Bajaj Chetak 35 Series: 5 Areas Of Improvement Over Its Predecessor

Published: Monday, December 23, 2024, 11:07 [IST]

Bajaj has recently unveiled the Chetak 35 series in India, marking a significant upgrade over its predecessors with a range of enhancements. These improvements include a more powerful battery, augmented storage capacity, and innovative features, all while preserving the scooter's iconic design. The introduction of the Chetak 3501, 3502, and 3503 variants brings a fresh wave of technological advancements to the beloved scooter line.

Enhanced Battery Capacity & Uprated Charger

One of the most notable upgrades in the Chetak 35 series is the enhanced battery capacity. The new models feature a 3.5kWh battery pack, a considerable increase from the previous 2.9kWh and 3.2kWh batteries.

This upgrade, featuring energy-dense cells, extends the scooter's range to an impressive 153 km on a single charge. Additionally, the inclusion of a 950W charger facilitates quick charging, achieving an 80% charge in just three hours, making it more convenient for users.

Increased Underseat Storage

The relocation of the battery pack to below the floorboard is a welcome improvement, significantly increasing the underseat storage space to 35 litres from the earlier 21 litres. This adjustment not only enhances the scooter's practicality but also its appeal to a wider audience seeking more storage options in their vehicles.

TFT Screen & Other Advanced Features

The flagship 3501 variant stands out with its cutting-edge touchscreen TFT console that supports smartphone connectivity, Google Maps navigation, document storage, and advanced safety features like geofencing. This model is distinguished by its exclusivity, offering a key-fob and a lockable glove box on the apron's front, providing added security and convenience for the rider.

While the 3502 variant shares many features with the 3501, including a TFT display, it does not feature a touchscreen and uses a display unit from the outgoing Chetak 3201. The 3502 and 3503 variants differ by substituting a lockable glove-box with two open cubbies and, in the case of the 3503, replacing the front disc brake with drum brakes at both ends, indicating a tiered approach to feature allocation across the range.

Refined Design

Despite retaining the classic neo-retro aesthetics, the Chetak 35 series showcases several under-the-hood updates that differentiate it from its predecessors. These scooters are built on a completely new frame and are equipped with updated batteries, motors, and controllers for improved performance and efficiency. The design has been updated with sleeker turn indicators, a blacked-out headlight surround, and a slimmer LED taillight for a more modern appearance.

Comfort Enhancements

Moreover, Bajaj has made strides in enhancing rider and passenger comfort by extending the wheelbase, which enlarges the floorboard area and elongates the seat by 80mm. These adjustments ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable ride, underscoring Bajaj's commitment to combining style with functionality.

The Chetak 35 series is competitively priced, with the mid-tier 3502 model available for Rs. 1.20 lakh and the feature-rich 3501 variant priced at Rs. 1.27 lakh. Although the price for the 3503 has not been disclosed, it is expected to be the most affordable option. This pricing strategy reflects a slight increase from the previous generation but offers significant value through advanced features and improved specifications, such as the all-colour TFT display and front disc brake included with the 3502 variant.