Force Gurkha (2016)

Synopsis

When it comes to hard-core off roading then there are very few options available in India; Force Gurkha is one of them. Force Motors has launched the new generation of Gurkha which will take on its only successful competitor Mahindra Thar. Will it able to impress our urban India? Let’s find out.

Exterior

The old school designing of Force continues with their new gen Gurkha. If we talk about the hard top variant then you will find it similar to its previous generation. The big square shaped glasses and bland doors don’t add any type of charm to this machine. Yes, Force has introduced new alloy wheels and side steps but even they are not able to make it look attractive. The grey finished face of Gurkha can hold you for some time. Its circular headlights, fog lights and bumper grille give it a unique identity. The front indicators sit on the top of its headlight while its bonnet gives it a wide stance. The most appealing thing in Gurkha is its silencer which goes upwards along with its A-pillar. It is made of stainless steel and looks shiny. The rear designing of Gurkha includes roof mounted brake light, spare wheel mounted on its rear door which adds SUV touch to this car and its unappealing rear bumper with integrated tail lights.

Interior

Force has introduced dual tone colors inside Gurkha which makes it look premium. The aura inside this SUV is far better than what you get in Mahindra Thar. There is no compromise made in the plastic and material quality. This SUV is sub four meter car so don’t look for much space inside. Its hard top offers space for five passengers while the soft top variant comes with a seating arrangement of six people.

Comfort and Convenience

Force Motors Gurkha has been designed to give you ample amount of comfort. It comes with factory fitted powerful A.C and power steering which helps you a lot while you are digging sand dunes in hot weather. The recline front seats are well fabricated and enhances your comfort level. However you will miss few modern features like power windows, central locking and rear view parking mirror in this SUV.

Dashboard and Storage

Please don’t expect a sophisticated and premium dashboard in a hard-core off road SUV. The dashboard used in Gurkha looks quite dull and down market. It also houses its simple instrument panel and circular AC vents. This dashboard also has a spacious glove box and apart from this there is no storage space in this dashboard. Gurkha offers considerable amount of boot space for your luggage on weekend trips.

Music System

There is nothing to cheer about in this department. This SUV lacks any type of music system and modern amenities.

Engine and Gearbox

This new gen Gurkha is introduced with a proven Mercedes OM6 16 derived 2.6L diesel engine. This DI, 4-cylinder engine produces a power output of 81 bhp at 3200 rpm. The torque output of this engine is of 230 Nm which ranges from 1800-2000rpm. Force has mated this engine with a five-speed manual gearbox. This engine is available in both four wheel drive and two wheel drive.

Acceleration and Performance

The main highlight of this diesel engine is its magnificent performance at low rpms. There is minimal turbo lag in this hefty machine as the massive 230 Nm of torque starts coming as early as 1800 rpm. This engine is built to surprise you with its power pulling while off roading. It can easily go pass the speed of 100km/hr on roads but that’s not the catch. Its brilliant off road abilities makes it an exclusive off road machine. The full time four wheel drive fills you with confidence when you step off the road. Be it sand dunes, muddy situations or hill inclinations; Gurkha stands strong all the time. The instant throttle response helps this SUV to pick up in any gear. The car can easily climb in third gear without any hard effort thanks to its early torque building. It is well matched gear ratios also work effectively. The NVH levels are kept minimal and the engine sounds quite refined and powerful.

Mileage

The overall fuel consumption of Gurkha ranges from 12-14km/ltr.

Safety Features

Apart from its solid frame and tubeless tyres there are no additional safety features in this car. It lacks airbags and ABS with EBD.

Suspension and Brakes

Gurkha has hydraulic front and rear shock absorbers which easily takes the heavy mass of this machine. The braking system includes disc brakes at its front and drum brakes at the back.

Ride and Handling

Force Motors Gurkha really impresses you with its ride and handling quality. The car has a turning radius of 5.8 m which not only helps you while parking but plays a significant role while off roading. It offers stress free handling and needs minimal effort from your side. The suspension system digests most of the potholes and gives you optimum comfort on bumpy rides. It has a high ground clearance of 210mm which makes way for you on every terrain. The four wheel drive in this SUV enables you take on anything, its wide tyres gives you firm grip while differential locks also helps you in muddy terrains. Cornering abilities improves with its wheelbase of 2400mm.

Shades, Variants and Warranty

Force Gurkha is offered in two soft top variants and one hard top variant while these variants are available in three different colors. Force offers Gurkha with a warranty of 3years/300000kilometers.

Verdict

Force Gurkha ranges from INR 6.25lakhs-8.5lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi (approx., may vary)). This SUV is certainly far more expensive than its only rival Thar but it’s also stuffed with more features. Moreover, the unmatched warranty offered on Gurkha proves to be a big USP for it. Undoubtedly, it offers brilliant off road experiences and riding comfort but we still feel Force has overpriced this SUV. Gurkha is almost unknown in our Indian market and we don’t think people will choose this SUV over Thar which enjoys high resale value and comes with an exceptional service network of Mahindra.