Ashok Leyland Dost CNG: Variants Explained

The popular Dost compact truck is available in two CNG variants that cater to the growing diesel-alternate last-mile compact truck market. Do you want to buy Dost CNG but are not sure which variant? We help you to make the right decision.

Ashok Leyland Dost mini-trucks have emerged as a strong brand in the 1-2T payload cargo delivery segment of India’s last-mile cargo truck market. The Dost family of trucks are known for their rugged build quality, higher cargo-carrying abilities and the capacity to take on all kinds of terrain effortlessly. Dost range of mini-trucks are now highly popular among India's individual truck owners, medium businesses, entrepreneurs and fleet operators.

To address the diverse customers needs and applications, Ashok Leyland has expanded the Dost trucks into several variants. Dost is now available in as many as 6 different variants that cover almost all the major customer requirements. Apart from the standard diesel-powered Dost, you can buy this famous truck in CNG variant too, which promise you the same performance elments such as reliablility, offer adequate power & pickup, and also cheaper to operate. The Dost CNG comes in two variants the Dost CNG LE and Dost CNG LS.

Taking into account the daily increase in diesel prices, the CNG Dost is a good option for those customers operating this truck in urban last-mile cargo delivery business. Dost CNG comes with a rated payload of 1208kg, and Ashok Leyland says the Dost CNG comes with 6 key USPs that incldues higher mileage, range, payload, technology, comfort and reliability, all that truly matter to the truck owner.

Key Features

The Dost is quite a familiar truck for customers, and packed with key features making it one of the most compelling products in the category. Both variants are almost identical in terms of features, the only major difference between them is the power-steering as a standard option which comes only in the LS variant.

You’ll find the Dost CNG cabin quite roomy,  the comfort features inside the cabin includes the sliding window, stylish, easy to operate steering wheel, mobile charging point, driver-adjustable seats-sliding and reclining, windshield washer, and assist grip. Then the instrument panel is modern and stylish that comes in dual-tone, digital cluster and dual-tone seat cover material. The Dost CNG also gets essential safety features like front impact absorption bar, driver seat belts with emergency locking retractor, tubeless tyres, fog lamps, tail lamp protectors among other things.  

Powertrain

Both the CNG variant share the engine and aggregates, take a look at the powertrain and you find that the Dost offers you a lot. Continuing with the Ashok Leyland indigenous I-gen technology, Dost CNG is fitted with the 1.5L, 3 cylinder BS6 CNG engine. The 1478cc engine produces 45hp of power at a peak torque of 105 Nm between 1600-2000 rpm range, the engine is tuned with a smooth synchronized 5-speed manual gearbox. 

The vital aggregates are also highly robust and durable that support the powertrain in enhancing the overall truck's performance. The truck is equipped with a front suspension with rigid type parabolic leaf and double-acting shock absorber and semi-elliptic over slung suspension at the rear. Likewise, the clutch is a single dry plate, pot type with mechanical cable operated. You will also find the brakes are the vacuum-assisted hydraulic type with LSPV. Ashok Leyland Dost CNG cargo body deck size is (LxBxH) 2500 x 1620 x 380 (8.2ft x 5.3ft x 1.25ft). Ashok Leyland claim the Dost CNG cover 320 km of range in a single CNG tank. 

Noticeably, the Dost CNG range has all the performance elements that would help you run an efficient last-mile truck, carry sizable cargo, operate on economical operating cost and the advantage of an environment-friendly truck. If you get an uninterrupted CNG supply in your city or town, then this Ashok Leyland proven truck could be your next cargo truck, you're looking for.  If you don't mind spending a little extra, then we recommed you pick the Dost CNG LS varaint that get the power-steering for an effortless drive making the truck highly productive. 

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