 km/h
License Required	Code B (Standard manual car license)

Written by Sean Nurse

With a lifelong passion for cars, bikes, and motorsport, Sean knew that attaining a degree in journalism would allow him to pursue his passion, which was to be a motoring journalist. After graduating in 2012, Sean was awarded a bursary from the SAGMJ which allowed him to work for a variety of motoring publications. This was a dream come true for Sean, and after a year of gaining vital industry experience, he was hired as a motoring journalist at a local newspaper and worked his way up to editor. In 2020, Sean joined the AutoTrader team and counts himself lucky to wake up and genuinely love what he does for a living.Read more