New Delhi: The automotive landscape in India is set to be redefined with the launch of the much-anticipated Force Gurkha. The rugged off-roader has been introduced with a starting price of ₹18 lakh (ex-showroom) for the new 5-door variant, while the refreshed 3-door model is priced at ₹16.75 lakh (ex-showroom).
Prospective buyers can now place their bookings for either version of the Gurkha with a nominal deposit of ₹25,000. Force Motors is committed to commencing deliveries within the week, with test drives and customer handovers slated to begin by mid-May.
Design Evolution: The 2024 Force Gurkha
The 2024 Force Gurkha has undergone a comprehensive design overhaul. The exterior now features a modernized single-slat grille adorned with bold ‘Gurkha’ branding, complemented by circular LED headlamps that incorporate integrated LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and fog lamps with a cornering function. Enhancing its adventurous appeal are the 18-inch alloy wheels, a functional roof rack complete with an integrated ladder, a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, and a practical tow hook.
Cabin Features: A Leap Forward
Inside, the Gurkha’s cabin welcomes occupants with a host of contemporary upgrades. The dashboard showcases a sleek 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Drivers will appreciate the digital instrument cluster, power-adjustable ORVMs, and the convenience of a tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel. Safety and comfort are further bolstered by the inclusion of a rear camera and a tyre pressure monitoring system, among other features.
Powertrain: A Heart of Strength
At the core of the Gurkha’s capability is a robust 2.6-litre diesel engine sourced from Mercedes, which has been fine-tuned to unleash 140 bhp and 320 Nm of torque. This marks a significant enhancement over the previous output of 91 bhp, and notably, it eclipses the Thar’s 132 bhp, 2.2-litre diesel engine.
The Off-Road Rivalry Intensifies
The Gurkha’s primary adversary in the realm of off-road supremacy is the Mahindra Thar, which is currently offered only as a 3-door model. While the Thar presents a variety of options including a petrol engine, 2WD, and an automatic transmission, the Gurkha remains steadfast with its diesel-manual configuration and 4WD capability.
In terms of pricing, the Gurkha 3-door is positioned ₹1.75 lakh higher than the Thar AX Optional 4WD, Mahindra’s base diesel 4WD model. The Gurkha 5-door, on the other hand, awaits a direct rival, which is expected to be the forthcoming Thar 5-door, tentatively named the Thar Armada.
