Alright, folks, fasten your seatbelts, because we’re about to take a wild ride through the ups, downs, and surprisingly cozy nooks of the Ashok Leyland Bada Dost—the pickup truck that’s more like a pickup pal. Yes, this is the vehicle that promises to be your best buddy on the road, and judging by its specs, it’s the kind of buddy who shows up at your doorstep with a truckload of confidence and a can-do attitude.
The Ashok Leyland Bada Dost was first launched in 2020, and the model you see here is the latest 2024 generation variant. It comes in both diesel and CNG options, with prices starting from ₹9 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base model, while the top-end variant is priced at ₹11 lakh. The specific model featured here is the i4 LX, equipped with Lean NOx Trap (LNT) technology.
Ashok Leyland provides a 2-year/1 lakh km warranty on the Bada Dost, which can be extended up to 5 years/2 lakh km for added peace of mind. The Bada Dost is assembled in Hosur, Karnataka, ensuring high-quality manufacturing standards.
This vehicle is incredibly versatile and is designed to meet various needs, making it ideal for container transport, reefer body applications, delivery services, material supply, logistics, open body tipper operations, poultry vans, hoarding, two-wheeler door delivery, fuel bowsers, service-at-site vehicles, and even garbage collection. Additionally, it comes with a provision for Power Take-Off (PTO), further enhancing its utility for various tasks.
First Impressions: Size Matters
Let’s start with the obvious: the Bada Dost is called “Bada” for a reason. This isn’t your regular neighborhood pickup truck; it’s a 5-meter-long beast with a 2.6-meter wheelbase that commands attention wherever it goes. But don’t let that intimidate you. It’s like that oversized teddy bear you win at a carnival—huge, but with a face that says, “Hug me.”
At 1.8 meters wide and 2 meters tall, it’s clear that Ashok Leyland wasn’t playing around when they designed this truck. They probably asked themselves, “How big can we make this thing without needing a special license to drive it?” And they nailed it.
A Design to Match Your Swagger
The Bada Dost isn’t just big; it’s got style. The “ultra blue” color option, along with grey, white, and cream, gives you enough variety to match your truck with your mood or your outfit. It’s built on a modern, proven platform, but let’s be honest—you’re not buying this truck to impress the design critics at Auto Expo. You’re buying it because it’s rugged, reliable, and can carry more stuff than your neighbor’s garage sale.
The Ashok Leyland Bada Dost is equipped with 15-inch steel wheels, featuring disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear, complemented by hydraulic vacuum-assisted brakes for reliable stopping power. It comes fitted with 7.00 R15 LT 114/109Q Apollo EnduMaxx LT tube-type tyres, ensuring durability and grip on various surfaces. The vehicle’s chassis has a robust 5 mm thickness, adding to its structural strength.
For suspension, the Bada Dost offers a front setup with 3-leaf overslung parabolic suspension, while the rear is equipped with overslung semi-elliptic 3+3 leaves in a two-stage suspension system. This makes the vehicle highly suitable for both inter-city and intra-city applications, providing a balance of comfort and load-bearing capability. Additionally, the Bada Dost is designed without the need for AdBlue, simplifying maintenance and operation.
Under the Hood: Power Meets Practicality
Under the hood, the Bada Dost is packing a 1478 cc, inline-3 cylinder, turbocharged, and intercooled diesel engine that churns out 80 horsepower and 190 Nm of torque. Sure, 80 horses might not sound like much when compared to the muscle cars out there, but remember, this is a truck, not a drag racer. It’s designed to haul, tow, and endure, not win pink slips at the street races.
And the best part? With a top speed of 80 kmph, you’ll never have to worry about breaking any speed limits. The Bada Dost is basically saying, “Relax, we’ll get there, and we’ll get there with everything intact.”
Fuel Economy: Friends Don’t Let Friends Go Broke
Now, let’s talk about savings. In a world where fuel prices are as unpredictable as the weather, the Bada Dost comes to the rescue with a respectable mileage of 15 kmpl under load and 18 kmpl when it’s just cruising. That 50-litre fuel tank is like your wallet’s best friend—it stretches those litres like a yoga instructor in a hot room.
And don’t even get me started on the i-Gen6 technology, which is all about maximizing your profits. Lean NOx Traps (LNT) technology ensures you’re not contributing to the local pollution levels—because who wants to be known as the guy driving the smog machine?
The Cabin: Comfort Meets Cargo
Step inside, and the Bada Dost greets you with a walkthrough cabin that’s spacious enough to host a small gathering. The three-seater setup is ARAI certified, meaning you and your two co-pilots are in for a comfortable ride. And those foldable sleeping seats? Perfect for those times when the road is long, the traffic is jammed, and you need to catch a quick nap without checking into a hotel.
The vinyl upholstery might not scream luxury, but it’s easy to clean. Spill some chai? No problem. Muddy boots? Wipe it down. This truck’s interior is designed for real life, not Instagram posts.
The Ashok Leyland Bada Dost features a dashboard-mounted 5-speed manual transmission, designed for easy and convenient gear shifting. It comes with a music system that supports AUX, USB, FM, SD card, and radio, ensuring a variety of entertainment options for drivers. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with power steering, which enhances maneuverability and provides a smoother driving experience.
Drive Experience: Turning Radius, What Turning Radius?
One of the Bada Dost’s highlights is its 11-meter turning radius. Now, you might be thinking, “That’s a lot!” But in the world of trucks, it’s as nimble as a ballet dancer. Whether you’re navigating narrow city streets or making sharp turns in a crowded parking lot, the Bada Dost is more agile than it looks.
With a ground clearance of 206 mm, you can take this bad boy over speed bumps, potholes, and rough terrain without a second thought. The 240 mm single diaphragm push type cable operated clutch ensures smooth gear shifts, and the hydraulic vacuum-assisted brakes (disc at the front, drum at the rear) bring this behemoth to a halt with ease.
Payload Capacity: Because Friends Help You Move
When it comes to carrying capacity, the Bada Dost is the friend who always has your back. With a payload capacity of 1850 kg and a 5.16 sq.m. loading area, this truck can haul everything from construction materials to a mountain of watermelons. It’s designed for those who need to move serious loads without breaking a sweat. Plus, with the box body and chassis options, you can customize it to suit your specific needs—whether it’s for logistics, delivery, or even a mobile workshop.
Conclusion: The Buddy You’ve Been Waiting For
In the end, the Ashok Leyland Bada Dost is more than just a pickup truck—it’s your reliable, hardworking, and slightly oversized buddy on wheels. It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s the truck that shows up when you need it most, does the job without complaint, and sticks around long after the work is done.
So, if you’re in the market for a truck that’s as dependable as it is durable, the Bada Dost is ready to be your new best friend. Just don’t forget to take it for a spin and let it show you what it’s made of—because this big buddy has a lot to offer.
