[diwakarmuthu]

Originally Posted by TusharK

Force Gurkha Xtreme launched at Rs. 12.99 lakh

I just checked Force site, details are uploaded, however information about the interiors and connectivity are not there

Also seating looks like bench seats at the rear. They could have offered front facing seats

[4x4addict]

Originally Posted by diwakarmuthu

I just checked Force site, details are uploaded, however information about the interiors and connectivity are not there

True that. None of the brochures/leaflets say anything about the interiors, so I suspect it must be same crappy earlier dashboard/center console. However, if they do update it, it will be a pleasant surprise.

Originally Posted by diwakarmuthu

Also seating looks like bench seats at the rear. They could have offered front facing seats

Not sure of the extreme, but for the current Gurkha 3-Door, you can order with front facing 3rd row. I think about 30K more since it comes with a flip over front seat as well.

[diwakarmuthu]

Its high time the marketing folks at Force Motors get some lessons on branding and product development. Internet acts as a treasure trove of information to get inspired and build a good product.

The scenario here is that you practically have one affordable player in the offroad segment and Force if they position this product appropriately, they have a good chance of being successful. Been involved with the Automotive sector for the last decade, I have never seen this lethargic approach to product launches.

[Dry Ice]

There are 3 different alloy designs on the product page, which one does it actually come with? Or are all of these optional extras and it actually comes with steel rims?

[Screwdriva]

Originally Posted by 84.monsoon

The engine (OM611) was introduced by Mercedes in 1999 and withdrawn around 2008! There have been two new generations of the engine after this - OM651 (Introduced in 2009) and OM654 (Introduced in 2017). So we are using a 20 year old engine for the Gurkha!

I hope we are not starting to become a disposal yard for global manufacturers to make some last few pennies from their old platforms and engines before declaring them dead.

The OM611, like the legendary OM616 it replaces, is a true bulletproof Mercedes engine. When it was launched, there simply wasn't a common rail powerplant like it in the global market. Keep the fuel quality decent, and the motor will remain trouble free for years with low costs for spares. I'm not sure the OM651/4 can make the same claim, while providing little upside over the 611 motor.

[4x4addict]

Originally Posted by diwakarmuthu

I have never seen this lethargic approach to product launches.

For me it is a love/hate relationship with Force Motors. You are correct about them being so lethargic. I mean how much time will it take a large company to put a proper dashboard into the Gurkha? Mahindra has been able to do the same for Thar. It has a usable dashboard/IP Cluster/Center Console.

On the other hand, I am glad that this tortoise is still in the race. Cause it is the only Indian company willing to give us a proper offroader with Solid axles with Coil Springs and two diff locks. I wouldn't give too many points to that snorkel cause the water wading depth is only about the same as your average cute Ecosport.

Originally Posted by Screwdriva

The OM611, like the legendary OM616 it replaces, is a true bulletproof Mercedes engine.

I totally agree with you mate. When it comes to diesels, the latest engines have too much emissions related sensors and electronics to meet stringent emission norms. I would rather have an older proven diesel than get the latest engine.

[lurker]

Is the snorkel removable, it is an unnecessary attention magnet for normal duties or when you do not need any unwanted attention ? It needs to be in place only during monsoons or during offroading and water fording.

[navpreet318]

So has someone seen the 140 gurkha in flesh?


I called up Chandigarh. They claim they'll get the display vehicle by 15 Jan.

Also the vehicle will have stock steel wheels and Apollo tires as stock. Non of the fancy wheels and MT tires as depicted in the pics.

[SCORPION]

Originally Posted by lurker

Is the snorkel removable, it is an unnecessary attention magnet for normal duties or when you do not need any unwanted attention ? It needs to be in place only during monsoons or during offroading and water fording.

Apparently, the wading depth is only 550mm! Makes me wonder if the snorkel is a dummy. Unless the wading depth mentioned is wrong.

[A M]

Originally Posted by navpreet318

So has someone seen the 140 gurkha in flesh?


I called up Chandigarh. They claim they'll get the display vehicle by 15 Jan.

Also the vehicle will have stock steel wheels and Apollo tires as stock. Non of the fancy wheels and MT tires as depicted in the pics.

You could see one in Paonta Sahib. My cousin saw this in the showroom yesterday and got inquisitive. But it is some customer's vehicle to be delivered soon. Not sure how long will it stay there.

[Parm]

Gurkha Expedition 4WD with 5 doors and 140BHP is what I want and it should be launched with above mentioned specifications.

5 Doors are much needed for family expedition tours of India.

[Steeroid]

Originally Posted by Parm

Gurkha Expedition 4WD with 5 doors and 140BHP is what I want and it should be launched with above mentioned specifications.

Wait until 2028. They took a decade for this one.

Force is so hopeless - they’ve had this engine and tranny with them for so long and the market has been crying for a Gurkha with a more powerful engine. Instead they went from the smooth OM616 Turbo to the crude 2.6 CR, before they ruined its plain and tough look with that toothy bra in between.

The underlying platform was always capable - Force just ruined it for themselves.

[Parm]

Originally Posted by Steeroid

Wait until 2028. They took a decade for this one.

Force is so hopeless - they’ve had this engine and tranny with them for so long and the market has been crying for a Gurkha with a more powerful engine. Instead they went from the smooth OM616 Turbo to the crude 2.6 CR, before they ruined its plain and tough look with that toothy bra in between.

The underlying platform was always capable - Force just ruined it for themselves.

Steeroid, I totally agree with you on what you said about FM. Attached photo is the proof how their R&D is aloof from the actual ground realities! The photo is from their website https://forcemotors.com/excellence

[navpreet318]

Originally Posted by A M

You could see one in Paonta Sahib. My cousin saw this in the showroom yesterday and got inquisitive. But it is some customer's vehicle to be delivered soon. Not sure how long will it stay there.

I'm surprised that they have a showroom at Paonta Sahib. Could you give an address or location of the same as it's not listed anywhere.

Also they have an Xtreme for delivery? That's another surprising part as almost non of the dealers have one to display one yet and they have one for delivery already?
I'm heading to Nahan tomorrow. Might as well give it a look. Do let me know the location.

[4x4addict]

Originally Posted by Parm

Gurkha Expedition 4WD with 5 doors and 140BHP is what I want

The 5-Door 4WD is 14 to 15 lakhs on the road depending on the state. It has a 12 meter turning radius. With the 2.2 engine, it will be nothing less that 17 lakhs on the road. At that price, I would rather buy an used Fortuner 4WD Automatic.

Originally Posted by Steeroid

Wait until 2028. They took a decade for this one.

The underlying platform was always capable - Force just ruined it for themselves.

True, I can never understand their piecemeal approach. Now they got the chassis and power train sorted. But why hold back on a decent dashboard? Why not just offer a decent vehicle with safety features as an option so someone like me who will never buy a new Gurkha without ABS can pay extra and get one.