Ashok Leyland Dost - Expert Review

Overview

Ashok Leyland is India’s second largest commercial vehicle manufacturer and has presence in every market. In LCV segment, the company goes with the mini truck named Dost and it’s the only vehicle it has in this category.

However, being the lone flag bearer from the company doesn’t affect the sales chart and Ashok Leyland is one of the most selling small pickup trucks in the country. With many new features Dost has now become more effective in terms of profit generation, mileage and safety of passengers as well. Available in 3 variants, the mini truck also provides comfort while driving around the city.

Specs:

Engine - 1.5 Litre TDCR 3-Cylinder Turbocharged Diesel

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) - 2,500 kg

Wheelbase and Turning Radius - 2,350 mm and 4,800 mm

Mileage - 17.6 kmpl

Engine and Performance

Powered by 1.5 Litre TDCR 3-Cylinder Turbocharged Diesel engine with BS-III and BS-IV emission norms, Dost is able to churn out a maximum power of 58 hp @ 3,300 rpm and a handsome peak torque of 157.5 Nm @ 1,600 - 2,400 rpm.

Also with Fully Synchromesh 5-Speed Gearbox with Cable type shifting and 215 mm diameter Diaphragm Single Dry Plate Pot Type clutch, it hit the top speed of 90 km/h and a gradeability of 29%. Well these number totally ensures a speedy run of Dost on highways and of course a smooth drive on steeps too.

Vehicle Built and Load Capacity

Dost is available in 3 variants namely LE, LS and LX with all having common dimensions but different interiors. Detailing the size, the mini truck has 2,350 mm of wheelbase, 4,800 mm turning radius with overall length, width and height being 4,485 mm, 1,620 mm and 1,835 mm, respectively.

The load body dimensions of this truck for Length (L) x Width (W) x Height (H) are 2,500 x 1,620 x 270 mm with loading height of 809 mm and ground clearance of 177 mm. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is 2,500 kg with kerb and payload weight being equal at 1,250 kg.

Handling and Suspension

Power steering is an option available on LS and LX variant, while the manual one is for Dost LE variant. However, it’s quite easier to maneuver this mini truck on the roads with both steering options.

Down to suspension, there is Double Wishbone, Transverse Leaf Springs at front and Parabolic Leaf Springs with 2 Stages Overslung at rear to help Dost offer bump free drive on roads with load full to its capacity.

Braking and Safety

With Hydraulic Vacuum Assisted Booster Brake type along with LSPV and Ventilated Disc Type at front and Drum Type at rear, Ashok Leyland Dost is able to get stopped in time and at safe distances.

For more safety, the company has offered many features that include Load Sensing Proportioning Valve, Front Impact Absorption Bar, ELR seat belt for driver, tubeless tyre, durable chassis and crash tested frame.

Design and Comfort

Dost mini truck, however, does not have very eye-catchy design overall it looks good on the road and is available in 4 colors namely White, Light Blue, Irish Cream and Aqua Green.

Although the cabin is very rich in terms of feature and many of them are common in all 3 variants except AC and coil holder for LX trim. The common features include Mobile Charging Point, Adjustable Driver Seat, Windshield Washer, Toll Slip Holder and rear fender. The instrument panel is also available in dual tone for LS and LX variant, but single tome with LE trim.