[Rshrey22]

What happened to the 2.2 engine, why is the old 2.6 dinosaur being reintroduced?

[landcruiser123]

This is vehicle is targeted more towards rural buyers and farm/estate owners who may not buy that Thar due to the high price. But calling it next gen with all the associated marketing is making a mockery of the customer.

Let's call a spade a spade. People who're buying a Force are probably not looking for anything more than cheap 4x4 transportation with simple mechanicals.

[darkLightning]

Originally Posted by Rshrey22

What happened to the 2.2 engine, why is the old 2.6 dinosaur being reintroduced?

Did some digging around on this weird step by Force Motors and in my opinion this is what is happening.

The 2.2 FMTech CRDi engine seen on Gurkha Xtreme was a derivative of Mercedes Benz OM611 Engine (production stopped in 2011) Mercedes got their OM654 2.0-litre Diesel Engine now.

Now this 2.2 engine was used by Force only on Gurkha and Force One
The 2.6 Dinosaur powers majority of other commercial products from Force Motors (Trax and Traveller series).

The 2.2 Engine is what would have made Gurkha definitely a contender but it seems that Force is not able to sell that Engine to any other company now and it will mean all it's cost needs to be recovered from Gurkha only. Seems Force themselves have accepted that Gurkha's sales won't recover the money invested in 2.2's BS6 upgrade.

Whereas upgrading the 2.6 will mean they can have single engine on all products and invest there time and resource on hopefully some new Engine development.

All in all it looks like Force is only targeting to keep the Gurkha nameplate alive with the BS6 version hoping to prepare a more complete product next time.

[swami69]

I do not follow Gurkha much, but, i still feel the exterior designs and the glass windows of the earlier Gurkha was much nicer than this one showcased. This is OK to an extent, but the dashboard seems like put together using Flat Cardboard boxes. If they really want to compete, they should put in more efforts !

Swami

[speedmiester]

Not sure how much it will help, but a good move nevertheless.

Force Motors ropes in DY works to design brand and experience for Gurkha

[stormdRider]

Originally Posted by GTO

Force Motors wants some of that enormous "buzz" created by the Thar:

Thanks to Mahindra for raising the benchmark.

[CARDEEP]

I have seen the outgoing Gurkha (2-Door + Hardtop) on road in Delhi. It looked larger & had better exteriors than Thar IMO. However, interiors are a different story. The owner/ driver looked too polished for riding it to office (yes he was in formals & looked a pleasing gent to me).

IMO the company should work on interiors, with the exteriors sorted with 2020 Gurkha. They should also look at optional 4x4 in 5- Door version. If possible they should also provide similar accessories as the 2-Door version.

I feel that many buyers shy away from 4x4s ladder frame UVs as they feel these are not for family & only for adventure seeking men. But the 4-Wheel drive hardware will definitely broaden the market & help shed the commercial vehicle tag to many similar vehicles I feel.

[4x4addict]

Originally Posted by darkLightning

Now this 2.2 engine was used by Force only on Gurkha and Force One
The 2.6 Dinosaur powers majority of other commercial products from Force Motors (Trax and Traveller series).

What you are saying makes a lot of sense. I just checked their updated website and the 2.2 CR is not there in any of their vehicles now. Earlier it used to be in the premium vans. But now, all of them running the 2.6 CR.

I mean this is okay, but even the 2.6 CR in the BS6 guise comes in two states of tune. 90 bhp for utility range and 115 bhp for the larger vehicles.

Given that Gurkha is life style vehicle, they should have given it the higher state of tune. Anyways, the don't want to sell anything. They just want to create hype and get fan boys who have never driven it or seen one on real life to jump up and down with excitement and do arm chair praise of the Gurkha.

Engine: FM2.6CR ED
Emission: BS-VI
Type: 4 Cylinder, Compression Ignition, DI TCIC
Displacement: 2596 cc
Max Output: 85kW (115hp) @ 2950 rpm
Max Torque: 350Nm @ 1400-2200 rpm

This would have been a respectable spec to give in the new Gurkha.

Originally Posted by darkLightning

All in all it looks like Force is only targeting to keep the Gurkha nameplate alive with the BS6 version hoping to prepare a more complete product next time.

Frankly with the new Thar out, there is no point in any of us wasting time discussing this product or this company. Just get the 2020 Thar and enjoy it.

[Venkatesh]

Force Gurkha base variant spotted on test



Source : MotorBeam

[Slushmaster]

Just one question for 'Force Motors'- Why they want to launch it without putting their heart in the product. Why?

The base model of the Gurkha on test looks like a Tata Spacio and I think in 2002 it used to produce 90BHP and looked more sorted.

Here is an Image of Tata Spacio picked from the web and it not only looks like, but more balanced than Gurkha in terms of proportions.



So, Force Motors wants to launch a vehicle that is going to be a sales dud from the time its brochures are getting printed. They are going to offer a vehicle with interiors from 1980s, underpowered engine from 1980s, limited dealer network, zero test drive vehicle and still want to call it a lifestyle vehicle. I think they need a lot more than front & rear locking differentials and Snorkel to make it a sellable vehicle.

[CEF_Beasts]

Force Gurkha also wants the Thar’s pie so here’s one spotted in bright red!

[TusharK]

Scoop! Force Gurkha spotted with emission testing equipment

A test mule of what appears to be the next-gen Force Gurkha has been spotted testing in Pune. The Mercedes G-Class-inspired SUV is scheduled to be launched in the 2nd half of 2020.



From the outside, the SUV bears resemblance to the model showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. The test mule appears to be a lower variant due to its steel rims, standard halogen headlamps and openable side rear windows. The car appears to be laden with test equipment which could be for the BS6 emission norms.



The car at the Auto Expo had 2 captain seats in the 2nd row and side facing jump seats in the back. It was equipped with LED headlamps, fender mounted marker / indicator combination light and a snorkel intake.



The new Gurkha will be powered by a BS6-compliant 2.6-litre diesel engine producing 89 BHP. The engine will be mated to a 5-speed transmission and an all-wheel drive system. The SUV comes equipped with an independent front suspension and a rigid axle at the rear.



Last month, the company launched the BS6 Trax Cruiser & Toofan which could suggest that the Gurkha's launch might be around the corner. The Force Gurkha will compete with the recently launched Mahindra Thar.

Thanks to Niladri Haldar for sending these images in. Heartfelt gratitude for sharing them with other enthusiasts via this Team-BHP page!

[highwaypatrol]

A 1980's vehicle without any character of its own! How on earth some one can plonk in their hard earned money on a vehicle like this where dealer network is non-existent, absolutely third class interior quality, depressing exterior designs to match with other new gen cars / Jeeps, a discontinued Merc engine, etc.

Note from Support: Post fixed. Please run a spell-check before posting.

[amol4184]

I much preferred old model’s two quarter windows on the rear door flanking main glass panel just like classic Defender. This new combined piece has lost the charm. Why change something that’s not broke?

Originally Posted by landcruiser123

This is vehicle is targeted more towards rural buyers and farm/estate owners who may not buy that Thar due to the high price.

Gurkha that’s on sale is actually more expensive than pre 2020 Thar. New Thar’s AT models have just nudged past it.

[abnormalspirit]

The current design is the best, rugged G wagon look is more matching for Gurkha. The new BS6 design seems to be a big disappointment look more like tata sumo.