Ashok Leyland unveiled the concept version of the Stile MPV at the 2012 Auto Expo. The company unveiled the production version in July this year and will launch the vehicle on the 8th of October. The launch of the Nissan Evalia’s doppelgänger will take place in Mumbai. This is the second Nissan-Ashok Leyland product, the first one is a roaring success, the Dost. However don’t go by the pictures of the Auto Expo (below) as the Stile has been heavily stripped of features to offer it at a lower price. After all, when Nissan can’t sell more than 20 units of the Evalia every month, how will Ashok Leyland manage higher sales at similar prices?
Ashok Leyland has changed the headlamps, grille and wheels on the Stile which are the biggest differentiator from the Evalia. Although the interiors get a closed glove box and sliding second row windows, there are quite a few features which are absent on this van. The company has removed the audio system, tachometer, keyless entry, trip computer and internally adjustable rear view mirrors. Clearly the Stile is targeted at the commercial segment rather than personal buyers and thus the basic equipment even on the top LX trim.
It’s not just the features which have seen cost cutting in the Ashok Leyland Stile, even the power output has been reduced to boost fuel economy. The 1.5-litre diesel engine has been christened DIET and it does go for a diet when it comes to producing output, generating 75 PS of power and 185 Nm of torque instead of the Evalia’s 85 PS and 200 Nm. Thus ARAI mileage should be marginally more than the Evalia’s 19.3 km/l. The Stile will compete with the Chevrolet Enjoy in the Indian market and will be offered in three variants.
