The launch of the updated Force Gurkha, in both 3-door and 5-door form, is just a few days away, and the brand has released another teaser showing its interior and the features available. While the teaser only show the Gurkha 5-door, the 3-door version is highly likely to get the same level of kit.
- Gurkha 5-door to get seven-seater layout
- Gets digital driver display, large touchscreen, auto start-stop
- Safety kit to include traction control, hill assist, TPMS and more
New Force Gurkha: 2024 interior highlights
Based on the teaser, one can see that the dash layout is quite similar to the outgoing model, apart from a storage space with a lid above the new touchscreen infotainment, which seems to be larger than the 7.0-inch unit available on the earlier model. In addition, the digital instrument cluster is quite similar to Renault’s, though it does seem to display more information.
While spy shots had confirmed the Gurkha 5-door’s seven-seater layout, the company’s teaser confirms the presence of a middle row bench and two captain's chairs in the last row. Other bits like the steering wheel and seats are the same as the predecessor.
New Force Gurkha: 2024 feature, safety kit
Another feature now confirmed by the teaser is the shift-on-the-fly 4WD system, which replaces the comparatively cumbersome lever, and is positioned on the opposite side of the front power window buttons; both are placed on either side of the 5-speed manual's gear lever. The diff-lock handles are still positioned slightly ahead of the gear.
The new Gurkha’s digital instrument cluster reveals that the SUV is getting quite a bit more kit and safety features. There’s a new tyre pressure monitor system that seems to show the pressure of even the spare tyre mounted on the tailgate. This is something that's only seen in the likes of the Land Rover Defender. In addition to the dual airbags, speed-sensing door locks (and warnings) and rear parking sensors available previously, the Gurkha will now get traction control and hill assist too.
New Force Gurkha: 2024 mechanical changes
Mechanically, there are minor changes; the Mercedes-sourced 2.6-litre diesel engine and 5-speed manual gearbox continue, but there’s an auto start-stop system that should improve the new Gurkha’s fuel efficiency figures. The updated SUV also gets AdBlue to meet BS6 Phase II norms.
New Force Gurkha: 2024 price, rivals
Considering the amount of new features, expect the Gurkha 3-door's prices to increase over the older model’s Rs 15.10 lakh (ex-showroom) starting price. That’ll mean the Gurkha 5-door's prices will, understandably, be pegged even higher; about Rs 1 lakh-1.5 lakh higher.
At launch, the 5-door will only rival the Maruti Jimny (Rs 12.74 lakh-14.79 lakh), however, with Mahindra's Thar 5-door launch also imminent, it will be a more direct rival. The Thar may come with the Thar Armada moniker and arrive by the middle of this year with an expected price of Rs 16 lakh, ex-showroom. The Gurkha 3-door will continue to face-off against the standard Mahindra Thar.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
