Ashok Leyland സ്റ്റൈൽ എൽഎക്സ്

The home grown car maker Ashok Leyland finally steps into the MPV world with the launch of Ashok Leyland Stile . Particularly in the Indian market, the multipurpose vehicle segment is one which is expanding at a fast pace with new launches lined up. This newly launched MPV, Stile is designed based on Nissan Evalia, and has arrived with both 7 and 8 seater option. It has been introduced at the starting price of Rs. 7.49 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) . The car market was seeking this vehicle to arrive with three power options- a petrol, CNG and diesel, but it went all against the expectations and has finally been launched only with a diesel engine option. However, the company has kept the petrol and CNG engine options for the future. This latest MPV, Stile houses a 1.5-litre, four cylinder, K9K diesel mill that produces power output of 75bhp in combination with a 185Nm of peak torque. This diesel mill is mated with a smooth and proficient five speed manual transmission gearbox. This diesel engine has been tunned to deliver best-in-class fuel economy of 19.5 kmpl, when driven under standard conditions. The vehicle is the result of combined efforts of both Nissan Motor India Limited and Ashok Leyland Limited. The company is offering this MPV in quite a few vibrant and refreshing exterior paint options, which will further add to the beauty of this newly launched MPV.

Exteriors :

Ashok Leyland has offered excellent vehicles in the commercial vehicle segment, and now this new venture into the passenger vehicle segment will definitely be an interesting watch. When it comes to the exteriors of Stile, it gives a clear impression of Nissan Evalia, but certainly few tweaks that distinguishes them includes newly styled headlamps, new grille design and obviously a new badging. The company has tried making it look aggressive at the front, just to make it look better in comparison to others in the segment. Being one of the top end variant, Stile LX features body colored front and rear bumpers to sync with the rest body structure. The overall boxy structure of MPV makes it a perfect vehicle to drive in the city, specifically when it offers good handling in case of heavy traffic conditions. The sides features 14 inch steel wheels that are covered with tubeless radial tyres of size LT 165 R 14, black color door handles and sliding door mechanism that suits the best when in tight parking space. The rear profile has a flat design, but that kind of helps in offering a huge boot space to accommodate more luggage. Then there is also a high mounted stop lamp for added safety.

Interiors :

The most important aspect on which company has put it best is the interior cabin of Stile. It has been made spacious to easily accommodate 7 or 8 passengers in it. The LX variant is made available in both seven and eight seater option. There is a low step-in height which makes it easy to entry and exit, moreover the sliding doors are again meant to make it convenient for the passengers to use. Stile sports premium ergonomics with glove box to store things, easily accessible central panel, brilliant all-round visibility and controls and dash board mounted gear lever to offer effortless driving. Considering its design there are multiple usages of it like, it can serve well as panel vans, ambulances, taxi services, inter and intra city travel, hotel shuttles and various such purposes. It offers best interior space as well as rear AC vents for effective cooling at the rear space too. The variant has got a fabric material seats that are comfortable and offers relaxing position even on long journeys.

Engine and Performance :

Under the hood, there is 1.5-litre, 1461cc turbo-intercooled, Common Rail diesel engine that is tuned to belt out maximum power of 75bhp and peak torque measures at 185Nm at 1750 to 2750rpm . This diesel mill is mated with a five speed manual transmission, Stile's renowned dCi engine easily sails to greater speeds as well as offer great fuel economy. The fuel efficiency of 19.5 kmpl is one of the highlights of this particular MPV. Considering its competitors lined up in the same segment, Stile certainly has got various features that will place it ahead of the rest. The dCi diesel engine complies to BS IV standards and emits less carbon.

Braking and Handling :

The front wheel has got Disc type brakes and rear gets a Drum type brakes , this makes the braking system highly efficient. Such combination of brakes are perfect that decelerates fast and even works well in case of sudden brakes. The company has implemented advanced suspensions to this MPV, the front has receives McPherson Strut Type Coil Spring and rear axle gets a Multi-Leaf Rigid type of a mechanism. This makes it possible to take the MPV on rough surfaces, and also experience an effortless and smooth ride. The 180mm of ground clearance and 5.2 meter minimum turning radius makes Stile's drivability perfect for Indian roads.

Comfort Features :

The company compensates everything with list of offerings when it comes to the comfort level of the occupants. For the rear passengers, there are rear AC vents such that it helps for effective cooling till the rear section of the car. The list of features goes with HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and AC) , Dual AC with Independent Flow Control, tilt steering, In-Dash gear Lever, central locking, front row power window, low step-in height and six cup and bottle holders. All these and quite a few other functions as well, which add to the convenience level of the occupants.

Safety features :

Manufacturers have added decent safety features to this new entrant MPV. Stile LX variant has got engine immobilizer, rear door child lock and seat belts for all three rows. The speed sensitive electric power steering offers improved control of the car, it feels light at low speeds and turns sturdy while on high speeds.

Pros : Mileage is quite good, lots of space inside.

Cons : Looks resemble Nissan Evalia.