Ashok Leyland Dost+

Ashok Leyland Dost+ is a compact and reliable mini truck in the light commercial vehicle segment designed for the efficient and versatile transportation of goods from the warehouse to the doorstep of customers. Equipped with a proven 1478cc, 3-cylinder BS6-compliant diesel engine, the truck delivers excellent performance for faster turnaround times. 

With a robust chassis construction and a bigger load body, the Dost+ is positioned as an efficient solution for various commercial transport applications. Additionally, the vehicle equips 195 R15 LT 8 PR-sized tyres for superior wet weather performance and traction in rough terrain conditions to lower downtime and improve profitability.

The 2805kg gross vehicle weight mini truck also offers higher payload capacity. It comes with a 1500kg rated payload for higher load-carrying capacity to improve the profit outcomes of the operators and fleet owners. The vehicle also offers 10% more mileage and comes with a superior warranty of 5 years or 2,00,000 km to improve the ownership experience.

Apart from these, the vehicle features an informative digital instrument cluster, a mobile holder and charger, wheel caps to make the truck more appealing and emergency locking retractor (ELR) seatbelts for utmost safety.

All in all, the Ashok Leyland Dost+ has been deemed a value-for-money product since it comes at an affordable price of Rs. 7.75 lakh, which goes up to Rs. 8.25 lakh (prices indicated are ex-showroom).

Ashok Leyland Dost+ Performance

The Dost+ from Ashok Leyland is powered by a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder BS6-compliant diesel engine which is engineered to produce 68.9hp at 3300rpm and 170Nm at around 1600-2400rpm. This powerful diesel motor is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission for smoother power delivery.

Further, this powertrain is designed and engineered to win the hearts of demanding customers, offering more earnings per kilometre. Additionally, the vehicle features vacuum-assisted hydraulic brakes with a Load Sensing Proportional Valve (LSPV) for effective braking to enhance the overall driveability and user experience.

As for the LSPV brakes, they generally have a valve that is used to regulate the amount of fluid that is sent to the brakes to ensure effective and even braking. Consequently, the Dost+ equips it for maximum braking performance even while carrying a full load in rough terrain conditions.

Ashok Leyland Dost+ Specifications

The 2805kg gross vehicle weight (GVW) Ashok Leyland truck comes with a 1500kg rated payload for more load-carrying capacity. The truck is also offered with a wheelbase of 2510mm and a load body sized 2645mm x 1620mm x 440mm (L x B x H) for higher load-carrying capacity. Furthermore, the truck gets a 40-litre capacity fuel tank for longer operations and lesser fueling intervals.

Ashok Leyland Dost+ Features

Key features of the truck include a spacious cabin, a digital instrument cluster, a front impact absorption bar, Load Sensing Proportioning Valve (LSPV) with booster brakes, ELR seat belts, a tail lamp protector, adjustable driver seats, a lockable glove box and 12V mobile charging point, among others. 

Ashok Leyland Dost+ Rivals

The Dost+ from Ashok Leyland is a high-performance and value-for-money LCV which can take on challenging fleet operations like a breeze. As a result, the Ashok Leyland Dost+ competes with popular mini trucks such as the Tata Ace, Mahindra Jeeto, and Maruti Suzuki Super Carry, in India.

Overview

Ashok Leyland offers a wide range of light commercial vehicles (LCVs), with the Dost+ being a popular choice in its lineup. According to the brand, the Dost+ is popular due to its performance across various terrains and operating conditions. 

Moreover, what makes the Dost+ one of the more popular trucks in its category, as per Ashok Leyland, are its unique features such as higher payload capacity and reasonable gross vehicle weight (GVW). Additionally, it comes at an attractive price, backed by Ashok Leyland's promise of sales and service support.

Aimed at facilitating easier deliveries for cargo businesses and logistics, Ashok Leyland also says the Dost+ serves as a suitable partner for today's supply chain needs, enabling owners to earn higher profits on every single trip. It is powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder P15 engine which delivers adequate torque and power for heavy haulage operations and best-in-class load-carrying ability with a 1500kg payload. 

Offered in three variants, namely Ashok Leyland Dost+ LE, Ashok Leyland Dost+ LS and Ashok Leyland Dost+ LX, this truck is designed to appeal to a wide range of customers for customer convenience.

Exterior 

The Dost+ from Ashok Leyland has a muscular and sharp fascia with minimal elements to not appear busy in terms of design and construction. It offers a tall stance that gives it an impressive road presence. Additionally, this LCV gets a fog lamp provision for customer convenience and robust side panels that can take on tough conditions.

Also, featuring a long load body measuring 2645mm x 1620mm x 440mm or 8ft 8in X 5ft 4in X 1ft 5in (LxBxH) and sleek headlights integrated into the body, with good throw at night, the Dost+ from Ashok Leyland offers an effortless driving experience even in loaded conditions. 

Interior

The Dost+ comes with a roomy day-type cabin, which means it doesn't have a sleeping berth behind the driving cab. Its suitable amount of headroom and dual-tone interiors give it a spacious appeal. Featuring a moulded roof with an integrated roof lamp that makes the interior more attractive, the Dost+ is an ideal vehicle for long operations with minimal driver fatigue. 

Fitted with a digital instrument cluster, a mobile holder and charger and a lockable glove box, Ashok Leyland says that Dost+ is designed for long haulage operations with a focus on operator’s convenience. The brand even offers an air conditioner in the Ashok Leyland Dost+ LX variant for extra comfort. However, it is not available for the other two variants.

Performance

The Ashok Leyland Dost+ is equipped with a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder BS6-compliant diesel engine which produces 68.9hp at 3300rpm and 170Nm at around 1600-2400rpm. This reasonably powerful diesel engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission for smoother power delivery.

Furthermore, the vehicle features vacuum-assisted hydraulic brakes with a Load Sensing Proportional Valve (LSPV) for effective braking. LSPV braking systems generally have a valve that is used to regulate the amount of fluid that is sent to the brakes to ensure effective and even braking.

Equipped with 195 R15 LT 8 PR-sized tyres, the vehicle also offers good traction in fully loaded conditions. Additionally, the truck has a 240mm diaphragm, single dry plate clutch setup for better driveability. A single dry plate clutch does not require any sort of lubricant for the seamless functioning of the clutch. It is used in bigger trucks, since heat generation is less.

Safety

The Dost+ comes with multiple safety features for keeping its occupants and the load safe at all times. It has an advanced load-sensing proportioning valve with vacuum-assisted hydraulic booster brakes which ensures safe and secure delivery. It also gets a front Impact absorption bar for rigidity and ELR Seat Belts for maximum safety. 

Verdict

Considering the company’s claims that it features an efficient powertrain delivering enhanced power and torque, has increased payload capacity, multiple leaf springs, and a generous 5-year/2 lakh km warranty, this LCV appears ideal for new fleet owners or operators aiming to expand their business and achieve growth.