Coming from a manufacturer known for heavy commercial vehicles that we don't discuss here on IAB, we did not know our readers would be curious to absorb every detail about the restyled Nissan Evalia AshLey has decided to call Stile (we've still not heard Fiat's reaction to this name!).
The Stile is a product of the Ashok Leyland-Nissan partnership to roll out commercial vehicles in India. It is an attempt to tap into a segment Ashok Leyland has given a miss in the past. The partner LCV (a rebadged Nissan Atlas) is another vehicle that helps Ashok Leyland explore a lower segment. The transformation of Ashok Leyland from being a heavy trucks manufacturer into a cross-segment player started with the launch of the Dost and marches ahead with these vehicles.
The Evalia takes care of personal transport segment while the Stile is aimed at the commercial customer. The Evalia could be tasked with handling the urban crowd while the Stile can take on the rural population. The difference in customer bases will get clarity once the vehicle reaches the market. As one saying goes only the customer has the right to decide the market. Some IAB readers have contrary remarks. They have said the Stile looks better and more advanced than the Evalia!
Ashok Leyland has not divulged information on the Stile' powertrain. What it has said however is a wide range of applications will be developed on the platform such as an ambulance van, parcel service vehicle, inter and intra city transport bus, etc.
The Stile shown at the Auto Expo is configured to seat seven people. According to a source, by mid-2013, the Stile will be introduced in the market. If you are looking for a large MPV and narrowed down your choice to the Stile and Evalia, which one would you choose?
