Force Gurkha

Expert Review by Maxabout

Overview

The Force Gurkha has its origins in 1997 when it conducted a trial for the Indian Army. While the Army had other needs, the Gurkha recognised demand from the country's off-road enthusiasts. People who lived in harsh terrains, mining operators, or lifestyle shoppers who enjoy getting their boots muddy on weekends. Not to mention, you may change it and compete in off-road events like the Rain Forest Challenge. As a result, it has been one of the most off-road-focused passenger vehicles on the market since 2005. Times have changed in 2021. SUVs have evolved to provide not only capability but also comfort and refinement. We'll put the Gurkha through its paces from the same vantage point.

Force Gurkha Design and Style

While it may not be obvious at first glance, the 2023 Gurkha shares no body or platform components with the older SUV. What hasn't changed is the boxy design of the Gurkha, which, contrary to popular belief, was influenced by the Mercedes G-Wagen. The positioning of the turn indicators, the round headlamps, and the tall body are all aspects that keep the 2023 Gurkha loyal to its design heritage. It also continues to use metallic bash plates, however, the elements are much more polished and modern.

The front receives full-LED headlights and jewel-like LED DRLs. Instead of the spherical Force Motors insignia, the grille proudly displays the Gurkha name. From the side, you still have the snorkel, which allows the Gurkha to attain a water wading depth of 700mm and makes it the only passenger car in India to have it as factory equipment. They emblazoned the massive ORVMs with a Khukri symbol, a large single glass window for rear passengers dominates the battle dagger of the great Gurkha warriors and the rest of the side. Force has kept the 4x4x4 insignia as a marketing ploy implying the terrains that the Gurkha can conquer - desert, water, forest, and mountains.

In terms of measurements, the new 4116mm length is 124mm longer, but the 1812mm width is 8mm shorter. The wheelbase and height remain unchanged at 2400mm and 2075mm, respectively. The tough-looking bumper, ladder, and spare tyre at the back give it a brutish appearance. Customers can, however, choose to add a roof rack, ladder, wheel, and tyres as accessories. The Gurkha is distinctive on the road, standing tall and loud, especially in the new quirky colours like red and orange.

Force Gurkha Engine and Gearbox

Force One's 2.2-litre replaced the previous generation Gurkha diesel engine, which replaced the preceding 2.6-litre engine. This resulted in a tremendous 55PS and 91Nm increase. However, in order to reduce NVH levels in the cabin, Force has now launched the 2.6-litre diesel engine, which now produces 91 HP and 250 Nm of torque. A five-speed manual Mercedes G-28 gearbox is available, along with four-wheel drive (4WD) as standard. The new Force Gurkha features a 35-degree crawl-up angle and a water-wading capacity of 700mm.

Force Gurkha Suspension, Brakes and Tyres

Front disc and rear drum brakes with dual circuit hydraulic vacuum assisted with auto wear adjuster and LCRV are standard on the Force Gurkha. This model's new high-strength C-in-C ladder-type chassis is built to endure high torques and loads. Force Gurkha is available with 16-inch steel wheels and tubeless 245/70-R16 tyres on both ends. This model lacks an anti-lock brake system and airbags; however, the solid build quality of the body frame and body panels, as well as steel bumpers built to withstand the most severe crash impacts, ensure the safety of the occupants. Additional safety features include child-safety latches for the child occupant in the middle row.

Interior and Instrument Console of Force Gurkha

The exteriors are reminiscent of previous Gurkhas, but the inside is completely unique. They do feel old and utilitarian by modern passenger car standards. They are, however, a step in the right way for the Gurkha. You must still climb into the cabin, and there is a side step and a grab handle on the A-pillar to assist you. The new fabric-upholstered seats are supportive and pleasant, and they even have an embroidered Gurkha insignia. However, once sitting, the steering wheel appears to be too huge and outdated. The craftsmanship is acceptable, and there are no controls for audio/calls. Despite the addition of tilt and telescopic adjustment, taller drivers will still find it to be a little low and close to the thighs. A smaller and more responsive steering wheel would have undoubtedly improved ergonomics in this situation.

The instrument cluster is more traditional, featuring a speedometer, tacho, and a small digital MID for trip and fuel information. Very basic, but far superior to the original Gurkha's analogue unit, which put the tachometer in the centre of the dashboard. The centre console houses an aftermarket 7-inch Kenwood touchscreen entertainment unit with Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and even screen mirroring capabilities. It is a dynamic system with a vivid Gurkha screensaver which is paired with a 4-speaker sound system. There are also four USB ports in the cabin this time. Two in the front, one of which has a 12V plug, and two in the back. While this device is adequate for an off-road-oriented Gurkha, passenger automobiles of all shapes and sizes have advanced to offer more complex systems. Other cabin features include a strong manual air conditioner, power windows with one-touch down, and a lane change indicator.

Key Features of Force Gurkha

2023 Force Gurkha features include Driver and Co-Driver Airbags, Rear Parking Sensor, Speed Sensing Auto Door Lock, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Front Fog Lamps, Full LED Headlight with DRL, One Touch Lane Change Indicator, Front Fog Lamps, Power Windows, Central Locking, Second Row Passengers Entry From Rear, 17.78cm Touchscreen Infotainment System, USB + FM + Bluetooth Music & Calling, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, Door Trims with Dark Grey Theme, Moulded Floor Mat, Seat Upholstery with Dark Grey Theme, Air Intake Snorkel, Front & Rear Mobile Charging Points, Intermittent Variable Speed Front Wiper, Coil Spring Suspension and 700mm Water Wading.

Top Speed and Mileage of Force Gurkha

2023 Force Gurkha can achieve a top speed of around 140 km/h and the Manual Diesel variant Force Gurkha ARAI certified mileage is around 17.0 km/l. According to VBOX tests, Force Gurkha managed a 0 to 100 km/h timing of 28.67 seconds, which is understandable as this is Force Gurkha, a machine meant for off-roading.

Force Gurkha Colour Options

They offer the Force Gurkha in only one variant - the 2.6 Diesel and Force offers the Gurkha in 5 colour options; Red, Green, White, Orange and Grey.

Force Gurkha Competitors

Mahindra Thar, Mahindra XUV700, MG Hector, and Volkswagen Taigun are some of the similar cars that rival the Force Gurkha.

Conclusion

When the previous generation Gurkha three-door Explorer model was retired, it cost Rs 13 lakh on the road in Delhi. If its replacement is priced similarly to Mahindra Thar's AX Diesel MT Hardtop, which costs around Rs 16 lakh on-road in Delhi, we don't see the Gurkha giving enough to entice their target clientele away from the Mahindra.

This Gurkha is far superior to previous models in terms of refinement, features, and on-road characteristics. It feels at home in both the urban and natural jungles. But, in order for this to be the sales success that Force Motors expects, the business must find the perfect price and service network, as well as ensure that more people see this SUV on the road. Overall, it must be more than just the stuff of legends.