Ashok Leyland Stile LX 7 Seater (Diesel)

The Ashok Leyland Stile LX 7 Seater is a rebadged version of the Nissan Evalia, but with several key improvements. It features a 1.5-liter K9K diesel engine, producing 75 bhp and 185 Nm of torque, which is detuned for better fuel efficiency. The vehicle has a monocoque chassis and uses leaf springs at the rear, providing a comfortable ride over rough surfaces. The interior is spacious, with sliding captain chairs in the second row and a usable third row, although it lacks AC vents for the rear passengers. The Stile also comes with features like openable windows on the sliding rear doors, which were missing in the Evalia. The steering is light and direct, making it easy to maneuver, and the vehicle has a good turning circle. However, it misses out on advanced safety features and some luxury amenities, positioning it more as a utilitarian rather than a luxurious MPV.

The Ashok Leyland Stile LX 7 Seater is a practical and robust MPV that caters well to the needs of those seeking a spacious and efficient vehicle, particularly for fleet operators and rural markets. While it may not excel in terms of luxury or advanced features, it compensates with its sturdy build, ample space, and decent fuel efficiency. The Stile improves upon the Nissan Evalia in several areas, such as the addition of sliding rear doors with openable windows and captain chairs in the second row. However, it lacks essential safety features like ABS, EBD, and airbags, which might be a concern for some buyers. Overall, it is a good option for those prioritizing practicality and value over frills.

The Ashok Leyland Stile LX 7 Seater (Diesel) was discontinued in May 2015 due to low demand in the Indian market. Despite its robust engineering and spacious interior, it 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 Stile LX had a monocoque chassis and used leaf springs at the rear, which contributed to its stable ride quality over rough surfaces. Despite this, it lacked the refinement and composure of more premium MPVs like the Toyota Innova.

The Stile LX featured sliding windows and a dedicated AC blower for the second row, enhancing passenger comfort. However, the third row seats were bolted to the floor, which affected the boot space. I believe this was a practical compromise for the segment it was targeting.

Ashok Leyland planned to sell the Stile through its small commercial vehicle dealerships, which also sold the Dost range. This strategy was aimed at leveraging the existing network to reach commercial vehicle buyers effectively.

In 2013, Ashok Leyland launched the Stile LX, targeting the commercial vehicle segment, including taxi operators and hotel shuttles. The vehicle was priced around Rs. 9.5 lakh for the top-end variant, making it a competitive option in the MPV market. I believe the pricing was reasonable, but the absence of key features like ABS, EBD, and airbags was a major drawback.

The Ashok Leyland Stile LX 7 Seater was priced competitively in the Indian market, with the ex-showroom price for the top-end LX variant starting at around Rs. 9.56 lakh. On-road prices would vary depending on the state and local taxes, but you could expect to pay around Rs. 10.5 to 11 lakh. This pricing makes the Stile an attractive option for those looking for a budget-friendly MPV with good space and fuel efficiency. However, its important to note that the Stile has been discontinued, so these prices are more of a historical reference.

The Ashok Leyland Stile LX 7 Seater boasts an impressive ARAI mileage of 20.07 kmpl, which is quite competitive in its segment. This fuel efficiency is a result of the detuned 1.5-liter K9K diesel engine, which produces 75 bhp and 185 Nm of torque. For buyers concerned about running costs, the Stiles mileage is a significant advantage, making it a cost-effective choice for long-term ownership.