Ashok Leyland Stile LS 7 Seater (Diesel)

The Ashok Leyland Stile LS 7 Seater (Diesel) is a rebadged version of the Nissan Evalia, tailored for the Indian market with a focus on commercial and taxi operations. It is powered by a 1.5-liter K9K diesel engine that produces 75 bhp and 185 Nm of torque, paired with a manual transmission. The vehicle features a monocoque chassis and leaf springs at the rear, providing a comfortable ride over rough surfaces. The interior, though Spartan, is well-built and includes features like tumble fold seats, rear AC vents, and a rear seat armrest. The Stile is available in both 7 and 8 seater configurations and comes in five color options. Despite its utilitarian design, it offers ample space, a dedicated blower for the second row, and sliding windows, making it a practical choice for those needing a spacious and reliable MPV.

The Ashok Leyland Stile LS 7 Seater (Diesel) is a utilitarian MPV that caters more to the needs of taxi operators and commercial users rather than the average car buyer. While it lacks the luxuries and advanced safety features found in other MPVs, it makes up for it with its robust engineering, spacious interior, and competent performance. The Stiles detuned 1.5-liter K9K diesel engine, although less powerful than its Nissan Evalia counterpart, offers excellent fuel efficiency and a wide power band, making it drivable in various conditions. However, the absence of features like ABS, EBD, and airbags, along with the basic interior quality, might be a turn-off for some buyers. Despite these limitations, the Stiles price and its ability to provide ample space and a comfortable ride make it a viable option for those prioritizing practicality and value.

The Ashok Leyland Stile LS 7 Seater (Diesel) was officially discontinued in May 2015 due to low demand in the Indian market. Despite its spacious interior and robust engineering, the vehicle failed to gain significant traction among consumers. I think the lack of advanced safety features and a more luxurious interior played a significant role in its poor sales.

The Ashok Leyland Stile LS 7 Seater was based on the Nissan Evalia platform but with a detuned K9K diesel engine producing 75 bhp, compared to the Evalias 85 bhp. This detuning was aimed at improving fuel efficiency across various driving conditions. The engines performance was still commendable, especially in the mid-range.

The Stile LS 7 Seater featured a utilitarian design, with improvements over the Nissan Evalia, including a glove box and better interior plastics. However, the overall feel remained more functional than luxurious. The vehicle also had optional 15-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler, giving it a slightly youthful appearance.

Ashok Leyland had planned to introduce a compressed natural gas (CNG) variant of the Stile LS 7 Seater but ultimately only produced diesel engine models. This decision might have been influenced by the market demand and infrastructure for CNG at the time. I believe offering a CNG option could have expanded its appeal.

The Stile LS 7 Seater was available in three variants: LE, LS, and LX. The main differences were in seating capacity and additional features like alloy wheels and fabric seat covers in the higher variants. The LS variant was particularly popular among those needing a balance between functionality and minor comforts.

The Ashok Leyland Stile LS 7 Seater (Diesel) was priced at around Rs. 8.56 lakh ex-showroom when it was available. On-road prices would have varied depending on the state and local taxes, but you could expect to add another Rs. 1-1.5 lakh to the ex-showroom price. Given its discontinuation, purchasing this vehicle now would likely involve the used car market, where prices can fluctuate based on the vehicles condition, mileage, and location. As a buyer, its crucial to negotiate and ensure you get a fair deal, considering the vehicles age and the lack of new features compared to current models.

The Ashok Leyland Stile LS 7 Seater (Diesel) offers an impressive ARAI-certified mileage of 20.07 kmpl, which is a significant factor for those concerned about running costs. In real-world conditions, you can expect around 12 kmpl in the city and 18 kmpl on the highway. This fuel efficiency, combined with the vehicles robust engine, makes it an economical choice for long-term use, especially for those who plan to use it extensively.