Ashok Leyland Stile LX 8 Seater (Diesel)

The Ashok Leyland Stile LX 8 Seater (Diesel) is a multi-purpose vehicle that was launched in India in 2013 as a result of the joint venture between Ashok Leyland and Nissan. It is powered by a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine producing 75 PS of power and 185 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The vehicle is available in both 7 and 8 seater configurations, with the LX variant featuring captains chairs in the second row. It offers several practical features such as tumble fold seats, rear AC vents, and sliding rear doors with openable windows. The Stile is known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and easy drivability, making it suitable for both commercial and personal use. Although it lacks some modern amenities and safety features, it stands out for its durability and value-for-money proposition.

The Ashok Leyland Stile LX 8 Seater (Diesel) is a practical and value-for-money option in the MPV segment, particularly for those targeting fleet or rural markets. While it may not appeal to urban car buyers due to its utilitarian design, it offers significant improvements over its predecessor, the Nissan Evalia. The addition of captains chairs in the second row, sliding rear doors with openable windows, and a dedicated blower for the second row enhance comfort and practicality. The vehicles drivability is commendable, with a light and precise steering, and it handles well for its category. However, it lacks advanced safety features like ABS, EBD, and airbags, which might be a concern for some buyers. Overall, it is a solid choice for those prioritizing space, fuel efficiency, and affordability.

The Ashok Leyland Stile LX 8 Seater (Diesel) was discontinued in May 2015 due to low demand in the Indian market. This decision was made after the vehicle failed to gain significant traction despite its launch in July 2013. The production halt marked the end of a short-lived presence in the MPV segment. I think the lack of advanced features and the utilitarian design might have contributed to its limited appeal.

In February 2015, Ashok Leyland hinted at plans to relaunch the Stile, but this never materialized. The company was exploring ways to revamp the vehicle to make it more competitive in the market. However, these plans were ultimately shelved. Its interesting to see how companies try to revive underperforming models, but sometimes its just not meant to be.

The Stile LX 8 Seater featured a distinct front fascia to differentiate it from the Nissan Evalia, despite being based on the same platform. The vehicle also included features like foldable second-row seats, tilt-adjustable steering, air-conditioning, and power steering. These additions aimed to enhance the comfort and usability of the vehicle. I think the new front design gave it a more aggressive look.

The Stile LX 8 Seater had several variants, but the LX model stood out with optional alloy wheels and other premium features like body-colored bumpers and moulded dual-tone interiors. These extras were intended to provide a slightly more luxurious feel compared to the base models. I believe these small touches made a difference in the overall appeal.

Ashok Leyland had plans to introduce a CNG variant of the Stile, although this never came to fruition. The company was exploring alternative fuel options to cater to a broader range of customers, especially in urban areas where CNG is more prevalent. It would have been interesting to see how this variant would have performed.

The Ashok Leyland Stile LX 8 Seater (Diesel) was priced at around Rs. 8.86 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) when it was available. However, since the production of this model has been discontinued, the current market price would be based on used vehicle listings. Typically, a used Stile LX 8 Seater could cost between Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 7 lakh, depending on the condition, mileage, and year of the vehicle. On-road prices would include additional costs such as registration, insurance, and other local taxes, which could add another Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 1.5 lakh to the ex-showroom price. Given its practicality and the value it offers, it remains a competitive option in the used car market.

The Ashok Leyland Stile LX 8 Seater (Diesel) boasts an impressive ARAI mileage of 20.07 kmpl, making it one of the more fuel-efficient options in its segment. This mileage is particularly beneficial for fleet operators or those who use the vehicle extensively, as it helps in reducing running costs. In real-world conditions, you can expect a mileage close to 18-19 kmpl, which is still quite commendable.