Ashok Leyland Bada Dost LCV launched at Rs. 7.75 lakh

Ashok Leyland has launched the Bada Dost LCV in the Indian market. It is available in two variants - i3 (2.99 tonne GVW) and i4 (3.49 tonne GVW) and comes in two trim levels - LS and LX. Prices start at Rs. 7.75 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai). Customers can also book the vehicle online.

The Bada Dost is based on a new platform that has been developed in-house. It is larger than the existing Dost LCV and comes with a 9.8 inch loading bay and a 50-litre fuel tank. It rides on 15-inch wheels and has a ground clearance of 206 mm. The truck comes equipped with 2-stage leaf RFS with double acting shock absorbers at the front and semi-elliptic 2-stage leaf suspension with double acting shock absorbers at the rear.

The Bada Dost comes with a 3-seat layout and has a reclining and sliding driver's seat. It is said to offer car-like features including moulded trims for roof and doors, bottle holders and ashtray, dual glove box, digital instrument cluster, provision for music system, USB mobile charger, reverse parking assist, tilt-adjustable power steering and optional air-conditioning.

The Bada Dost is powered by a BS6-compliant diesel engine that produces 70 BHP. Ashok Leyland also plans to introduce a CNG variant and an all-electric version of the LCV in the future.

The Bada Dost will also be exported to Left-Hand drive markets.

Bada Dost variant-wise ex-showroom prices:

• i3 LS - Rs. 7.75 lakh
• i3 LX - Rs. 7.95 lakh
• i4 LS - Rs. 7.79 lakh
• i4 LX - Rs. 7.99 lakh