Our friends at MotorBash.com have snapped the Ashok Leyland Dost CNG version testing in Pune.
The CNG edition was showcased at the Delhi Auto Expo last year alongside the Stile, the rebadged version of the Nissan Evalia. These products promised to get Ashok Leyland to participate in segments they've never been in.
There are absolutely no details available on the Dost CNG at this moment. We can guess that the 58hp 1.5-liter three-cylinder diesel engine mated to a 5-speed gearbox will feature on this vehicle without fail. Ashok Leyland introduced a 2013 MY of the Dost with LED lights, special seat covers, special body paint, windshield washer and rear fender. These additions could pass on to the CNG variant.
The CNG variant will certainly sport body decals to inform onlookers about its altered identity. The diesel Dost's payload capacity of 1.25 ton and 90kph top speed should remain undisturbed. As CNG is available in pockets around the country, the Dost CNG variant may not be a major volume booster in the near term.
Ashok Leyland has sold about 40,000 units of the Dost and is exploring variants for commercial and passenger vehicle applications to improve reach and profitability. As heavy commercial vehicle sales continue slipping, it is the last-mile carrier segment that is chipping in with strong contributions helping companies publish improved results month after month.
[Source - MotorBash.com]
