Ashok Leyland Dost Plus: Variants Explained

One of the most recognizable and well-established LCV truck brands, the Dost Plus, is the top-end model that comes in 3 different variants. We get down to find more about this popular compact truck. What is on offer? Which one should you buy? 

Ashok Leyland's entry in the light commercial vehicle segment was remarkable in more than one way. For a long time, the Chennai based company was absent in this rapidly growing segment as it was focused on the medium and heavy commercial vehicle segment. This changed with the introduction of Dost LCV in 2011 after deeper market research, and extensive customer feedback. As a result Dost became hugely popular within a short period after commercially launch.

Dost established the company in the fast-growing cargo carrier segment, gaining considerable market share despite fierce competition. Over the years, the Dost platform has been spun in two multiple models to address the growing needs of customers in a different segment. India's mini-truck segment-the cargo trucks used for last-mile delivery is booming backed by the sustained demand amid growing consumptions fueled by tremendous growth in the e-commerce sector.  Dost Plus is positioned in the 1.5-2T cargo carrier segment in differnet payload options. 

Dost Plus debuted in 2017 is a top-end variant with higher specs, bigger size, and large payload of 1500kg. Dost Plus in its BS6 avatar is available in three different variants: Dost Plus LE, Dost Plus LS, and Dost Plus LX. This compact truck developed for rigorous last-mile cargo deliveries in most challenging operating conditions. Yet it offers superior fuel efficiency, suitable payload capacity, and much more. Apart from performance, driver comfort and convenience are also one of the focus areas of Ashok Leyland. Thus Dost Plus comes as a complete package of an LCV truck offering more revenue potential for small businesses, entrepreneurs, or fleet-operators. To help you understand this promising truck, let us look at each variant of Dost Plus. What is on the offers.

Dost Plus LE

Dost Plus LE is the entry-level variant in this strong and highly productive compact-truck. Standing at 4,630 mm long, 1,620 mm wide, and 1,900 mm tall, the Dost Plus LE features a spread-eagle type front end appearing strong and rugged look, and it also helps in reducing an impact in case of a front crash. Wheelbase, on the other hand, measures 2,510 mm. The front fascia is made up of a pair of large halogen headlamps, with the signature Ashok Leyland grill with a logo at the center. The windshield is appropriately designed for wider visibility across all angels for a comfortable driving experience. The Dost Plus LE gets two wipers for safer driving through rains. 

The Dost Plus LE comes with a cargo load body in the dimension of 2645 mm x1620 mm x380mm (8.7ft x 5.3ft x 1.2ft), quite adequate to carry sizable cargo at any terrain. The cargo load body highly vital for carrying cargo to earn revenues from this compact truck, the customers also now look for a superior in-cabin experience. A large number of Dost customers are owner-drivers, so they want to drive a vehicle that offers a overall comfortable truck. Dost Plus gets a spacious and comfy cabin the driver and co-driver seats are made of high-quality material, cozy and offer deligthful driving expereince. 

The Dost Plus LE gets a stylish dual tone dashboard, vinyl seat cover material and black front bumper. The list of comfort & convenience features of digital clusters. Inside the cabin is a sliding window, a mobile charging point, the driver seat adjustable and a large-sized lockable glove box, and a moulded roof with an integrated roof lamp for a pleasant cabin. 

To strengthen the performance of Dost Plus LE is the segment leading powertrain comprising a highly-efficient all-new 1.5-liter 3-cylinder, diesel engine that produces a higher 80hp of power at a peak torque of 190Nm 1600 - 2400 rpm. The power is then sent to the wheels through a fully synchromesh 5-speed gearbox with integrated bell housing (5 forward + 1 reverse gears), and this compact truck gets the top speed of 80 kmph.

The key aggregates supporting the powertrain include a 240 mm clutch, diaphragm, single dry plate, mechanical cable operated. As for the payload capacity, the Dost Plus LE can carry up to 1,500 kg of cargo effortlessly. Even with its gross vehicle weight of 2805 kg a payload of 1,50o kg. All of that is done on 15-inch wheels, which come wearing 190 size tyres. The fuel tank of this compact truck is 40 liters in size, and the mileage is approximately 21 kmpl.

Unlike the LS and LX models, the Dost Plus LE does with mechanical steering. The base models don't come with AC. However, it gets a strong set of suspensions at the front is a rigid suspension with parabolic leaf and double-acting shock absorber, while at the rear semi-elliptic leaf spring with double acting shock absorber, enabling it to carry heavy cargo quite effortlessly. For better control, stability and overall easy to operate, the Dost Plus LE gets vacuum assisted hydraulic brake with LSPV. Making Dost one of the safest trucks in the segment, Dost Plus LE gets a load sensing proportioning valve with booster brakes, front impact absorption bar, ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seat belts, and tail lamp protector.

Dost Plus LS

All the three variants are identical in several areas, as they share the powertrain, only a few additional trims and features are available on different models. This allows the customers to select a truck as per the needs, price and applications. Like the LS model is a middle trim in the line-up of Dost Plus, it shares the looks and feels almost the same with LE. The major difference is the options of power and better seat fabrics. Like the Dost Plus LE, the LS model can also come in either White or Irish Cream finish colors.

Dost Plus LX

The third variant in the Dost Plus line-up is the Dost Plus LX, and this premium model comes with power-steering and air conditioning as standard features. As the top-variant and more feature focusing on comfort and convenience, the LX model is priced slightly higher. The changes across all the three variants aren't that many, yet Ashok Leyland ensures that the customer has a wider choice in selecting a truck best suited for their needs. 

In the BS6 update, Dost Plus now comes with a higher power engine than the earlier generation; besides this, Ashok Leyland promises 6-key all-new characteristics on this truck, making it even a compelling product to own. The Dost Plus BS6 now comes with a better technology engine for better performance and revenues, 10% higher mileage, more power and torque, 20% more payload, greater comfort, and more reliability with 3-years or 1lakh km of warranty. This makes Dost Plus one of the most value for money products out in the market. Now, all the variants are explained, which one is the best for your business? 

Also Read: Ashok Leyland Dost plus : Top features explained