Force New Gurkha
The venerable Force Gurkha off-roader is all set for a major revamp with a new focus on comfort being the highlight. The idea is to transform the Gurkha’s image from a vehicle meant for hardcore off-roaders to a more rounded lifestyle model.
The new Gurkha retains the classic Mercedes G-Wagen silhouette of its predecessor but much has changed too. There’s a significantly longer overhang up front and the cliff-faced front end has also made way for a gentler look. At the sides, the body panels are new but the most noticeable change is the single rear window that comes in place of the earlier dual-pane arrangement. The Gurkha’s squared-out rear sees the incorporation of full-width glass, while new vertically oriented tail-lights on the body (rather than on the bumper) and a new rear bumper complete the makeover.
The ambience inside is vastly improved by the new dual-tone dashboard, as well as the inclusion of modern-day essentials like a touchscreen infotainment system and front power windows. Central locking, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering, dual airbags and ABS are other important additions. The three-door Gurkha also sees an important change in seating configuration. Its side facing bench seats has made way for a pair of front-facing individual chairs with backrest recline. There’s also a pair of side-facing jump seats at the back.
Under the skin, the new Force Gurkha retains the ladder-frame chassis, with modifications for improved crash protection. As before, the Gurkha’s suspension comprises an independent front double-wishbone and five-link, rigid-axle rear arrangement, with coil springs at all four corners. Four-wheel drive with low range, and front and rear axle differential locks, have been retained too. In all, the Gurkha comes with loads of ability built in and also offers enthusiasts a good base to build on for hardcore suspension and hardware upgrades.
The new Gurkha marks the debut of a heavily updated and BS6 version of Force’s Mercedes OM616-derived 2.6-litre diesel engine. On the Gurkha, the engine will make 90hp and 260Nm and will come mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
The new Gurkha will go on sale around April 2020 in three-door form, but the five-door and two-wheel drive versions will join the line-up soon. The Force Gurkha will go up against the new Mahindra Thar and the Suzuki Jimny that is slated for launch in 2021.
The venerable Force Gurkha off-roader is all set for a major revamp with a new focus on comfort being the highlight. ...
The venerable Force Gurkha off-roader is all set for a major revamp with a new focus on comfort being the highlight. The idea is to transform the Gurkha’s image from a vehicle meant for hardcore off-roaders to a more rounded lifestyle model.
The new Gurkha retains the classic Mercedes G-Wagen silhouette of its predecessor but much has changed too. There’s a significantly longer overhang up front and the cliff-faced front end has also made way for a gentler look. At the sides, the body panels are new but the most noticeable change is the single rear window that comes in place of the earlier dual-pane arrangement. The Gurkha’s squared-out rear sees the incorporation of full-width glass, while new vertically oriented tail-lights on the body (rather than on the bumper) and a new rear bumper complete the makeover.
The ambience inside is vastly improved by the new dual-tone dashboard, as well as the inclusion of modern-day essentials like a touchscreen infotainment system and front power windows. Central locking, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering, dual airbags and ABS are other important additions. The three-door Gurkha also sees an important change in seating configuration. Its side facing bench seats has made way for a pair of front-facing individual chairs with backrest recline. There’s also a pair of side-facing jump seats at the back.
Under the skin, the new Force Gurkha retains the ladder-frame chassis, with modifications for improved crash protection. As before, the Gurkha’s suspension comprises an independent front double-wishbone and five-link, rigid-axle rear arrangement, with coil springs at all four corners. Four-wheel drive with low range, and front and rear axle differential locks, have been retained too. In all, the Gurkha comes with loads of ability built in and also offers enthusiasts a good base to build on for hardcore suspension and hardware upgrades.
The new Gurkha marks the debut of a heavily updated and BS6 version of Force’s Mercedes OM616-derived 2.6-litre diesel engine. On the Gurkha, the engine will make 90hp and 260Nm and will come mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
The new Gurkha will go on sale around April 2020 in three-door form, but the five-door and two-wheel drive versions will join the line-up soon. The Force Gurkha will go up against the new Mahindra Thar and the Suzuki Jimny that is slated for launch in 2021.