Ashok Leyland Stile

Ashok Leyland Stile is a C+ segment MUV which is based on the Nissan Evalia. The production version of Stile was recently displayed on 16th July and was launched in India on 7th October, 2013. It is a first ever multi-purpose vehicle launched by Ashok Leyland with their collaboration with Nissan and was first revealed at Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi. It is based on the same platform as Nissan Evalia but has been placed lower than it when it comes to pricing.

Fast Facts

• Unveiled at the 2012 Auto Expo in New Delhi
• Production version was unveiled on 16th July, 2013
• Launched on 7th October, 2013
• Powered by a common-rail diesel engine
• Power and torque figures are 75 bhp and 185 nm
• Improved performance and fuel economy
• Will also be available in CNG (petrol engine)
• Available in three variants: LE, LS and LX
• Base variant is priced at INR 7.49 lakhs (ex-showroom Mumbai)
• Monocoque body construction for better safety and low kerb weight
• Features low floor for easy ingress and egress
• Sliding doors which improves accessibility in tight parking spaces
• Dual-tone interiors, dash console mounted gear lever
• Ideal for large families, Ambulance, Hotel shuttle and courier van

Exterior

The exterior of Stile is stylish yet elegant with its chrome treated front radiator grille, large headlamp cluster fitted with high intensity halogen lamps, body colored front bumper with air dam at its center and have huge front windscreen with intermittent wipers, sharp lines along the side profile, nice use of glass from the center till the rear tail gate, sliding doors on both sides with body colored door handles and internally and electrically adjustable stylish external rear view mirrors, huge wheel arches with 14-inch alloy wheels and tubeless radial tires, large rear windscreen, body colored rear bumper, a bright tail lamp cluster along with high mounted stop lamp, reversing lamp and side turn indicators in the rear bumper and the large tail gate.

Dimensions and Wheelbase

It has a length of 4400mm, width of 1700mm and height of 1860mm as its dimension and has a large wheelbase of 2725mm for higher stability.

Interior

The interior of Stile is also very comfortable and spacious with a good touch of luxury. It has dual toned interiors with beige trimming, well cushioned seats, premium fabric upholstery, a neat central console, a lot of storage spaces, a fuel gauge, a digital clock, a gear shift indicator, an odometer and a trip meter, a 12V power socket along with a dash integrated optional music system (expected), a powerful AC, power windows, gear shift lever and hand brake, sun visors, fold-able rear seats and rear seat belts. The optional music system which is integrated with the spacious dashboard is a quality one with option of CD/MP3 player, FM Radio, USB port, Bluetooth and two speakers which add to the entertainment factor of this MUV.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine of Ashok Leyland Stile is a 1461cc commom-rail DIET diesel engine which has a maximum power of 75 Bhp @ 3300 rpm and a maximum torque of 185 Nm @ 1750 rpm and is mated with a five speed manual transmission gearbox.

Performance and Mileage

It has a top speed of approximately 140 kmph (expected) and reaches 0-100kmph mark in less than 18 seconds with the mileage of about 16 kmpl in the cities and about 20 kmpl on the highways (expected figures).

Brakes and Suspension

It has good disc brakes at front and drum brakes at rear. The suspension system is a McPherson strut type at front and Torsion Bar type at rear.

Shades, Price and Variants

Ashok Leyland Stile is available in three variants: LE, LS and LX. All have option of 7-seater and 8-seater plus the LX also comes with option of alloy wheels. It is available in five shades - white, silver, grey, red and black. The base variant 'LE' is priced at INR 7.49 lakhs (ex-showroom Mumbai).

Verdict

Overall, this MUV looks like a good combination of style, space, performance, rigidity, safety and price and only the time knows what it will get in its future.