VS
At a Glance
Power
44 kW
46 kW
Torque
158 Nm
195 Nm
Fuel
6.2 l/100km
7.0 l/100km
Engine
1478 cc
2523 cc
Choosing between the Ashok Leyland Dost and the Mahindra Bolero is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Ashok Leyland Dost delivers 44 kW while the Mahindra Bolero produces 46 kW. On fuel, the Dost returns 6.2 l/100km while the Bolero uses 7.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R179 900 for the Dost and R215 999 for the Bolero. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
44 kW
46 kW
Torque
158 Nm
195 Nm
Top Speed
100 Km/h
115 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1478 cc
2523 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
manual
manual
Number of Gears
5
5
Drive Wheels
rear
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.2 l/100km
7.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
40 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
—
186 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4515 mm
4925 mm
Width
1620 mm
1700 mm
Height
1850 mm
1825 mm
Wheelbase
2350 mm
3150 mm
Ground Clearance
177 mm
170 mm
Kerb Weight
1275 Kg
1471 Kg
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
2
Load Volume
—
1130 l
Towing & Payload
Load Capacity
1250 l
1150 l
Safety
Euro NCAP Rating
—
n/a
Airbag Count
—
—
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3
Warranty Distance
150000 Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
—
Optional
Service Plan Years
—
opt 3
Service Plan Distance
—
opt 60000
Service Intervals
15000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Ashok Leyland Dost
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Bolero
Fuel Economy
Dost
Value
Dost
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Ashok Leyland Dost
Better fuel economy (6.2 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R179 900)
Less power than rival (44 kW vs 46 kW)
Mahindra Bolero
More powerful engine (46 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (7.0 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Dost or Bolero?
The Dost uses 6.2 l/100km and the Bolero uses 7.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Dost is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Dost or Bolero?
The Dost produces 44 kW and 158 Nm of torque while the Bolero delivers 46 kW and 195 Nm of torque. The Bolero is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Dost and Bolero?
The Dost starts from R179 900 and the Bolero from R215 999. The Dost is cheaper by R36 099 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Dost or the Bolero?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.