Force Motors SUV to be launched. EDIT: Launched @ 11lac Ex-showroom Mumbai

jaysmokesleaves · 28th November 2010, 18:53

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH THEM.
This is a hopeless goofup of a design.
The sides of the Endeavour, front unmistakably lifted off some Korean RODENT, and the rear end somewhat like the Ford explorer.
Utterly sad design. The interiors look too good to be true for a Force motors product.

shankar.balan · 28th November 2010, 19:04

I dont think Force Motors has the necessary finesse nor expertise in making a "Premium" SUV - the Word PREMIUM has been used far too loosely in this country in any case - making it a bit of a mockery.

Looks like this might just end up somewhat like the Premier RIO unless these chaps pull up their socks at high speed.

We all know that the Premier RIO at 7.35 lacs on road is completely way off the target - I dont think anyone who knows anything about vehicles and todays advances in engine technology, ergonomics, style and comfort would even consider it. At that kind of price one is better off buying a quality hatchback or a mid size sedan rather than that Chinese cheapster the RIO.

And reading about the new Force SUV in the car magazines as well as other news items and on TBHP, I understand the investment they are making to be in the region of Rs 150-200 Crores. I dont think frankly that they can achieve much in this kind of investment - given that other "serious" manufacturers like the Tatas and Mahindras tend to invest far far more in their R&D especially when they are trying to create genuine value for the end-consumer.

Im sorry but this Force Motors 'Premium' SUV leaves me quite cold. Even with the much touted Gurkha, I dont think they have even a clue about refinement and other things - while it might be a super mud plugger everything else about it is super-crude - it might as well have been built in the 1980's to take on the Gypsy and the old Mahindra jeeps instead of being sprung on the public twenty or twenty five years later!

However, I shall be fair and generous and give them the benefit of the doubt as of now.

AWD · 28th November 2010, 19:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaysmokesleaves

This is a hopeless goofup of a design,Utterly sad design.

Does it really matter! At the end of the day, if the product is frugal, practical,reliable(Safari sells without this factor) & VFM, it would sell. Even if its a box on wheels! Scorpio, Safari, the erstwhile Qualis, etc. are no beauty pageant winners either but sell due to other factors.

4x4addict · 28th November 2010, 20:50

One distinct advantage these of Chinese vehicles over a Safari or Scorpio is that in the event of a head on collission, you can actually pack the crushed tin can vehicle in the back of a Tata Ace or Box Auto. This makes removing accident vehicles easier.

harishpr · 28th November 2010, 23:50

+1 to AWD and Burningheart
I can't help but laugh when most of us prefer to write-off or hype a product just by looking at bunch of pictures.
Infact I would encourage more such player to be in this market which is currently ruled by some senseless manufacturers.
Our market is filled with variants and more variants. What sets each variant apart is one or two extra features. GRRR...
We have 2 dozen hatches and a dozen sedans to choose from at <12 Lacs mark.
But what does an Indian customer get to choose when it comes to SUV ? Either Safari or scorpio.
Every other SUV is out of reach for 95% of the buyers.
We need more SUVs in this market. Scorpios or safaris aren't engineering marvels; so why worry about force.
If Force can take care of reliability, habdling, price, dealer network with acceptable level of quality, they surely have winner in their hand.

the VTEC guy · 29th November 2010, 09:52

saw 2 test mules today on my way to office. This vehilce is large. Even on larger side than the safari atleast thats my initial impression. Strength of Force motors is building cheap people movers with technology from few generation old Daimlers. Tempo traveller is there best product.
I think they will be targeting the likes of Tavera, Sumo Grande, Xylo, etc. with this product. The typical Tourist Taxi. If Force is able to price it along these products they will have a chance.

ACM · 29th November 2010, 11:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4addict

One distinct advantage these of Chinese vehicles over a Safari or Scorpio is that in the event of a head on collission, you can actually pack the crushed tin can vehicle in the back of a Tata Ace or Box Auto. This makes removing accident vehicles easier.

That is the max number of smilies permitted on TBHP in a post, else would have filled the entire post with them.

On a serious note the Exteriors look decent, the interiors are a bit last gen - especially the center console.

I think this is more a Xylo competitor than a Safari or Scorpio killer especially if it's just going to be 4X2.

With the new vehicles from TATA and M&M on the way, Force needs to price this 8.5L OTR for the top model at the max, and then it is game on in that segment.

alen · 29th November 2010, 12:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACM

With the new vehicles from TATA and M&M on the way, Force needs to price this 8.5L OTR for the top model at the max, and then it is game on in that segment.

When it comes to Force it is more than just pricing that will be important. Having worked for the company I had the chance to see the vehicle without the covers. Wasn't too impressed with the interiors and leg space. Also till few months back it was being speculated that the vehicle might be priced in the 10-12 lacs bracket

Also Force has huge problems with delivery and *** which they'll need to put more focus on.

swathyd · 29th November 2010, 12:20

They could have brought some thing from the old mercedes stable than this chinese . Though old it would be a better engineered one and safer than this chinese clone .

alen · 29th November 2010, 12:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by swathyd

They could have brought some thing from the old mercedes stable than this chinese . Though old it would be a better engineered one and safer than this chinese clone .

OT: Even though this is off-topic i thought i would share this news with you guys.

There are talks of replacing the current Traveller model with the current T1 model being used outside. But this will take atleast 2 years.

manishalive · 29th November 2010, 14:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by alen

OT: Even though this is off-topic i thought i would share this news with you guys.

There are talks of replacing the current Traveller model with the current T1 model being used outside. But this will take atleast 2 years.

Asthetically I do not see any difference betwwen a T1 and the Tempo Traveller. The current Force Traveller is an indeginous design excersise.

arin_12 · 29th November 2010, 15:05

Yak !!! Another Chinese toy in Indian market. Force motor could have tie up with some other Italian/French... company to Introduce a car. It seems they are only looking for Cheap product.

AWD · 29th November 2010, 18:46

If reports are to be believed, the SUV shall be having a 220hp engine under its hood.

Link: Autocar India Forum: Lotus to help in Force's new SUV

4x4addict · 30th November 2010, 23:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by AWD

If reports are to be believed, the SUV shall be having a 220hp engine under its hood.

Link: Autocar India Forum: Lotus to help in Force's new SUV

They are planning on using the older (first generation) 2.2 liter CRDe engine from mercedes. It never produced 220 bhp in any mercedes car so why do you think Force motors will generate 220 bhp in a chinese tin can. Let's be a bit realistic here.....

subhashnm · 8th December 2010, 10:15

There was an job advertisement in TOI's Ascent today by Force Motors. In the ad, the headlight of an SUV is shown. When I compare the scoop pics on Page 2 of this thread with the headlight pic shown in the ad, they don't quite match up.

The advertisement attached below. Which could this vehicle be?

28th November 2010, 18:53	#136
jaysmokesleaves Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mostly Mumbai Posts: 1,702 Thanked: 1,452 Times	MAY THE FORCE BE WITH THEM. This is a hopeless goofup of a design. The sides of the Endeavour, front unmistakably lifted off some Korean RODENT, and the rear end somewhat like the Ford explorer. Utterly sad design. The interiors look too good to be true for a Force motors product. Last edited by jaysmokesleaves : 28th November 2010 at 18:55.
	() Thanks

28th November 2010, 19:04	#137
shankar.balan BANNED Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 11,368 Thanked: 23,150 Times View My Garage Infractions: 0/2 (8)	I dont think Force Motors has the necessary finesse nor expertise in making a "Premium" SUV - the Word PREMIUM has been used far too loosely in this country in any case - making it a bit of a mockery. Looks like this might just end up somewhat like the Premier RIO unless these chaps pull up their socks at high speed. We all know that the Premier RIO at 7.35 lacs on road is completely way off the target - I dont think anyone who knows anything about vehicles and todays advances in engine technology, ergonomics, style and comfort would even consider it. At that kind of price one is better off buying a quality hatchback or a mid size sedan rather than that Chinese cheapster the RIO. And reading about the new Force SUV in the car magazines as well as other news items and on TBHP, I understand the investment they are making to be in the region of Rs 150-200 Crores. I dont think frankly that they can achieve much in this kind of investment - given that other "serious" manufacturers like the Tatas and Mahindras tend to invest far far more in their R&D especially when they are trying to create genuine value for the end-consumer. Im sorry but this Force Motors 'Premium' SUV leaves me quite cold. Even with the much touted Gurkha, I dont think they have even a clue about refinement and other things - while it might be a super mud plugger everything else about it is super-crude - it might as well have been built in the 1980's to take on the Gypsy and the old Mahindra jeeps instead of being sprung on the public twenty or twenty five years later! However, I shall be fair and generous and give them the benefit of the doubt as of now.
	() Thanks

28th November 2010, 20:50	#139
4x4addict Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 4,483 Thanked: 4,531 Times View My Garage Infractions: 0/1 (5)	One distinct advantage these of Chinese vehicles over a Safari or Scorpio is that in the event of a head on collission, you can actually pack the crushed tin can vehicle in the back of a Tata Ace or Box Auto. This makes removing accident vehicles easier.
	() Thanks

28th November 2010, 23:50	#140
harishpr BHPian Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Bangalore Posts: 517 Thanked: 468 Times	+1 to AWD and Burningheart I can't help but laugh when most of us prefer to write-off or hype a product just by looking at bunch of pictures. Infact I would encourage more such player to be in this market which is currently ruled by some senseless manufacturers. Our market is filled with variants and more variants. What sets each variant apart is one or two extra features. GRRR... We have 2 dozen hatches and a dozen sedans to choose from at <12 Lacs mark. But what does an Indian customer get to choose when it comes to SUV ? Either Safari or scorpio. Every other SUV is out of reach for 95% of the buyers. We need more SUVs in this market. Scorpios or safaris aren't engineering marvels; so why worry about force. If Force can take care of reliability, habdling, price, dealer network with acceptable level of quality, they surely have winner in their hand.
	() Thanks

29th November 2010, 09:52	#141
the VTEC guy BHPian Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pune Posts: 564 Thanked: 140 Times View My Garage	saw 2 test mules today on my way to office. This vehilce is large. Even on larger side than the safari atleast thats my initial impression. Strength of Force motors is building cheap people movers with technology from few generation old Daimlers. Tempo traveller is there best product. I think they will be targeting the likes of Tavera, Sumo Grande, Xylo, etc. with this product. The typical Tourist Taxi. If Force is able to price it along these products they will have a chance.
	() Thanks

29th November 2010, 12:20	#144
swathyd BHPian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: thiruvananthapuram Posts: 774 Thanked: 25 Times	They could have brought some thing from the old mercedes stable than this chinese . Though old it would be a better engineered one and safer than this chinese clone .
	() Thanks

29th November 2010, 15:05	#147
arin_12 BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 627 Thanked: 84 Times View My Garage	Yak !!! Another Chinese toy in Indian market. Force motor could have tie up with some other Italian/French... company to Introduce a car. It seems they are only looking for Cheap product.
	() Thanks

29th November 2010, 18:46	#148
AWD BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Drivers seat Posts: 846 Thanked: 368 Times	If reports are to be believed, the SUV shall be having a 220hp engine under its hood. Link: Autocar India Forum: Lotus to help in Force's new SUV
	() Thanks

8th December 2010, 10:15	#150
subhashnm BHPian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 101 Thanked: 3 Times	re: Force Motors SUV to be launched in end-2010. EDIT : Spotted again. Pics on pg.15 There was an job advertisement in TOI's Ascent today by Force Motors. In the ad, the headlight of an SUV is shown. When I compare the scoop pics on Page 2 of this thread with the headlight pic shown in the ad, they don't quite match up. The advertisement attached below. Which could this vehicle be?
	() Thanks