Force Gurkha

The Force Gurkha is a utilitarian off-roader that’s built for rough use. It’s not sophisticated by any stretch but has genuine go-anywhere ability. The Force Gurkha can be had in three-door and five-door body styles and in two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions. ABS-equipped versions are new to the Gurkha range.

The Gurkha’s shape is boxy and basic but if you are imaginative you can also liken its look to that of the Mercedes G-class. The Gurkha is absolutely bare on the inside and air conditioning is the only luxury on offer. Front seat comfort is reasonable but the middle row (on five-door versions) and side-facing rear seats are far from nice. Of the positives, drivers will like the view out and the sight of the bonnet’s edges also helps when placing the Gurkha in the rough.
Gurkhas in Xpedition and Xplorer forms come powered by a 85hp, 2.6-litre diesel engine. It’s loud and the build of speed is glacial but the engine’s low-end grunt also comes handy on an off-road trail. The Gurkha Xtreme, with its Mercedes-based 140hp, 2.2-litre diesel, promises more in refinement and performance. All Gurkhas feel heavy and ponderous in town, though ride quality is nice, albeit by off-roader standards.
The Gurkhas perform their best off-road. Low range, lockable rear and front differentials and even a factory fit snorkel make the Force Gurkha an effective tool to tackle the roughest of terrain.

Think of the Gurkha as a specialist vehicle, and you might see some value in the proposition. Three door or five door, a Gurkha with four-wheel drive and ABS is what you should be looking at. The range-topping Gurkha Xtreme is the best version but is also very expensive for what it is.