New Force One EX review, test drive

We drive the base Force One EX, equipped with a 2.6-litre BSIII Gurkha engine.

Published on Jul 30, 2013 09:17:00 PM

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Now, taxis usually run at full capacity and that means the engine has to be strong enough to lug all that weight around, and that's where the EX falls short. It's an engine that is pretty drivable if you are simply ambling along, but doesn't offer much else by way of offering extra overtaking power. The engine doesn't rev much (the redline is set at 3500rpm) and despite the noticeably short gearing, there isn't much go when you put your foot down. Compounding this problem is the gearbox that takes a lot of effort to use (and use it you will) and the unusual dog-leg first gear pattern that takes some getting used to. Owners who drive themselves will surely find reason to complain, but taxi drivers, used to low powered MUV's might probably find it acceptable.

The other big change is to the equipment levels and the interiors -- Force Motors has removed a lot of the frills on the EX but have crucially left the essentials in place. There's power windows, power steering, air-conditioning, central locking and powered mirrors, but other features like the reverse parking sensor, rear wiper, an audio system and daytime running lamps have been taken off the equipment list. Continued..