The 2013 Ashok Leyland Dost 1.25 tonne has been launched with a few updates based on market feedback. This is the second update since the vehicle's launch in 2011. Perhaps not exactly a facelift, the mini truck has gained power and torque and a couple of features.
The vehicle retains the 1.5L three-cylinder diesel engine (this is not the K9K) which puts out 58 bhp (up from 55 bhp) and 157.5 Nm (up from 150 Nm). The engine is paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. It has the same payload of 1.25 tonne, and a top speed of 90kph.
The Dost sports features like ELR seat belts, LSPV brakes (front discs, rear drums), tubeless tires and a front impact absorption bar as standard.
The Dost comes in three variants, LE, LS and LX. The LE and LS variants get new features such as the windshield washer and rear fender. All variants of the Dost can be had in a new Pista Green color. The features that the top-end model was launched with such as air-conditioning and power steering, carry on. Another nippy feature is the foldable front seat which can form a bed.
Ashok Leyland has sold 30,000 Dosts in India under 18 months, and is planning for exports as well. The model comes with a 12 month/50,000 Km warranty as standard, which can be extended by another 18 months/150,000 Kms. A CNG variant and a passenger application are expected to reach the market next.
Another interesting fact about the Dost is that its not all-new. Ashok Leyland re-engineered an old Nissan pickup truck with a minimalist interior and a frugal diesel engine to arrive at the Dost as Nissan were unable to meet the cost targets when they set out to design a new pickup to tap into the mini truck market.
Ashok Leyland Dost 2013 e-Brochure
[can't see the brochure above? Head over to Issuu]
[Source - Leylanddost.com via IndianCarsBikes.in]
