‘Small-yet-Big’ is the new ‘Wonder’
With higher payload rating and beefed-up suspension, the Dost + makes a convincing proposition against pick-up trucks in terms of ease of operations and lower TCO.
The advent of mini trucks in the Indian landscape caused quite a furore among small-scale commercial transporters and regional plyers across the country. They seemed way too capable, efficient and lucrative than their three-wheelers load auto-rickshaws, while the looks and image these mini trucks garnered among the general public pepped up the transporters’ dignity!
No wonder, the small commercial vehicles (SCV) segment now is literally crowded with mini trucks and SCVs command almost 60 per cent of cumulative CV sales in recent times.
Interestingly, if one looks at the leading growth factors behind the success of mini trucks, the frugality and flexibility of these vehicles to cater to a wide array of applications and market requirements cannot be overlooked. May it be intra-city trips, everyday runs to suburbs or long highway hauls to supply farm products, fisheries or any other consumer goods, mini trucks offer solace.
They are compact, light to handle and efficient, while also satisfying the transporters’ natural urge to overload in such folksy applications!
And that’s precisely where the competition in this segment lies. The average payload rating for mini trucks appears increasing day by day with new models entering the market. Raising their tonnage capacity enables them to cater to new applications, thereby generating a new customer base.
Moreover, the lingering gap between the mini trucks of 2.5 tonne GVW and the larger LCVs above 6 tonne GVW is encouraging many buyers to go for pick-up trucks, especially for inter-city usages. They offer relative higher payload than mini trucks, while also accommodating high range and overloading aspirations.
The segment is also owner-operator intensive, so optimal cabin space, ergonomics, and driving comfort are also sought. Being thrifty derivatives of popular MUVs, the pick-ups score on these areas in profusion.
‘Plus’ means ‘Prospects’
Now, to carve out a new buyer base in the aforesaid segment gap, Ashok Leyland chose a mid-path that is both economical and lucrative for both the automaker and buyers. Introduced late last year, the Dost ‘+’ is the latest iteration in the popular ‘Dost’ mini truck series with reworked chassis and suspension aggregates.
With a rated payload of 1,475 kg, the new variant offers 18 per cent more load carrying capacity, along with 7 per cent more loading space than the regular Dost model with 1,250 kg payload rating.
Mechanically speaking, the Dost + features strengthened rigid front axle suspension with three units of parabolic leaf spring, while six units of semi elliptical leaf springs with double acting shock absorbers beef up the rear axle.
The wheel base has been extended by 160 mm, resulting in a load body length of 2,645 mm, up by 145 mm. Larger 15-inch rim with wider tubeless radial tyres enhances the growth dimensions of the mini truck and promises to improve its handling and stability.
Aesthetically, the cabin and its visual appeal largely remain unchanged, except for the minor aesthetics upfront and the extended wheel arches. On the inside, the dual-tone interior is neat and uncluttered and offers lots of car-like goodies like lockable glove box, mobile charging, sliding rear window, wider co-driver seat, easy-to-read instrumentation, and seat belts.
Driving the new Dost + instantly tells lets you know its uniqueness. The driving position is more comfortable than most of the mini trucks, while the power-assisted steering wheel is great to hold and easy to operate with one hand.
A lot of engine clattering sneaks into the cabin, especially at idling and lower gears, but gets better while cruising. Air-conditioning is quite impressive and makes you forget that you are driving a mini truck.
The quintessential 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine that popularized the Dost in the LCV market has been tweaked to offer slightly improved output of 60 hp power and 170 Nm torque. The 5-speed synchromesh gearbox with overdrive feature has been rightly matched to offer optimal performance.
Although we could not drive the truck with recommended cargo, our short test drive of Dost + instills absolute confidence that it can handle the load with robust acceleration right and infrequent gear shifts.
Nice proposition
On the whole, Ashok Leyland has clearly charted out agenda for Dost +. To target those buyers in the latter end of the SCV spectrum with higher payload and better image-garnering aspirations, but with the compactness of mini trucks intact. Pick-up trucks may offer higher load carrying abilities, but they are invariably less flexible for a mix of applications and operating landscapes owing to its elongated bonnet, longer turning radius, and limited driving view.
Nor do pickups offer ease in terms of fuel efficiency and maintenance as against mini trucks, impacting total cost of ownership.
Rigid suspension and wider load body enhances the appeal of Dost+, claims the dealers who observe strong sales volume since its launch, especially in Tier-II and regional markets. It is priced competitively, and customers value Ashok Leyland’s strong service network and resale value.
With the company pledging to roll out new LCVs consistently every six months, Dost + no doubt is prodigious in patronizing its maker’s vision.
