Ashok Leyland Stile

The Ashok Leyland Stile was powered by a 1.5-litre K9K dCi diesel engine, sourced from Renault-Nissan. This highly regarded four-cylinder, common-rail diesel engine was detuned for the Stile to prioritize fuel efficiency, producing around 75 bhp of power and 185 Nm of torque. It was paired exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission. Ashok Leyland had initially planned a CNG variant, but it was not widely available before discontinuation.

In real-world performance, the Stile's engine provided adequate power for city commutes and comfortable cruising on highways, especially when unladen or with a light load. The detuned engine meant it wasn't a powerhouse, and overtakes on highways required careful planning, particularly with a full load of passengers. However, its strong point was fuel economy, with an ARAI-certified mileage of over 20 kmpl, making it very economical to run. When buying used, a comprehensive inspection of the engine is crucial. Specifically, listen for any unusual engine noises, excessive smoke from the exhaust, or signs of oil leaks, as the K9K engine, while generally reliable, can develop issues with age and high mileage. Check the turbocharger for any whistling noises, indicating potential wear. Also, ensure the clutch operates smoothly without excessive play or slipping, as it can wear out, especially in vehicles used for commercial purposes.

Ride and Handling

The Ashok Leyland Stile was designed to offer a comfortable and stable ride, particularly important for an MPV intended for passenger transport. The suspension setup, featuring MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-leaf rigid axle at the rear, was tuned to absorb road imperfections effectively. This resulted in a relatively plush and composed ride, making it quite comfortable for occupants even over rough patches and undulations common on Indian roads.

Handling was predictable and stable, though the hydraulic power steering could feel a bit heavy at lower speeds, requiring more effort for city maneuvering and parking. At higher speeds, the car felt reasonably planted, with body roll kept under control for an MPV of its size. Panic or emergency braking performance was considered adequate for its capabilities but lacked the precision and stopping power of modern systems, especially given the absence of ABS on many variants. When test driving a used Stile, listen for any creaks, thuds, or excessive noise from the rear leaf spring suspension, which can indicate wear or damage, especially if the vehicle was regularly overloaded. Ensure the steering feels direct, without excessive play or unusual vibrations.

The interior of the Ashok Leyland Stile was designed for maximum practicality and passenger comfort, especially for its target audience of large families or fleet operators. The cabin felt incredibly airy and spacious, a direct benefit of its tall and wide body. Seating was typically configured for 7 or 8 occupants, with flexible arrangements. The second row often featured captain seats or a bench, offering ample space for two average Indian adults to sit comfortably, with good legroom and headroom. The third row, while not as spacious as the second, could reasonably accommodate two adults or three children for shorter journeys, providing sufficient knee room.

The cargo space was quite substantial, even with all three rows in use. With the third row in place, it could easily swallow luggage for a family of five, such as three large suitcases and a few duffel bags. The third row could be folded down to create a vast, flat loading area, making it highly versatile for carrying larger items. When purchasing a used Stile, thoroughly inspect the seat upholstery for tears, excessive wear, or stains, especially in the third row if it was heavily used. Critically, test the functionality of the dual-blower AC system, as issues with the secondary blower or cooling effectiveness were sometimes reported. Also, check for any persistent rattles or squeaks from the interior panels, particularly around the sliding doors and rear seating area, which can develop over time.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the Ashok Leyland Stile was extremely basic, reflecting its utilitarian focus and budget positioning. Most variants came with a simple 1-DIN audio system featuring an AM/FM radio. USB connectivity was available on some versions, but Bluetooth for hands-free calling or audio streaming was rarely standard. A CD player was sometimes included, but a touchscreen infotainment system was never offered from the factory.

This system was purely functional, designed for basic audio playback and communication. Integrated navigation was not a factory-fitted option. When evaluating a used Stile, test the functionality of the existing audio unit, ensuring all buttons and knobs respond correctly. Verify that any available inputs like USB work. Given Ashok Leyland's shift away from passenger vehicles and Nissan's reduced presence, expect no future software updates for the factory system, and sourcing replacements for faulty original units will be extremely challenging, often requiring aftermarket solutions.

The exterior design of the Ashok Leyland Stile was largely identical to its Nissan Evalia sibling, featuring a tall, boxy, and utilitarian MPV shape. It prioritized maximizing interior space and practicality over sleek aesthetics. The front fascia received minor cosmetic changes to differentiate it, primarily a wider grille and larger headlamps, giving it a slightly more assertive look than the Evalia. The prominent sliding rear doors on both sides were a key functional aspect, offering excellent accessibility.

The Stile presented a practical, no-nonsense appearance. When inspecting a used Stile, pay close attention to the functionality and smoothness of the sliding rear doors, as their mechanisms can wear over time or become stiff. Check the condition of the door rollers and tracks for any damage or excessive play. Also, inspect the large glass areas for chips or cracks, as the sheer size of the windows can make them prone to damage. Given its commercial vehicle roots, look for signs of heavy use, such as dents or scratches on the lower body panels and bumpers.

Safety features in the Ashok Leyland Stile were basic, aligning with the standards and expectations of its production era and its focus on the commercial segment. While its platform was shared with the Nissan Evalia, which had decent crash performance for its time, the Stile itself came with minimal safety equipment.

Standard safety equipment typically included seatbelts for all occupants and child safety locks on the rear sliding doors. Dual front airbags and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) were generally not available, or only offered on the very top-end variants, reflecting its budget positioning. When inspecting a used Stile, ensure all seatbelts are functional and not frayed. Check the condition of the brake pads and rotors, and test the brakes for any pulling or unusual noises. Given the absence of modern safety features, buyers should be aware that the Stile offers only very basic passive protection.

As a discontinued model from 2015, the used Ashok Leyland Stile primarily competes with other older, pre-owned MUVs and vans in India. Its direct rivals during its new car sales period included models like the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga (early generations), Chevrolet Enjoy, and its platform sibling, the Nissan Evalia.

On the used market, the Stile's key differentiators are its potentially very low acquisition cost and its generous interior space, offering more seating flexibility than many other vehicles in its price bracket. The fuel-efficient K9K diesel engine is another strong point. However, it faces overwhelming disadvantages due to Ashok Leyland's exit from passenger vehicles and Nissan's reduced presence, which translates to severe long-term concerns regarding spare part availability, specialized service support, and virtually non-existent resale value compared to models from active manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki. Its value proposition lies solely in providing a basic, spacious, and economical means of transport at rock-bottom prices, but only for buyers who are fully prepared for the significant ownership complexities and the certainty of the NCR vehicle ban.

The Ashok Leyland Stile, now exclusively a used car in 2025, represents a highly practical but challenging proposition in the Indian pre-owned market. It offers immense interior space, a comfortable ride, and the promise of good fuel efficiency from its K9K diesel engine. For individuals or small businesses with extremely tight budgets needing to transport many people or large cargo, the Stile might appear as an option due to its very low acquisition cost.

However, potential buyers must be acutely aware of the colossal challenges involved. Ashok Leyland's withdrawal from passenger vehicles and Nissan's reduced presence mean spare parts are extremely scarce, and finding experienced mechanics is a major hurdle, leading to potentially prohibitive maintenance costs and prolonged repair times. More critically, the NCR vehicle ban impacts its usable life: diesel cars are limited to 10 years. As the Stile's production ended in 2015, all models are now well past their 10-year permissible operating age (e.g., a 2015 model would have expired in 2025). This means the Ashok Leyland Stile is effectively banned from operation in the NCR region. For those outside NCR, prepared for significant ownership complexities and a near-zero resale value, a meticulously inspected Stile might offer basic, spacious transport, but it is a choice fraught with considerable risk.