If you want to stand out from the crowd of Marutis and Hyundais, you should buy an off-roader. If you want to make a statement, your options are limited. With the exorbitant prices of the Isuzu V-Cross and Toyota Hilux, we are left with the Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha.
Mahindra is currently working on a 5-door Thar based on the Scorpio-N platform. Maruti Suzuki is also interested in entering this market with the 5-door Jimny, which is currently being tested in global markets. Force Motors appears to be prepared to address these developments as well.
While Mahindra and Maruti Suzuki are developing six- and seven-seat layouts for their upcoming lifestyle off-roaders. The upcoming 13-seater Gurkha is being developed by the Force. Along with the 5-door Gurkha, Force will offer 4-seater, 6-seater, 9-seater, and 13-seater options under the Gurkha brand.
Gurkha is a commercial people mover developed with PV standards such as dual airbags, rear parking sensors, and dual-airbags. It will have the same bumper, headlight assembly, fender-mounted indicators inspired by the G-Class, 4X4 system, and snorkel as the Gurkha 3-Door and 5-Door. It also has the same 18-inch alloy wheels and 255/60 tyres as the 5-Door Gurkha. The Kenwood infotainment system with smartphone integration will be installed in the 13-seater Gurkha based on the Cruiser.
Force Gurkha is a no-nonsense off-roader so it lacks half the comforts and features that the Thar receives. However, Gurkha has an advantage when it comes to extreme off-roading. It has mechanically lockable differentials in both the front and rear, allowing it to maintain grip and traction.
Force Motors only has one engine, a 2.6L turbo-diesel derived from Mercedes-Benz that produces 90 bhp and 250 Nm. This engine is responsible for all Force Motors products. Gurkha has always been a simple machine that gets the job done in the majority of off-road situations. It may not be a compelling buy as a primary vehicle, but it is brilliant as a third or fourth vehicle in the garage.