The growing utility vehicle segment of Indian car market has lead to a series of new launches by auto makers. Ashok Leyland, one of India's most successful commercial vehicle manufacturers, is following suit and planning to launch a MPV. According to reports, Ashok Leyland will be introducing Nissan-Evalia based MPV, called the Stile, on the 16th July 2013. The Stile was earlier displayed at the 2012 Auto Expo held in Delhi. Following the unveiling, it was quite apparent that the vehicle would be launched by the end of 2012. However, due to some reasons - unknown, the launch was delayed. According to certain rumours, it is quite a possibility that the Ashok Leyland Stile might be introduced in the Indian car market during the festive season, which is considered to be the best time period to launch a vehicle.
It is expected that the Stile will come in two engine variants, namely diesel and CNG/petrol. Although, the specifications of the CNG model are not known yet, the diesel variant is expected to be powered by Renault's turbocharged K9K 1.5-litre engine, which is known for its performance and efficiency. The K9K engine, also fitted in Nissan Evalia, is capable of generating an output of 85 bhp along with a torque of up to 200 Nm. This engine will be complemented with a five-speed manual transmission gearbox.
Spotted several times during testing and trial runs, the Stile has a far more basic front as compared to Nissan Evalia, which looks elegant with its traditional grille. Featuring smaller headlamps and air dam than the Evalia, Stile has interiors that are similar to its sibling. Also, there is a probability that the manufacturer might provide captain seats in the middle row.
The exteriors of the Stile are quite similar to that of the Evalia, with slight changes to the fascia. Stile would have the brand logo on the bonnet instead of the grille as in Evalia. Besides, the bumper has been modified a bit and the logo has been changed at the rear. Besides, the Stile is expected to be priced lower than Nissan Evalia and would compete with Tata Winger and to a certain level, with Chevrolet Tavera.
