Quadro4 Road Test - Road Test

It is a new concept of mobility that makes comfort and safety its strengths. And that's a lot of fun too

This is not a motorcycle, this is not a scooter, or even a car.

It is called Panel4, has four wheels, two of which are driving (rear) and fold into curves, like a traditional two-wheeled vehicle; but as if it folds.

Frame – the Swiss company that manufactures it – defines it as a compact SUV (safety SUV) that embodies completely new concept of mobility and in which safety and comfort are its strengths.

We have tried and discovered for a long time advantages and disadvantages.

Как

Panel4 establishes a dual patented system Hydraulic tilt system HTS e four swivel wheels with independent hydraulic suspension.

Il frame is in steel pipes, and braking (4 discs 240mm) combined on four wheels (14 inches) and can be operated with the left lever or with the pedal located on the right side of the platform (making the Quadro4 a vehicle that can only be driven with a B license); only the front brakes are activated by the right hand lever.

Engine single cylinder Euro3 350cc 4-stroke 4-valve, liquid-cooled, capable of developing 30 hp. from 7.500 g / min to 24,5 Nm and up to 5.000 g / min. la transmission - double belt and acts as expected on both rear wheels. IN dry weight 257 kg, tank capacity 14 l.

Panel4 equipped with three storage compartments; two small and one larger, located under the passenger seat. Don't miss a 12 volt outlet to recharge your smartphone. Four colors are available: Swiss Red, White Snow, Titanium Gray and Raw Black.

Il price 10.490 XNUMX euros.

How are you?

Let's move from numbers, often cold and taciturn, to facts. First of all, having said that Panel4despite what one might think looking at the datasheet, this is by no means a boring environment. Not at all.

Despite being the safest vehicle and very close to the scooter concept, the Quadro4 it's very funny.

It also allows non-pilots to reach important roll angles with exceptional ease and maximum safety; suspensions prevent overshooting 45 ° tilt (therefore, falling is almost impossible).

And mud or dampness in the middle of a corner won't be a problem because the grip will always be very high. In short, while riding the Quadro4, you can enjoy the turns of the hairpin like a child on a swing: carefree.

A few kilometers are enough to feel

However, the sensation does not arise immediately: you need to drive several miles in order to understand and master the dynamics of the car well.

At first, you get the feeling of driving a "jet ski"; the reaction seems very slow, the action must be foreseen, and the weight seems enormous.

In a sense, it is necessary to re-install the baggage of your experience on two wheels in order to open your mind and body for a car that needs to be driven in a different way: it is important to understand how to use your weight so that even the most drastic changes of direction are very easy (which initially look like science fiction).

In short, it's just a matter of practice. After the first blow, carry on Panel4 it will be just nice.

Excellent comfort on the move and in the city

Its greatest strength, along with safety, is comfort. Quadro4 can offer high comfort even on bumpy road surface and paving stones: The double rear wheel is undoubtedly a significant added value (your back will thank you).

The dimensions are small, so even between cars, in a traffic jam, it is very good to drive. No need to put feet on the ground at traffic lights: Quadro4 remains perfectly balanced (especially when acting on the brakes).

In connection with braking, the use of the left lever guarantees the best result; the pedal is not very comfortable and needs to be pressed firmly, just as the right lever, which only acts from the front, requires good grip.

It’s a pity that there’s noABS (even if it is very difficult to lock the front wheels), which, however, we are sure will soon arrive.

Another negative point, if you will, concerns compartment under the saddlewhich is small (accommodates a mid-sized front view): the rear wheels, suspension system and engine inevitably took up quite a lot of space.

But in general, this is not a “problem”: with the help of a convenient attachment, you can significantly increase the carrying capacity.

30 HP is enough to take your time

Outside urban centers Panel4 funny despite the engine power is not very. The most demanding ones may not be satisfied with the 30-horsepower engine, but to be honest, we didn't feel the need for more traction.

Be that as it may, Quadro4 allows you to do everything without rush, consuming little; in a combined cycle (highway, city, out of town, one, two), I our consumption was about 20 km / l... In addition, high stability and good aerodynamic protection are appreciated on the track.

Ultimately Quadro4 is the ideal solution for those who are looking for car alternative to the car, more comfortable and safer than a scooter.

Used clothes

Jacket: Dainese Plaza D-Dry Jacket

Pants: skinny jeans Dainese Washville Slim

Gloves: Dainese Plaza D-Dry Gloves

Shoes: Dainese Street Biker D-WP Shoes

Casco: Nolan N40 Full

Photo: Giuliano Di Franco