Force Gurkha SUV

The 2024 Force Gurkha 5-door SUV is a purpose-built off-roader that has undergone significant changes to enhance its appeal. It now features a new 5-door body style, a 7-seater layout, and an updated powertrain. The Mercedes-sourced 2.6-litre diesel engine now produces 140hp and 320Nm, making it more powerful and capable. The SUV comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox, which, although cumbersome with long throws, is well-suited for its off-road focus. The Gurkha boasts excellent off-road credentials with features like shift-on-the-fly 4x4, low range, diff locks, and impressive ground clearance of 233mm. On the road, it offers a compliant ride quality, though it is not designed for high-speed cornering. The interior is functional with additions like a 9-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and rear parking sensors, but it remains utilitarian in design. Overall, the Gurkha is ideal for those who prioritize ruggedness, off-road capability, and practicality over luxury and high-speed driving dynamics.

The 2024 Force Gurkha 5-door SUV is a significant improvement over its predecessor, especially for those who value off-road capability and practicality. With its new 5-door body style and 7-seater layout, it offers more space and versatility. The updated 2.6-litre Mercedes-sourced diesel engine, now producing 140hp and 320Nm, addresses the previous models lack of power, making it more competent both on and off the road. However, the Gurkha still has its drawbacks, such as the utilitarian ergonomics, sparse feature list, and a manual gearbox with long, notchy throws. Despite these, its robust build, excellent off-road abilities, and improved on-road dynamics make it a compelling choice for serious off-road enthusiasts. The addition of features like a 9-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and rear parking sensors enhances its usability. Overall, the Gurkha is a no-nonsense, purpose-built SUV that excels in its niche but may not appeal to those seeking luxury or high-speed driving dynamics.

Force Motors has been spotted testing a pickup version of the Force Gurkha SUV, which is expected to be powered by a 2.6-litre diesel engine and come with a 5-speed manual transmission and 4-wheel-drive capability. The pickup will likely have a cargo bed attached to the rear chassis and may have fewer features compared to the regular Gurkha SUVs. I think this could be a great addition to the Gurkha lineup, offering a more practical option for those needing a work vehicle.

The 2024 Force Gurkha range has been revealed, featuring both three-door and five-door versions. The SUVs are powered by a 2.6-litre diesel engine producing 138bhp and 320Nm of torque, paired with a five-speed manual transmission and a shift-on-fly 4x4 system. The new Gurkha also includes updates such as full LED headlamps, a new nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a fully digital instrument cluster. I believe these updates make the Gurkha more appealing to a broader audience.

Force Motors has expanded the Gurkhas capabilities by introducing a five-door version, which is longer and taller than the three-door model. The five-door Gurkha has a wheelbase of 2,825mm and measures 4,390mm in length, offering more space for passengers and luggage. The SUV retains its class-leading off-road features, including a 37-degree departure angle and a 700mm water wading capacity. I believe this makes the Gurkha a more practical choice for families.

The 2024 Force Gurkha features a revised 2.6-litre diesel engine sourced from Mercedes-Benz, which now produces 138bhp and 320Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox and includes improvements such as a bigger turbocharger and new intake system to reduce noise and vibration. The SUV also comes with Eco and Power modes, enhancing its performance and efficiency. I think these engine updates are a significant improvement over the previous model.

Force Motors has updated the interior of the 2024 Force Gurkha with modern features such as a new 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a fully digital instrument cluster. The SUV also includes safety features like dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. However, it still lacks some creature comforts like wireless chargers and automatic climate control.

The pricing for the 2024 Force Gurkha 5-door SUV in India starts at around 15.59 lakh for the base variant, ex-showroom. When you factor in the on-road costs, including taxes, registration, and insurance, the price can go up to approximately 18-20 lakh, depending on the state and city. This pricing positions the Gurkha competitively against other off-road-focused SUVs like the Mahindra Thar and Maruti Suzuki Jimny. Given its enhanced features, improved powertrain, and robust build, the Gurkha offers good value for money, especially for those prioritizing off-road capability and durability. However, the lack of an automatic transmission option and some ergonomic issues might affect its appeal to a broader audience.

The mileage of the 2024 Force Gurkha 5-door SUV is a crucial factor for potential buyers concerned about running costs. With its updated 2.6-litre diesel engine, the Gurkha is expected to deliver around 10-12 kmpl in mixed driving conditions, which is reasonable given its size and off-road capabilities. While this may not be the best in its class, the Gurkhas strong bottom-end torque and ability to cruise at moderate speeds without frequent gear shifts help in maintaining a decent fuel economy. For off-road enthusiasts, the trade-off between mileage and capability is often acceptable, but its essential to consider these figures when making a buying decision.