Bada Dost i5 vs Veero Diesel: Truck Comparison

For businesses operating in India’s commercial transport sector, selecting the right light commercial vehicle (LCV) can make a significant difference in profitability and efficiency. Two prominent contenders in the market—the Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i5 and Mahindra Veero Diesel—offer strong performance, but their strengths differ depending on operational priorities.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
The Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i5 has an ex-showroom price of Rs 9.63 lakh, while the Mahindra Veero Diesel is slightly more affordable at Rs 7.82 lakh. Over a 10-year ownership period, assuming 6,00,000 km of use, the Bada Dost i5 consumes approximately 42,858 litres of fuel, amounting to Rs 37.57 lakh. Including service, insurance, and tax, the total expenditure reaches Rs 50.7 lakh, translating to Rs 8.45/km. The Veero Diesel, with higher fuel efficiency at 17 kmpl, brings total 10-year costs to Rs 40.76 lakh, or Rs 6.79/km, making it more cost-effective.

Performance and Payload
Both trucks feature 1.5-litre 3-cylinder diesel engines and 5-speed manual transmissions. The Bada Dost i5 produces 79.12 hp and 190 Nm of torque, supporting a 1,817 kg payload. Its parabolic front leaf springs and semi-elliptical rear suspension ensure durability and comfort over long hauls. The Veero Diesel delivers 80.05 hp and 210 Nm of torque, with a slightly lower payload of 1,600 kg. It comes equipped with semi-elliptical suspension, prioritising high-torque performance and ride stability.

Safety and Features
The Mahindra Veero Diesel focuses heavily on driver comfort and safety, featuring a first-in-segment driver airbag, air conditioning with heater, reverse parking camera, and steering-mounted infotainment controls. The Bada Dost i5 offers essential amenities such as music system, power steering, USB charging ports, and two drive modes, ensuring reliability for rugged operations.

Warranty and Long-Term Support
Bada Dost i5 owners benefit from a 5-year or 2-lakh km warranty, while the Veero Diesel carries a 3-year or 1-lakh km coverage, giving the Ashok Leyland truck a slight advantage in long-term peace of mind.

Verdict
The Bada Dost i5 is ideal for businesses prioritising higher payload capacity and long-distance durability, while the Veero Diesel caters to operators seeking fuel efficiency, safety, and driver comfort. Both trucks are solid choices for India’s LCV market, and potential buyers are encouraged to test drive both models to determine the best fit for their transport needs.