Force One LX 4X4 review, test drive

Force Motors has quickly grown its One family to three with the latest addition being the 4x4-equipped LX variant. What can you expect from it? Let’s find out.

As you would expect, there are a few graphics to celebrate the additional working wheels but, there are bigger changes under the skin. For instance, the front wheels are suspended by MacPherson struts as these open a passage for the drive shafts from the new axle to get to the front wheels. Taking that and the new transfer case into account, the Force One has put on 200kg. So, it has required a thorough redoing of the suspension too.

On the road, despite the wider 245 section rubber, the Force One understeers into corners and the turn in feels heavier too. The ride quality also feels different. Better. Over the Belgian paver block section of the test track, the Force One rode over the bumps with a softer edge and lesser body movement. The cabin also felt better insulated from the harsh conditions of the road. Continued..

We drove the Force One on Force Motors’ short tarmac and concrete track, hardly the place to test 4x4 hardware. After all, this BorgWarner hardware is not meant for on-road use. The electronically-operated shift mechanism allows you to shift two-wheel High to four-wheel High on the go. However, to shift to four-wheel Low, the Force One needs to be at a complete standstill. Surely the driven front wheels and limited slip differential at the rear will be a boon in loose and slippery conditions. However, with a long wheelbase and nearly two tones of weight, it is best to keep the Force away from the really adventurous terrain.

Under the hood, the LX carries over the 2.2-litre FMTech diesel motor. The 139bhp of power and 32.9kgm of torque feel less eager thanks to the additional hardware it’s lugging around.

On the inside, the Force One LX gets a faux brushed metal finish for the centre console and the door pads to distinguish it from the SX variant with which it shares a lengthy equipment list. Plastic quality and dashboard design are still disappointing. The LS is expected to be priced Rs 1.5 to 2 lakh dearer than the SX, which means it isn’t cheap. However, if you are looking for an SUV with a voluminous cabin, brutish dimensions and four driven wheels, even at this price point the Force One LX offers decent value.