Ashok Leyland Stile CNG

The Ashok Leyland Stile CNG is a multi-purpose vehicle that combines the practicality of a van with the comfort of a car. It is powered by a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that produces 75PS of power and 185 Nm of torque, mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The vehicle features a refreshed design compared to the Nissan Evalia, with chunky headlights and a reworked front grille and bumper, giving it a more rugged and attractive look. The Stile CNG offers a spacious interior, a commanding view from the drivers seat, and light steering and pedal action, making it easy to drive in various conditions. It is primarily targeted at fleet owners and rural markets, where its durability, fuel efficiency, and affordability make it a compelling option.

The Ashok Leyland Stile CNG is priced competitively in the Indian market. The ex-showroom price for the Stile CNG variant is around 8 lakh. When you factor in the on-road costs, including taxes, registration, and insurance, the price can go up to approximately 9.5 lakh to 10 lakh, depending on the state and local regulations. This pricing makes the Stile CNG a great value proposition, especially considering its fuel efficiency and the savings it offers in the long run. It is about 1.2 lakh cheaper than the base trim of the Nissan Evalia, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.

The Ashok Leyland Stile CNG boasts impressive mileage figures, which is a significant selling point. With an ARAI-certified mileage of 19.5 kmpl, it outperforms many of its competitors in the segment. This fuel efficiency is achieved through the tuning of the 1.5-liter diesel engine to favor better fuel economy, even though it results in slightly less torque compared to the Evalia. This makes the Stile CNG an excellent choice for those concerned about running costs and mileage.

The Ashok Leyland Stile CNG is a practical and economical option for those looking for a versatile multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) in India. While it may not excel in terms of handling or luxury features, it makes up for these shortcomings with its robust build, comfortable driving experience, and excellent fuel economy. The Stile CNG retains the core strengths of its Nissan Evalia counterpart but with a more attractive and rugged design. It is particularly suited for fleet owners and rural markets, offering unmatched practicality at an affordable price. However, urban car buyers might find it less appealing due to its utilitarian nature.

The Ashok Leyland STiLE CNG, although initially planned, was never actually produced and sold in the market. The company had announced plans to introduce a CNG engine variant along with the conventional diesel engine, but it did not materialize due to low demand for the vehicle.

In May 2015, Ashok Leyland discontinued the production of the STiLE due to poor sales. Despite its potential as a versatile minivan for various applications, it failed to gain traction in the Indian market. I think the lack of a CNG option might have been a significant factor in its limited appeal.

During its launch in July 2013, the STiLE was touted as a vehicle that would offer global-level performance and comfort, tailored to Indian preferences. However, the absence of a CNG variant was notable, given the growing demand for CNG vehicles in urban areas.

At the 2012 Auto Expo, Ashok Leyland unveiled the STiLE, highlighting its potential use in various commercial and personal applications, including hotel shuttles, taxi services, and ambulances. The company mentioned plans for a CNG engine, but this never came to fruition.

The partnership between Ashok Leyland and Nissan was seen as a significant step in bringing advanced technology and quality to the Indian market. The STiLE, though a rebadged Nissan NV200, was expected to benefit from this collaboration, but the lack of a CNG option was a missed opportunity. I believe this oversight contributed to its limited success.