[Gendiesel]

Originally Posted by dhrubojyoti

I just wanted to share my experience with 5 door Gurkha in high altitude. We recently have visited high passes of Arunachal Pradesh 13K feet, 15K feet and it performed flawlessly. We had spent a good amount of time in Bum-la and engine was totally cold when we restarted the car. It started in a single crank and the engine sound felt like cranking a big earthmover. It was fascinating! I am a 100% AC on with all windows up person as I love to see my car's interior always super clean. But now I can't resist the urge of driving it with driver side window down just to experience the snorkel sound, especially in uphills! The temperature was never unpleasant, so can't tell about the performance in sub-zero temperature, but only if the high altitude and thin air pressure is concerned, it passed with flying colours. It felt like home.

Congratulate and thank you for posting first such high altitude experience with Gurkha.

Keen to ask your experience in these circumstances:

1. I understand you wrote "no sub-zero temp", however, what was the lowest night temperature of all such places you've been to where Gurkha was left outside for overnight during your stay?

2. How many kilometers did you drive on these high terrains and for how long?

3. What is your current odo reading?

4. Any experience of "DPF" warnings as of now, you want to share.

5. Fuel mileage on plain and hills, if you observed.


Keep us posted for your future expeditions. It's like living Gurkha through your journeys !

[dhrubojyoti]

Originally Posted by Gendiesel

Congratulate and thank you for posting first such high altitude experience with Gurkha.

Keen to ask your experience in these circumstances:

1. I understand you wrote "no sub-zero temp", however, what was the lowest night temperature of all such places you've been to where Gurkha was left outside for overnight during your stay?

2. How many kilometers did you drive on these high terrains and for how long?

3. What is your current odo reading?

4. Any experience of "DPF" warnings as of now, you want to share.

5. Fuel mileage on plain and hills, if you observed.


Keep us posted for your future expeditions. It's like living Gurkha through your journeys !

Thank you sir!

Gurkha was parked overnight at around 10K feet height for a couple of days where the maximum temperature drop was 4-5 degrees with windchill in monsoon. Car behaviour was absolutely normal like in plane land.

I drove above 10K feet height (max height being 15200 feet) the entire day (11 hours). The leisure drive could cover around 200km and everything seemed normal. I don't think that only high altitude could be an issue for Gurkha as tourists' tempo travellers with same engine are very common vehicles there. I need to wait till December for sub-zero temperature to find if there is any abnormalities.

My current odo reading around 5500 km.

No DPF warning so far. Once the ABS warning light came in for a while and also went off of its own. I did some small river crossing, extreme slush crossing en route. All the time it felt like on a tarmac, maybe because of its sheer volume and weight or its capabilities. At high altitudes, the low pressure warning showed in TMPS (28-29) for all 4 tyres. It again gradually increased and settled to 35 when I reached the plane land of Assam.

1100km highway drive gave me 10.5 kmpl while reaching Arunachal border. 450 km uphill drive yielded 8kmpl, same downhill drive yielded 9kmpl, The return journey on highway gave me slightly above 11 kmpl. May be I am learning late.

[Freespirit27]

That photo of I presume, your daughter atop the 'truck' and her stance takes the cake!
Sad that there aren't a few of the Gurkha tackling the slush and crossings. Next time maybe These are some real capable no nonsense vehicles and their fuss free capabilities need to be brought up in such forums.

[dhrubojyoti]

Originally Posted by Freespirit27

That photo of I presume, your daughter atop the 'truck' and her stance takes the cake!
Sad that there aren't a few of the Gurkha tackling the slush and crossings. Next time maybe These are some real capable no nonsense vehicles and their fuss free capabilities need to be brought up in such forums.

I could locate a couple of other Gurkhas there in hills, both were 2017 Gurkha Xtreme model. One belongs to the Indian Army, within the army convoy and it was easily matching with the stance of those mammoth army trucks, the other one had the commercial number. Both were prestinely maintained and it was a treat to eyes..

[Pradzz]

Originally Posted by dhrubojyoti

Hello everyone! Please take my regards. This is going to be my first post in this prestigious forum after being a regular silent reader for decades.

Congratulations on your Gurkha. It's nice to see people share experience with their 2024 model. Pics look lovely and frankly, I am a bit jealous. Haha. I hope you have a superb trip. Hoping to see you write your own ownership/travel thread soon

[dhrubojyoti]

Originally Posted by Pradzz

Congratulations on your Gurkha. It's nice to see people share experience with their 2024 model. Pics look lovely and frankly, I am a bit jealous. Haha. I hope you have a superb trip. Hoping to see you write your own ownership/travel thread soon

Thank you sir. This forum is packed with so many great knowledgeable souls in various disciplines, that I get a chance to enrich myself everyday! I really can't thank everybody enough!

For now, I can explain our buying decision and do a quick comparison with my beloved Aria (4X2) which has been our companion for long and still is, and has taken us to many remote, scenic corners of India, Nepal and Bhutan.

I was hunting for another vehicle (4X4) for a while because of Aria's age. It's still mechanically superb, ran over a lakh of kilometres, so technically it's a healthy adult now which can run another six digit kilometres with ease. Every corner of its interior is still as shiny as new. But the electricals have started showing aging (wiper mechanism went kaput in last monsoon while returning from a 3000km road trip) and may not be very confidence building when you are traveling to remote places with your entire family.

As we were badly pampered with the acres of space, headroom, sofa-like seating comfort, sedan like riding comfort, and great power & torque of 2.2L dicor engine, we knew it won't be any easy hunt in limited budget. We all wanted a vehicle with similar size, space, seating & riding comfort but with more power and off-road capability. I took test drives of 3 row seating vehicles of Tata and Mahindra. Test driving existing Tata vehicles for the replacement of Aria were useless as none can outrun Aria in any aspect (maybe it just can run faster on highways, and that's it). I found Mahindra vehicles' engine and gearbox superb, butter smooth and gem of engineering. I still was uncomfortable in terms of driver's low seating height, space and ground clearance which were better in Aria. 4X4 may not be of any use if the car bottoms out in first place. Once we could not go and had to return from a 3-4 feet snow and black ice in Haa valley of Bhutan, and we don't want to come back again from similar situation.

I was aware of the limitations of the 2021 Gurkha, and I was waiting to see the changes in 5 door Gurkha. As soon as it was launched, it looked sorted other than the middle row seat. I was on a regular connection with the nearest dealership for the test drive. I already knew the extreme off-roading capabilities of Gurkha, so that was not at all my concern. I just wanted to check the on-road behaviour of this truck. As soon as the test drive was available, my wife and I went to the dealership and got spellbound by looking at it physically! It's mammoth! Gigantic! Collosal! As soon as we entered the driver and co-driver seat, we felt very familiar with Aria! Cushioned seats, great visibility (greater seating height than Aria). It engulfed all the potholes, spread breakers, and broken roads, as if you are driving a volvo bus and all these are mere stone chips. We again got speechless. Then we spent a good amount of time in the middle row seat which will be essentially used by my mother and daughter. We even checked the price of second row seats of 3 door Gurkha (captain seats with armrest and reclining function), checked the bolting points of middle row seat if we want to swap it anytime with captain seats. The ground clearance and under the car visibility is again lucrative! I love to do some general maintenance of Aria myself (engine oil, oil filter, differential oil, gear oil, coolant change etc.) I felt like I may not need to lift up Gurkha for such tasks! I also love lesser electrical old school cars, I even won't mind rolling up windows mechanically. All I needed was a tough, robust, no nonsense vehicle which can take us to the remotest places with confidence. My wife was impressed and convinced even before me and the decision making was easy. Now if I compare a few aspects of Gurkha with Aria, benchmarking Aria as 10, then here it goes:

Seats: 8/10. It's very comfortable in all day-night journey, Aria was even better.

Space: 10/10. Very much similar like Aria. I always had my 3rd row folded in Aria for luggage which is not a provision in Gurkha. Moreover, my daughter loves the third row seat of Gurkha with great visibility as it creates her own little world. It's a little smaller in length and width than Aria but still can engulf loads of luggage on floor, and Seats.

Highway driving comfort: 10/10. Again very similar to Aria.

City driving comfort: 10/10. Surprisingly, Gurkha is better drivable in city than Aria. Nobody cuts your lane or goes closely parallel because of the size.

Cruising capability: 8/10. I am a defensive driver and used to cruise all day at 100 at 2K rpm. In Gurkha, it reaches 100 at 2100-2200rpm. I am cruising Gurkha a little slower than Aria. Aria had better aerodynamics and could run through crosswinds easily. Gurkha, because of its size and shape, feels the crosswinds. The power figure is very much similar in these two vehicles, but Aria had better power to weight ratio, wherein Gurkha had better low end torque delivery even in 2WD. Aria was a better cruiser, Gurkha can pull steep inclined roads of hills in 2nd gear in which Aria had to go down to 1st gear.

Breaking ability: 8/10. Aria was crisp, spot on with 4 disc brakes. Gurkha takes a few hours to be familiar with braking ability, distance, and to gain confidence. However, once adapted, I never felt nervous.

Off-road capability: I may not be doing extreme off-roading like enthusiasts. I just do not want to come back from harsh conditions while traveling. So I may not get the chance to explore its optimal capability, but I know there is a dial which can engage 4H, 4L; there are two sticks to engage rear & front differential mechanically, so it's like the insurance always at my disposal.

I know BS6 diesel vehicles have their own tantrums at high altitude and sub-zero temperature. Even in plane lands, you will have two extra instrument cluster indicators to keep an eye on. One, being the adblue meter (fortunately Gurkha has one), another is the DPF indicator. I have not faced the issue so far in high altitude, but that doesn't mean it would never happen. DPF regen button may come handy in those situations. There are many BS6 Force travellers carrying tourists in such regions and they are managing somehow. I have heard them doing manual regeneration overnight in high altitudes and sub-zero temperature even without any warning light to avoid any adverse situation while carrying tourists. We shall learn and adapt eventually. I love doing small DIYs and also visit workshops to find out even the smallest niggle in my car, I won't mind doing similar things with Gurkha also which is not bought for easy office runs but for travelling long distances in harsh weather and landscapes. Maybe we all are in the last league of fascinatingly powerful diesel vehicles in India as the world is moving quickly towards the gadgets on wheels powered by electric and taking away the intimate connection between a soul and machine. Till then, I would be enjoying every beat of it for sure.

[FourX4]

Originally Posted by dhrubojyoti

Thank you sir. This forum is packed with so many great knowledgeable souls in various disciplines, that I get a chance to enrich myself everyday! I really can't thank everybody enough!

So compelled to buy it after this review but it's a Head Vs Heart decision. Heart says go for it but Head is not in line coz of braking issues. Why does Force always have something or the other missing earlier it was engine tune. Hope they correct it soon and provide disc brakes at the rear. Till then I will drool over it from a distance.

[dhrubojyoti]

Just returned from another 400 km mini road trip. I have driven the entire stretch sedately just to enjoy the attention it pulls on the highway, at major food junctions, even in country roads. School going kids like it most and their excitement brings joy in our face every time. A few of them waved at us, so did we. I also wanted to give it a try with Eco mode but felt if I would ever use it again. Gurkha becomes extremely sluggish in Eco mode and takes away the joy of driving it. So, for me, it became non-existent forever.

I hardly noticed any difference in breaking in this trip. Maybe my muscles have memorised the extent of pressure that needs to be applied in different situations, i.e. slowing down for signal, making way for jaywalkers, immediate breaking at unplanned series of speed-breakers at curve etc. I am happy with its effectiveness now.

[Zezé]

Originally Posted by dhrubojyoti

.......................

................ another is the DPF indicator. I have not faced the issue so far in high altitude, but that doesn't mean it would never happen. DPF regen button may come handy in those situations. ...........

Hi, you've had the Gurkha for more than a couple of months. Have you needed to to DPF regeneration manually, during this time? If so, what has been your experience?

Reason for asking is that I read a comment on Instagram from a new owner of a Gurkha, who mentioned that he attempted the regeneration process manually but it couldn't happen. He took it to the nearest service station where the cleaned the def but couldn't place it back. Was in the service station for five day, when he made the comment.

[Omkar]

Thanks to Akshay Naik for sending in the details. Heartfelt gratitude for sharing it with other enthusiasts via this Team-BHP share page!

I am a Force Gurkha owner and I love the vehicle. However, I believe that they've done false advertising by saying that the infotainment system has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It does not have either.

What it has is 'CarbitLink' which is a screen mirroring application. It ONLY mirrors what is on your phone onto the stereo screen. I have tried communicating with the Force people to correct this error and provide me with the promised feature. They have said that nothing can be done as of now.

On Force website as of 28th Aug:

Below is the brochure that I got before getting the car:

Below is the screen that I have in my car. If you look closely, it mirrors my phone which is not Android Auto or CarPlay:

[AdityaDeane]

Originally Posted by Omkar

Thanks to Akshay Naik for sending in the details. Heartfelt gratitude for sharing it with other enthusiasts via this Team-BHP share page!

Attachment 2647795


Attachment 2647796


Attachment 2647797

I have a Nippon NDROID-10PRO in my Aria, and you're correct in saying that it only mirrors the mobile screen via a 3rd party app on to the Android touchscreen display, via cable or wireless method, and is not a true Android Auto or Apple Carplay, like I had (wired) in my Renault Triber RXZ.

And I don't think that they can bring those 2 via any software update also, unless they really work on the codes. Just think that the previous versions of Gurkha didn't even have this and move on, don't expect Force Motors to do anything concrete about it!

[Zezé]

Originally Posted by AdityaDeane

..................

......... Just think that the previous versions of Gurkha didn't even have this and move on, don't expect Force Motors to do anything concrete about it!

I guess. Bottom line is to treat it as a oversized screen for a reversing camera. Anything else you can do with it is a bonus.

[nozzlering]

Originally Posted by AdityaDeane

I have a Nippon NDROID-10PRO in my Aria, and you're correct in saying that it only mirrors the mobile screen via a 3rd party app on to the Android touchscreen display, via cable or wireless method, and is not a true Android Auto or Apple Carplay, like I had (wired) in my Renault Triber RXZ.

And I don't think that they can bring those 2 via any software update also, unless they really work on the codes. Just think that the previous versions of Gurkha didn't even have this and move on, don't expect Force Motors to do anything concrete about it!

It is actually possible to have wired/ wireless android auto on this unit. I have installed on my blaupunk android player. You need to install head unit reloaded emulator app in your player. And a wifi launcher app on your phone. Only this phone will work for android auto. Or if you install this app on any other of your phones. Settings are little complicated. But once done, it gives very smooth experience. Since google playstore will be locked in nippon installed in Gurkha, that would need to be unlocked first.

[nozzlering]

Originally Posted by Reinhard

Sad that for what continues to be a mechanically strong and capable car - what catches my eye the most is the KarolBaug spec Android head unit with a Nippon print - that I had even in my Alto!

These latest units with wireless android auto / apple car play via 3rd party apps - are available at literally 12K INR even without bargaining, anywhere across India. While they are capable enough, and have quite good built-in amplifier performance - what takes my goat is the embarrassing laziness by the OEM Force Motors to not even make an effort to integrate a better head unit - just to avoid looking lazy!! I guess a the budgeting and decision making meetings, some manager said "customers won't care as long as its a large touch-screen with plenty apps. Easy to save money here." Sigh.

In the end - Happy to see that the Gurkha gets a much needed facelift with some improvements and a usable middle row with doors. Lack of folding last row of seats is again hilarious but unsurprising. The car is still the BEST looker on the streets when scaring people around you is a requirement in urban confines . I hope this succeeds and creates a good fan-following for a long run. I hope Once again i.e.!

I believe Force motors is going though a similar phase which Tata underwent when they entered car market. Good thing is, its improving gradually.

[Comrade]

This is a generic aftermarket android headunit with very basic specs (Android 8, T3L Processor, 2GB RAM and 16GB Storage). Probably would have cost Force Motors 5-7k rupees to procure it. I don't think Force Motors is going to give any software update. Also its not worth your time chasing Force Motors for this.

1. You can try installing "ZLINK5" from apk available via google search, although I am not sure if all android players would support this. If this works, then you are lucky.

2. Go to your trusted car accessories shop and purchase a new 9" android HU with in-built support for wireless Android Auto & Apple Carplay. Wide variety of options in the market from 10-30k rupees.