Fellow BHPIANS!
I write to you anticipating a battle that's brewing silently in 3 DOOR CSUV segment. Latest entrant Maruti Suzuki is going to be coming out all guns blazing with their new armory in JIMNY's avatar!
There's a storm coming Mr.Wayne!
I am certain our automotive industry is pointed in the correct direction and we enthusiasts are benefited out of the approach various manufacturers are planning their path out. Post the recent updates flooding the net on Suzuki Jimny, which looks absolutely stunning from all possible angles, I was thinking if MSIL has another success story being inscribed in their books already! No doubt, Jimny is a worthy successor of Gypsy in India in its Petrol Avatar with all the current gen bells and whistles. I'm not really sure if there's going to be a Diesel variant from Suzuki line up keeping in mind the 4x4 capable car being supported by the same old DDIS line up doesn't make any sense. However, I strongly believe MSIL can bring their new diesel mill upto speed with Jimny's 4x4 capability in the coming years.
With all this in mind, Force Gurkha 140 is prepping up to unleash to take on the competition by offering 140 HP 2.2-litre diesel engine with a new 5-speed gearbox engine and transmission sourced directly from Mercedes.
Looking at these 3 distinctively similar cars (more or less), they have a certain percentage of oomph factor in them. Albeit, Jimny and Force Gurkha have similar looks (retro style) that resembles Mercedes G-Wagon (Gurkha) in 3 door avatar, Thar is more Jeep inspired - This is IMHO!
When it comes to specifications, there's a lot of differences in the way the heart is implanted onto these legends;
Maruti Suzuki Jimny: Basic information
Expected Price: Between 6-8L Ex Showroom price
Powerplant: Expecting 1.5L Petrol - same engine debuting in Ciaz facelift in 2018 or chances they could stick to tried and tested 1.2L K-Series engine.
Transmission: 5 Speed Manual (Low range available for off-road)
Positives:- Attractive looks & pricing
- Airbags as standard which is a must these days
- After sales service which is always a '+' to MSIL customers
- Most likely there should be an automatic that should be offer when it's launched here as seen in the scoop pics of the interiors with gear knob being a conventional autobox type
Not so good:
- No Diesel variant as the competition it's heading towards has more displacement. Remember, No Replacement For Displacement

- Yet to be launched, so drivability will remain as a question at this stage.
Mahindra Thar: Basic information
Price: 6.47 - 9.25 Lakh Ex Showroom price (Cardekho)
Powerplant: 2.5L
Transmission: 5 Speed Manual
Thar has already made it's impression despite having it's own share of niggles.
TBHP has already reviewed Thar in 2015 facelift
here
Since it's already been reviewed from head to toe with all the good and not so good factors mentioned, I will keep it to the point.
Positives:- Rugged looks that draws immediate attention
- Strong 2.5L Diesel Mill with handsome torque
- 4x4 ready anytime, anywhere
Not so good:- Reliability of Thar is a bit of a concern with niggles with respect to rusting that was reported on the forum by a fellow bhpian
- Highly unstable upwards 100kmph
- No safety equipment despite Thar getting a facelift in 2015
Force Gurkha Extreme 140: Basic information
Expected Price: Upwards 9,00,000 Ex Showroom price
Powerplant: 2.2L CRDe
Transmission: 5 Speed Manual
Force Gurkha has not really garnered much of anyone's attention. However, it does have Merc's inspiration drawn to it to an extent. Not much to write about, however, while pulling up archives on the forum, I could find one of our bhpians test-drive review
here Positives:- I have heard of it's dependable off-roading ability
- Mechanical update derived from Mercedes stable may give some push on the sales numbers to an extent
Not so good:- No safety equipment I could gather information
- Surprised to see the steering, AC vents and other plastics being shared with it's bigger commercial sibling Force Traveller
So, if at all, you were in the market, what would be your preference?
To me, I am an ardent fan of SUV's - But, budget constraint will put me in the realm of these rugged off-roaders who are worthy and does make way into your preference list.
So, if I go in search of either of these 3 door beauties, then my bet is now on the new stud in town, the
JIMNY for the list of equipment list it has on offer supported by strong brand name and heart-melting looks. However, I will await for the official launch and review by our own mods.
If given a chance to opt either one of these three CSUVs, what would it be and why?
I've attached few pics of Jimny's pics sourced from web:
Note: Pics taken from Web