Top 5 Reasons Why the Ashok Leyland Dost+ is a BestSeller Small Commercial Vehicle
Small commercial vehicles are the backbone of India’s logistics and transportation industry, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. Among the top players in this segment is the Ashok Leyland Dost+, which has earned a stellar reputation for its reliability, performance, and cost-effectiveness. Here, we explore five key reasons why the Ashok Leyland Dost+ has become a best-seller in the small commercial vehicle (SCV) market.
Top 5 Reasons of Ashok Leyland Dost+ as a popular small commercial vehicle
Ashok Leyland Dost+ has become one of the most popular small commercial vehicle in the Indian market. Below are the top 5 reasons of Ashok Leyland Dost+ making it a bestselling small commercial vehicle
1. Impressive Payload Capacity and Versatile Fuel Options
The Ashok Leyland Dost+ offers impressive payload capacities, making it a versatile option for different businesses. With a payload capacity of 1.25 tons for the diesel variant and 1.15 tons for the CNG variant, this small commercial vehicle (SCV) is capable of handling a wide variety of loads, from retail goods to construction materials. The vehicle is powered by a 1.5-litre TDCR diesel engine in the diesel variant and a 1.5-litre CNG engine in the CNG variant, providing businesses with a choice based on their fuel preferences and operating costs.
The diesel engine delivers a maximum power of 58 HP at 3300 rpm and 158 Nm of torque at 1600-2400 rpm, making it suitable for challenging terrains and heavy loads. On the other hand, the CNG variant offers a power of 42 HP at 3300 rpm with 105 Nm of torque. The versatility in fuel options allows businesses to choose a model that best suits their fuel cost and environmental requirements, a significant advantage for fleet operators looking to balance performance and economy.
2. Enhanced Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Another critical factor in the success of Dost+ is its commendable fuel efficiency, which ranges between 13-16 kmpl for the diesel variant. This range is excellent for a commercial vehicle, ensuring long distances can be covered without frequent refueling. The 40-litre fuel tank for the diesel version and the 120-litre (24 Kg) tank for the CNG version give the vehicle an extended driving range, minimizing downtime and increasing productivity.
In terms of performance, the 5-speed manual transmission with an overdrive gear ensures smooth driving, even in congested city traffic. The gradeability of 29 percent allows the Ashok Leyland Dost+ to tackle inclines and gradients with ease, making it ideal for hilly areas. Whether on narrow city roads or tough terrains, the Dost+ manages to maintain a consistent performance, contributing to its popularity among commercial users.
3. Comfortable and Driver-Friendly Features
One of the standout features of the Ashok Leyland Dost+ is its focus on driver comfort. In the highly competitive SCV market, ensuring driver satisfaction is a key element of success and the Dost+ excels in this aspect. The vehicle comes with a 4-way adjustable driver seat, ensuring that drivers can stay comfortable even during long hours of travel on the road.
The power steering available in the higher variants (CNG and LS/LX diesel variants) makes maneuvering the vehicle effortless, especially in busy urban areas. This feature is particularly useful for the drivers who spend most of their time in congested streets or during tight turns. The LX diesel variant also comes with an air conditioner, a feature that adds an extra layer of comfort, particularly during the hot Indian summers.
4. Durability and Maintenance-Friendly Design
The Ashok Leyland Dost+ is built to last, thanks to its rigid axle with parabolic leaf springs, which provide superior durability and stability. Initially, the Dost+ came with a transverse leaf spring, but Ashok Leyland later switched to the more durable and reliable rigid axle configuration, further enhancing the vehicle’s toughness.
Routine maintenance is also straightforward, with service intervals set at 10,000 km. This helps in reducing the frequency of visits to the service center, translating to lower operating costs and less downtime. The availability of a 1-year/50,000 km warranty ensures peace of mind for vehicle owners, knowing that they have reliable backups in case of any major issues. The synchromesh gearbox further adds to the ease of driving, with minimal wear and tear on the transmission system.
5. Affordable Pricing and Loan Offers
Price plays a significant role in the popularity of the Ashok Leyland Dost+. With an ex-showroom price range of Rs 7.15 - Rs 9.20 lakh, this SCV is competitively priced, offering excellent value for money. Given its robust build, powerful performance and driver-friendly features, the Dost+ stands out as one of the most cost-effective options in the small commercial vehicle segment.
Additionally, Ashok Leyland and various financial institutions offer attractive loan and EMI options for those looking to purchase the Dost+ on finance. With flexible repayment terms and affordable EMIs, businesses can easily integrate the Dost+ into their fleet without facing significant financial strain.
Conclusion
The Ashok Leyland Dost+ has earned its place as a best-seller in the small commercial vehicle market due to its combination of power, versatility, driver comfort, and cost-efficiency. Its ability to handle both heavy loads and tight urban spaces, coupled with its fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs, makes it an ideal choice for businesses across India. Whether it’s for logistics, retail, or industrial use, the Dost+ delivers on every front, making it a top pick for small and medium-sized enterprises looking for reliability and performance in their commercial vehicles.