A teaser for the upcoming Gurkha SUV has been published by Force Motors showcasing its new look and confirming that it will have five doors. This facelift puts the Gurkha in direct competition with the five-door Mahindra Thar. Here's what we can anticipate from this rugged 4x4 off-roader.
Exterior
The 2024 Gurkha will transition from a three-door to a five-door format, offering an extended body for enhanced practicality. The side profile which includes a snorkel, roof rack, and an extra wheel fixed to the rear, is highlighted in the teaser. The car has a metallic green paint job. In addition to a longer wheelbase, the new Gurkha will receive aesthetic updates, including a redesigned grille, squared-off headlamps, daytime running lights, and 18-inch alloy wheels, as suggested by earlier spy shots.
Interior
The interior of the five-door Gurkha will accommodate three rows of seats, with a bench seat in the second row and expected jump seats in the third row that can be folded for increased cargo space. Although specific features have yet to be confirmed it is anticipated that the new Gurkha will offer a more refined interior compared to its three-door predecessor, potentially attracting a broader customer base.
Engine and Gearbox
The powertrain for the five-door Gurkha is expected to mirror that of the current model. The three-door Gurkha is powered by a 2.6-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that delivers 91bhp and 250Nm of torque. This engine, derived from Mercedes, is coupled with a four-wheel-drive system. The five-door version will likely retain these features, including a 4x4 transfer case and mechanically lockable differentials at the front and rear, which are key to the SUV's off-road capabilities.
Launch Timeline and Competition
Force Motors is anticipated to launch the new Gurkha in the coming months. It will compete with the upcoming five-door Mahindra Thar, which is also expected to hit the market by mid-2024.