[Suifuto]

Saw the Force Gurkha in action at Sabarimala recently. It was an Emergency Response Vehicle parked at the top (Sannidhanam). We were climbing down the tractor patch laid for tractors, and saw this vehicle with emergency lights blazing descending down the hill in full strength!!! Man, it was a sight to behold.

[shrvenkataraman]

@GTO - from a short term media drive review perspective whatever you have mentioned makes sense.

But where it doesn't make sense:

21-22 lakhs on road for a car

- with 2000-esque interiors
- very very poor aftermarket fitments for very basic things like AC, head unit, speakers, etc.
- absolutely no safety features - two airbags in this day and age where 6 airbags is standard in a cheap car like exter is literally pathetic
- braking - for a 4x4 car, braking is probably among the most important things and that almost everyone who drove the car unanimously shits on braking being low-confidence aspect is bad.
- steering is still heavy and lack of steering mounted controls is a disaster waiting to happen due to distraction
- leave out the hard plastics, for the utility of this car, it's important. But fit and finish doesn't seem to be a 21-22 lakhs worth car, let alone being worth 13-14 lakhs.
- there are many users who have bought 2024 5-door gurkha who are already complaining about gear not getting into slot, gearbox issues, and issues with leakages (few quick checks on youtube will show you all these videos).
- for the money you pay, because they are selling few units per year, the least you expect is for the meagre list of features they provide, at least they provide reliability of those features. car reverse parking camera turning on/off randomly, tpms not working properly, parking sensors not working reliably are all horrible for a car of this price.

End of day, no matter what short drives of Gurkha can bring up in terms of praise, from an ownership perspective, Gurkha is definitely going to be a nightmare for those who want a reliable, hassle free, dependable car - and if one is going to do trips like Spiti valley and other hill station trips from any city they live in, this is completely an unreliable car which you don't know what will break when.

Not just that, the road-side assistance from Force is questionable as well. You have to have social media visibility and a high level reach on media in order to be able to get your issue attended well otherwise, for a decent issue like gearbox problems (like there's a isha yoga practitioner who bought gurkha and had his new 2024 gurkha stay in force service workshop for over 50-60 days because they couldn't figure out the issue) you're essentially doomed.

Why buy this when one can pay 20-21 lakhs and get at least better than Force reliability with Mahindra Scorpio N or Thar.

Hell, Bolero Camper 4x4 has better reliability and features compared to Force Gurkha.

[PaddleShifter]

Originally Posted by shrvenkataraman

But where it doesn't make sense:
...
End of day, no matter what short drives of Gurkha can bring up in terms of praise, from an ownership perspective, Gurkha is definitely going to be a nightmare for those who want a reliable, hassle free, dependable car - and if one is going to do trips like Spiti valley and other hill station trips from any city they live in, this is completely an unreliable car which you don't know what will break when.

Not just that, the road-side assistance from Force is questionable as well. You have to have social media visibility and a high level reach on media in order to be able to get your issue attended well otherwise, for a decent issue like gearbox problems (like there's a isha yoga practitioner who bought gurkha and had his new 2024 gurkha stay in force service workshop for over 50-60 days because they couldn't figure out the issue) you're essentially doomed.

Why buy this when one can pay 20-21 lakhs and get at least better than Force reliability with Mahindra Scorpio N or Thar.

Dear Shrvenkataraman, Gurkha is not meant for everyone. There is a very small subset of buyer that craves this type of car, i.e. a higher than state transport bus driver seating, with good road presence, good design (G Wagen inspiration) with no care for the luxury and feel good features.

Force is happy catering to this subset and are managing fine with low sales as well. Its not about why buy this car, its more about Force catering to those who want to buy this type of car!

If you look at the quoted part of your post, you'd quite a few Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Himalayan owners complaining about issues in their motorcycles. But they still sell as per RE's expectations.

Just a non Gurkha owner and a non Gurkha enthusiast trying to answer why buy this car when there is a Thar Roxx, ScorpioN etc.

[Zezé]

Originally Posted by PaddleShifter

...........Gurkha is not meant for everyone. There is a very small subset of buyer that craves this type of car, ........

Force is happy catering to this subset and are managing fine with low sales as well. Its not about why buy this car, its more about Force catering to those who want to buy this type of car! .........

Exactly, the Gurkha is not meant for everyone. And Force Motors is happy to cater to this segment of buyers. In fact, Force Motors may not be able to cope with higher demand for the Gurkha without the production of the commercial vehicles being adversely affected.

What is important, though, is Force Motors catering to those who buy the Gurkha in terms of after-sales service. If the Company can leverage the vast network of service centers catering to the commercial vehicles to also service the Gurkha, especially in an emergency, it will be a win win scenario.

[shrvenkataraman]

Originally Posted by PaddleShifter

Dear Shrvenkataraman, Gurkha is not meant for everyone. There is a very small subset of buyer that craves this type of car, i.e. a higher than state transport bus driver seating, with good road presence, good design (G Wagen inspiration) with no care for the luxury and feel good features.

Force is happy catering to this subset and are managing fine with low sales as well. Its not about why buy this car, its more about Force catering to those who want to buy this type of car!

If you look at the quoted part of your post, you'd quite a few Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Himalayan owners complaining about issues in their motorcycles. But they still sell as per RE's expectations.

Just a non Gurkha owner and a non Gurkha enthusiast trying to answer why buy this car when there is a Thar Roxx, ScorpioN etc.

That's exactly.

A year ago, I was one of those potential Gurkha buyers.

I am not saying Force should provide upmarket interiors with leather upholstery, soft touch materials everywhere, and all that jazz.

What I am saying is, of all that Force indeed provides, why can't they focus on providing quality of whatever little they provide?

And glossing over safety as a factor - with only 2 airbags, almost no other safety features, and even braking hinging on the verge of being unsafe due to very inconsistent and poor braking?

On top of these, several 5-door owners who recently bought complaining about gears not getting into slot, issues with gearbox, and so on?

If despite that you're saying Gurkha is not for everyone (which is true), then you mean to say Gurkha is not even for potential Gurkha buyers, but only for those who love pain, and want to spend 5-10 days every quarter in service center which they most likely have to drive 30-40kms to get to after spending 20-25 lakhs of hard earned money, you are missing the point.

What I am saying is that Force - whatever little it provides, should make sure QC is top notch, reliability of whatever little they provide is top notch.

What's the point if you're giving people a tin can car with bench seats, after market AC, head unit, and all that if the quality of every single part is pathetic that you're at the service station every month or every 3 months and you have to do mod work in order to make the car useful.

Leave that, what's the point if within 30 days of buying you're having to give your car to Force service to fix issues with Gearbox?

It's not about whether Force is catering to customers.

It's about what they do with whatever little they offer.

They can even remove a couple of seats and few electrical parts and I'd be okay with that if they price the car right and if they provide reliable high quality build.

It's not like they don't know how to. Look at all the tempo travellers or even Urbania.

I am saying whatever features force provides in Gurkha, they should make sure those features are reliable and not some after-thought.

[PaddleShifter]

Originally Posted by shrvenkataraman

If despite that you're saying Gurkha is not for everyone (which is true), then you mean to say Gurkha is not even for potential Gurkha buyers, but only for those who love pain, and want to spend 5-10 days every quarter in service center which they most likely have to drive 30-40kms to get to after spending 20-25 lakhs of hard earned money, you are missing the point.

What I am saying is that Force - whatever little it provides, should make sure QC is top notch, reliability of whatever little they provide is top notch.

I got your point and if you look at my past post, I had purposefully left that very part in the quoted post. And the reason why I talked about Royal Enfield as well. I once read an article by a RE loyalist that defended the niggles by stating that small issues are what keeps the biker-bike relation interesting for long. Not everyone can relate to this.

There are some that would buy exactly these type of products. Fiat owners are also from this segment. I have owned two FIAT Punto and the seating ergonomics are flawed with that 'in your face' steering wheel, low compatibility with any type of aftermarket upgrade, interior fit and finish at least 2 points lower than i20/Polo etc., unscrupulous dealers fooling owners like anything and small niggles every now and then. Still the brand is worshipped by those who do not need to look beyond the driving dynamics.

So, for me, a Gurkha is also a product bought from heart by select enthusiasts, not logic.

Your point though was well understood and well taken dear friend. Despite loving the positives of Gurkha, I would never buy it for myself because of those interiors and niggling issues reported by owners (after having owned 2 FIATs, I am now wiser). I am not that type of enthusiast yet.

[nozzlering]

Originally Posted by PaddleShifter

Dear Shrvenkataraman, Gurkha is not meant for everyone. There is a very small subset of buyer that craves this type of car, i.e. a higher than state transport bus driver seating, with good road presence, good design (G Wagen inspiration) with no care for the luxury and feel good features.

Force is happy catering to this subset and are managing fine with low sales as well. Its not about why buy this car, its more about Force catering to those who want to buy this type of car!

If you look at the quoted part of your post, you'd quite a few Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Himalayan owners complaining about issues in their motorcycles. But they still sell as per RE's expectations.

Just a non Gurkha owner and a non Gurkha enthusiast trying to answer why buy this car when there is a Thar Roxx, ScorpioN etc.

A week ago, test drove and booked Force Gurkha 5 door version. 3 days ago took delivery. Today morning, I am back from a 1500 km drive. This car is not luxurious, but definitely is comfortable. No frills.
1. AC is chiller.
2. Head unit looks aftermarket. But works well. I have managed to get Android auto working on it. Sound quality is pretty good. It was bad on TD vehicle, so its a big relief for me.
3. Suspension is great. Better than expected.
4. Needless to say anything about its road presence

Minor niggles are there, like in every other car. But overall its good. Will try to make ownership review soon.

[PaddleShifter]

Originally Posted by nozzlering

3 days ago took delivery. Today morning, I am back from a 1500 km drive. This car is not luxurious, but definitely is comfortable. No frills.

Many congratulations and wishing you a very happy ownership experience. Do keep posting some amazing pics of the truck. Can you share how's the experience driving/ parking a 5 door Gurkha in Bangalore traffic?

I do wish to experience that comfortable, high seating on an everyday basis. Checked out the three door in 2022 and was highly impressed by the driver seat (couldnt drive it as showroom was sort of closed for the day by then).

As a one car garage person, the interiors are too basic for someone like me who needs a taste of everything (exteriors, interiors, features and reliability above everything else) from a single product. But if I had a three car garage, I would love to own it for all the good reasons listed by various members here.

[nozzlering]

Originally Posted by PaddleShifter

Many congratulations and wishing you a very happy ownership experience. Do keep posting some amazing pics of the truck. Can you share how's the experience driving/ parking a 5 door Gurkha in Bangalore traffic?

I do wish to experience that comfortable, high seating on an everyday basis. Checked out the three door in 2022 and was highly impressed by the driver seat (couldnt drive it as showroom was sort of closed for the day by then).

As a one car garage person, the interiors are too basic for someone like me who needs a taste of everything (exteriors, interiors, features and reliability above everything else) from a single product. But if I had a three car garage, I would love to own it for all the good reasons listed by various members here.

Thanks. I am currently working from Kochi. I drove in city traffic in Chennai and Kochi. Driving around is quite easy. But on Gurkha you also need to keep in mind the head room..
Agree interiors are too basic. But I am OK with that.
I have a Manza which my son would like to use. Its in perfect running condition. Selling a 2012 diesel manza anyways wont fetch good money. So will keep it for time being.
Will share more pics.

[Zezé]

Originally Posted by nozzlering

A week ago, test drove and booked Force Gurkha 5 door version. 3 days ago took delivery. No frills. ......
........ Will try to make ownership review soon.

Congratulations!!! Happy to know that you are enjoying the ride despite the lack of whistles and bells. Seems like Force has ramped up production to deliver within days of booking. Looking forward to an ownership review soon.

[nozzlering]

I was lucky as one car was on the way from factory to dealership. And they agreed to register that one for me. But in any case they say max 2 weeks of wait time.

I drove 1600 kms and here are few things I observed/ felt
1. Mostly drove on highways. And partly in heavy city traffic conditions. Returned 10kmpl.
2. Very good support from Force service team. They make sure dealer does the job.
3. Reverse cam malfunction. Always remains on. Rectifed.
4. Passenger side front door lock wont unlock. Was repaired. But its again giving problem. Will take to service later.
5. Both diff lock engage lights not coming ( missed to check during pdi). Rectified by service. Actually for this one I was concerned and informed Force motors. I could see all getting into action due to my complaint.

[Zezé]

Originally Posted by nozzlering

.................But in any case they say max 2 weeks of wait time.......

........ Very good support from Force service team. They make sure dealer does the job.
.........

Two weeks was what the local dealer had mentioned when I spoke with him in early August. Thought that it had been reduced even further....

Further, it is gratifying to read about the support received from the Force service team. Many potential customers of the Gurkha hesitate to buy one because of the perceived lack of after sales support.

[nozzlering]

Originally Posted by Zezé

Two weeks was what the local dealer had mentioned when I spoke with him in early August. Thought that it had been reduced even further....

Further, it is gratifying to read about the support received from the Force service team. Many potential customers of the Gurkha hesitate to buy one because of the perceived lack of after sales support.

It would be a nightmare with any car if one gets a lemon. Its all about perception created in market. Offcourse life would be even more tough if service network is sparse.

[Pradzz]

Originally Posted by nozzlering

A week ago, test drove and booked Force Gurkha 5 door version. 3 days ago took delivery.

Congratulations on being a owner of this beast. The niggles will be there regardless of the brand, especially in electronics driven era. But I am happy you have a good service center that is dedicated to resolving the issues. I wish you all the best and safe miles. And yes, please do post an ownership review