Force Gurkha on sale. Again

The Force Gurkha enters the Indian market again. It’s available in soft-top & hard-top versions. 

Soft-Top 4x2: 6.25 Lakhs

Soft-Top 4x4: 8.35 Lakhs (Mahindra Thar = Rs. 5.2 Lakhs for DI engine, 7.1 Lakhs for CRDe)

Hard-Top 4x4: 8.50 Lakhs

To read our pre-release first drive and the full list of mechanical changes, click here.

The 2-door Gurkha’s looks are largely unchanged. There are marginal aesthetic updates, mainly to the lights (circular headlamps), front grille and bumpers. The snorkel is purposeful, and the Force team has added roof racks & "Force One" alloy wheels in their attempt to dress up the old girl. The interior sees some improvements, including more supportive seats, a smoother gearshift and other miscellaneous bits. An air-conditioner and power steering are standard. Even though rear passengers have to fold down the front passenger seat to get in, access isn’t too difficult. It must be noted that fit & finish remain at shoddy levels; they aren't comparable even to 3-lakh rupee hatchbacks.  

The Gurkha is powered by a 2.6L turbo-diesel, derived from the same OM616 engine (a Mercedes design) which is a known workhorse. With hardware & software upgrades, the motor now makes 81 BHP (@ 3,200 rpm) and 230 Nm torque (@ 1,800 rpm). Our first-drive report indicates that NVH levels have improved and more power is available at all rpm levels. The Gurkha 4x4 is a competent off-roader and is equipped with front / rear differential locks as standard. Ground clearance is rated at 210 mm. 

Force Motors has strangely launched the BS-3 version only. Translated, it cannot be sold or registered in the BS-4 markets of the NCR region, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and other metropolitan cities. The reason behind this move could be budgetary constraints for what is a niche product, or that Force expects most of its sales to come from BS-3 markets only. The company has stated that a BS-IV version will follow, but hasn't shared any time frame. Force’s dealership network is scarce and service levels are very poor. 

The Gurkha's only two competitors are the Mahindra Thar & Maruti Gypsy. While the Mahindra Thar has two diesel engine options (a cheaper DI & more expensive CRDi), the Gypsy is a petrol-only offroader.