Ashok Leyland Dost Strong

The Ashok Leyland Dost Strong is an award-winning light commercial vehicle that can take on challenging fleet operations effortlessly. Equipped with an i-GEN6 technology integrated powertrain, the Dost Strong is an ideal vehicle to ensure efficient last-mile transportation of goods to drive in profitability.  

The car-like ease and fuel efficiency of the Dost Strong also make it a convenient option to navigate through smaller lanes. Additionally, it gets 185 R14 LT, 8PR-sized radial tyres to handle rough terrain conditions with ease and equips driver productivity-oriented features such as air conditioning and 12V mobile charging point to make trips easier. 

The 2590kg gross vehicle weight (GVW) truck is even offered with a higher payload capacity of 1375kg and lower-turning radius for effortless driveability and to address a wide range of application requirements like the movement of parcel goods, perishables and FMCG products, among others.

Apart from these, the vehicle features an informative digital instrument cluster, a centre cushion, wheel caps to make the truck more appealing and emergency locking retractor (ELR) seatbelts for utmost safety. These aspects make the Ashok Leyland truck one of the best light commercial vehicles in India.

All-in-all, the Ashok Leyland Dost Strong is deemed one of the best trucks in the light commercial vehicle category and a value-for-money product since its price starts at Rs. 7.49 lakh and goes up to Rs. 7.95 lakh (ex-showroom prices) in India.

Ashok Leyland Dost Strong Performance

The Ashok Leyland Dost Strong is powered by a 1.5 litre, 3-cylinder turbo-charged common rail diesel engine (TDCR) which can produce 59.1hp at 3300rpm and 158Nm at around 1600-2400rpm. This powerful engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission for smooth operation.

The 5-speed gearbox is also configured to help the diesel engine produce a flat torque curve to reduce gear shifts and deliver higher fuel efficiency even in congested stop-and-go traffic conditions.

Additionally, the Ashok Leyland truck equips vacuum-assisted Hydraulic brakes with a Load Sensing Proportional Valve (LSPV) for effective braking in full load conditions. LSPV brakes basically have a valve that is used to regulate the amount of fluid that is sent to the brakes to ensure effective and even braking.

Ashok Leyland Dost Strong Specifications

The 2590kg gross vehicle weight (GVW) Ashok Leyland truck comes with a 1375kg payload for more load-carrying capacity. The truck is also offered with a wheelbase of 2350mm and a minimum ground clearance of 177mm. Further, the vehicle features a load body sized 2500mm x 1620mm x 440mm (L x B x H) for higher load-carrying capacity.

In terms of the fuel tank capacity, the truck gets a 40-litre capacity fuel tank. As for suspension, the vehicle features a parabolic leaf spring and double-acting shock absorbers at the front for rigidity and ride comfort while the rear houses a parabolic overslung suspension for higher load capacity.

Ashok Leyland Dost Strong 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, 12V mobile charging point and AC, among others. 

Ashok Leyland Dost Strong Rivals

Among the many performance-oriented light commercial vehicles (LCVs) in the country, the Ashok Leyland Dost Strong stands out as one of the best. Hence, the Ashok Leyland Dost Strong competes with the likes of other trucks. These include the Tata Ace Gold, Mahindra Jeeto and Tata Intra V30, among others. 

Overview

Ashok Leyland has a wide range of mini-trucks, with the Dost Strong being one of the brand's popular light commercial vehicles (LCV). According to Ashok Leyland, the Dost Strong is popular due to its i-GEN6 technology powertrain, which offers a multitude of benefits such as improved mileage, easier maintenance, and lower total cost of ownership. 

Moreover, it features a turbocharged common rail diesel engine (TDCR) with the added benefits of a 5-year/2 lakh km warranty and has a 1375kg payload capacity and reasonable gross vehicle weight. These aspects are also likely to be the reasons why the Dost Strong is the preferred choice of fleet owners that utilise this mini-truck for long trips.

Furthermore, with its aim to deliver higher torque output and sufficient power, the Dost Strong can haul moderately heavy goods even in rural and semi-urban driving conditions. Ashok Leyland also says that it is the first Indian vehicle in its segment to offer car-like comfort to take on 14-15 hour freight transport operations.

Offered in three variants, namely Ashok Leyland Dost Strong LE, Ashok Leyland Dost Strong LS and Ashok Leyland Dost Strong LX, the mini-truck is designed to cater to a wider range of customers associated with businesses that own a fleet of trucks and even new operators. 

Exterior

The Dost Strong from Ashok Leyland has a sleek front fascia with minimal elements to not appear busy in terms of design language. However, it does offer a muscular look to appeal to a wide range of customers who look forward to owning a truck with a bold stance, presenting a superior road presence. 

In addition to the looks, for practicality, the Dost Strong also has a fog lamp provision for customer convenience and to take on challenging driving conditions with ease. Featuring a load body measuring 2500mm x 1620mm x 440mm (8ft 2in x 5ft 4in x 1ft 5in) (LxBxH) and headlights with good throw at night, the Dost Strong appears to be an ideal choice.

Interior

The Ashok Leyland Dost Strong provides a cabin with enhanced comfort for the driver and co-driver. Featuring a driver seat with sliding and reclining functions, an ergonomic “Euro” style cabin design for better aesthetics and rigidity, and an optional air conditioning system, the Dost Strong can likely take on longer haulage operations with minimal driver fatigue.

Fitted with a sliding window behind the driver seat for ventilation, a mobile holder and charger and a lockable glove box, the company also claims that this light commercial vehicle is designed with a focus on driver and passenger comfort. Hence, in terms of comfort, the Dost Strong appears to be the perfect driver’s partner for long and continuous operations.

Performance

The Ashok Leyland Dost Strong is powered by a 1.5 litre, 3-cylinder turbo-charged common rail diesel engine (TDCR) which can produce 59.1hp at 3300rpm and 158Nm at around 1600-2400rpm. This powerful engine is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. 

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

Fitted with 185 R14 LT, 8PR-sized radial tyres that have robust construction, the Ashok Leyland truck can carry bigger cargo without stressing the tyres and losing traction on wet surfaces even when fully loaded. Equipped with a 215mm single dry plate clutch, the vehicle can offer better driveability with lesser heat generation from clutch components.

Safety

The Dost Strong is fitted with multiple safety features and components to keep occupants safe throughout long operations in loaded conditions. It has an advanced load-sensing proportioning valve, a front Impact absorption bar for rigidity and emergency locking retractor (ELR) seat belts for maximum safety.

Verdict

The Dost Strong has proved its performance credentials and has become a highly preferred truck in its category due to its efficiency, haulage ability in tough conditions, and facilitation of faster turnaround times. Overall, with increased payload capacity, the Ashok Leyland Dost Strong can accelerate business growth for new operators and entrepreneurs.